60s James Dean Trousers

[MCBod]

Hey all,

Just signed up to the site, having read a few threads and realised how many people there were out there, who really appreciated and know a lot about vintage clothing.
Not sure if this will be your field or not, but...

The trousers I really love are those worn by James Dean in an iconic "walking" portrait:
http://www.allmovieportal.com/p/POM1380_photo.html

I can't make out if they are linen or a thicker cotton
But either way, the actual style is something that ya just can't find these days. The world has got obsessed with flat fronted trousers, much tighter above the knee
In the 80s there was a big trend for these types of trousers, but absolutely nothing now.

Would anyone be able to help me with any of the following:
1) Any information or opinion on this pair of trousers
2) Do you know of any name for this style that might help in searching for online auctions/sales
3) Do you know of anywhere where one might be able to buy a pair?

Thanks in advance for your help

MCBod

 

[herringbonekid]

first of all they're not 60s trousers. James Dean died in 1955. they look like typical slacks of the early to mid 50s and more likely to be wool or wool/rayon gabardine than cotton or linen. cotton was more of a work trouser fabric and those look like they have some drape. they turn up pretty frequently on american ebay.





HBK

 

[jake_fink]

Carmen Electra struts her stuff?

I assume it must be the windy New York street photo session....

HBK said all there is to say already.

 

[MCBod]

Of course its early 50s
Sorry. I was getting mixed up with the dates for Brando's big Elia Kazan film and Dean's

Thanks very much for your help

So is it fair to say what I am looking for is:
- Typical early 50s trousers
- Extremely wide above the knees, Tapered inwards)
- Made from rayon/wool gabardine
- Double Pleats

Are they the right type of keywords to be searching on or would you know of any particular name for the style?

 

[herringbonekid]

in the day they were simply called 'slacks' or maybe 'sports slacks'. tapered trousers are sometimes refered to as 'pegged'. on U.S. ebay they are most likely to be called '50s gabardine pants'.

(they may also be wool flannel. difficult to tell in the photo.)

 

[kschurch]

McBod,

Check out www.pircargos.com. They manufacture a vintage cargo trouser, but also have a cargo pocketless model that is full cut above the knee. Not exactly what is shown in the "Dean photo" but possibly closer to what you are after.

Good Luck,

Church

 

[K.D. Lightner]

I remember those trousers from my high school days. Weren't they also called chinos, or were they a bit different from what James Dean is wearing in that photo?

karol

 

[MCBod]

Thanks everyone

Thanks Church
I checked that site but unfortunately they are not pleated and look rather standard width above the knee
Dean could have fitted the whoel cast of Giant into his trousers

 

[Jovan]

The suit trousers I have from the '50s are cut similarly, but not quite as full as that. They are dated 1954. Those are pretty nice. I only wish I could see what colour they were.

 

[MCBod]

Yeah me too
Would love to see what the colour is

I just love the trousers
The shape is fantastic
Even the waistline fastner looks cool

there is also something about the material
I believe its a woll or rayon, but the way it catches in the wind and creases, it looks very light and textural like a linen/cotton

I wonder if I could get a tailor to make a pair based on that photo for a reasonable price?
I checked one tailor online and it seemed the price for trousers was 450-900 (900 for fully bespoke design), so reckon thats a bit much :-(

 

[Jovan]

MyTailor.com is a bit more affordable. I can't speak for it myself, but other members here, including the admin, seem to have had good results. These posts may help...

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=26489

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showpost.php?p=332032&postcount=10

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=22407

I'd love to get some trous like that. I hope you have some success so I can too.

EDIT: About the fabric, it looks like a lightweight wool being blown about in the wind. Back then that would be around 10 oz if I'm correct.