Light Grey Flannel Trousers -- DEAD?

[Marc Chevalier]

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Light grey (also referred to as dove grey, or pearl grey) flannel trousers were a once a classic. They matched well with practically everything: blues, darker greys, blacks, greens, and even browns. They were sold everywhere.


What happened? It seems impossible to find a new pair today. I've looked in stores (even Ralph Lauren), on the Internet, and on eBay ... with no luck at all. What gives? Are flannels in light grey even made anymore? Help!



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[scotrace]

It would be like not making white cotton undershirts anymore... how can this be?

I have a beautiful pair of light gray flannels from Brooks Bros. that I need to replace for sizing and assumed they'd be easy to find. I'll start looking, too!

 

[Mr. Rover]

I was bidding on this pair over the weekend
Gray flannels

They went out of my budget...

 

[manton]

Sad indeed. You can still get light flannel cloth easily enough. I don't know why you can't get it RTW, especially from a place like RL. One of the things I always liked about RL was the huge selection of odd trousers, in most of the classic weaves and colors.

 

[Feraud]

Some years ago I had a pair of Navy flannel pants.
They were the most comfortable pants I ever wore!

 

[scotrace]

Ben Silver's is showing some in the "outlet" section. "Super 100's" at $143.50.

Rather a poor substitute for the lovely, drapey flannel I'm sure you are speaking of, Marc.

 

[Fletch]

Trends, fellas. Doesn't matter what we want. It's what the buyers want us to want. Go outside that, y'best be prepared to cough up the kale. [huh]

I'm getting by this winter with heavy glen plaid suit pants, but they're getting tight.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Years ago, Tom Wolfe, the white-suited author, wrote a short story/cartoon about a man who always dressed ahead of the market. This man would be mocked and criticized by the very people who'd end up wearing his style of clothing three or four years afterward, when it would finally be "in fashion". By then, of course, he'd have moved on to another style -- and be mocked again for it.


I'm luckier. My problem is milder: I always want something two or three years before the RTW market decides to offer it, and I don't have the cash for bespoke. This has happened to me since high school, and I don't expect it to stop now. You watch: in 2009 or 2010, the clothing stores will be SATURATED with light grey flannel trousers. Wish I didn't have to wait!


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[manton]

"The Man Who Always Peaked Too Soon"

 

[Marc Chevalier]

YES! :eusa_clap

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[AlanC]

I picked up a pair of pretty recent vintage Barry Bricken light grey flannels at a thrift store recently. It's a good make, often available at discount from Sierra Trading Post online. You might check there.

 

[Fletch]

Years ago, Tom Wolfe, the white-suited author, wrote a short story/cartoon about a man who always dressed ahead of the market. This man would be mocked and criticized by the very people who'd end up wearing his style of clothing three or four years afterward, when it would finally be "in fashion". By then, of course, he'd have moved on to another style -- and be mocked again for it.

Maybe he just wasn't gay or black enough?

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Ben Silver's is showing some in the "outlet" section. "Super 100's" at $143.50.

These are great, but the (outlet's) size selection is lousy. And the non-outlet ones cost -- gasp! -- nearly $300. Ouch. But I really like the way they look!

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[Marc Chevalier]

Maybe he just wasn't gay or black enough?

He's married, but might be gay. (Who knows?)

He's not black, but he's a Southerner.

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[Marc Chevalier]

I picked up a pair of pretty recent vintage Barry Bricken light grey flannels at a thrift store recently. It's a good make, often available at discount from Sierra Trading Post online. You might check there.

Thanks very much, Alan! I'll check them out.

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[benstephens]

I had mine made.

They are made from a west of England 14oz Flannel. Very nice, and have a lovely drape to them when worn.

The other two pairs are 16oz west of England flannel.

Kindest regards

Ben

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I want yours, Ben. Are you a size 33? May I kill you for them? lol

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[benstephens]

Yes they are a 33. I will get a picture of them on soon. I would have thought a Tailor over there could get hold of a nice flannel?

Kindest Regards

Ben

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Yes they are a 33.

Then I shall have to kill you.

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[Marc Chevalier]

I would have thought a Tailor over there could get hold of a nice flannel?

They can, Ben. It is I who cannot get hold of a tailor cheap enough for my purse. Hence I'm looking for ready-to-wear trousers.

(Blindfold, or no? A final cigarette?)

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