Striped Pants

[ArrowCollarMan]

I've heard a saying in old films that goes something along the lines of "Next thing you know I'll be wearing striped pants". I know striped pants are traditionally worn with morning dress but is that the only thing it signifies?

 

[Luke 42]

I'm not a native english speaker, but I guess it refers to going to jail.. (where you'd be wearing striped pants)

 

[Dr Kilroy]

where you'd be wearing striped pants

Which are obviously not appropriate for morning dress!

Best regards, Dr

 

[Nick D]

I'm not a native english speaker, but I guess it refers to going to jail.. (where you'd be wearing striped pants)

The way I've heard that phrased is 'wearing horizontal pinstripes'.

ACM, what's the context of the phrase you mentioned? Striped trousers can be either good or bad, depending on context (see for instance the Cagney film 'One, Two, Three'.)

 

[Tomasso]

How bout a striped jacket....

 

[KILO NOVEMBER]

Striped Pants metaphor

Think of the millionaire character on the Monopoly board game. In the early 20th Century, the black frock coat and striped pants outfit was associated with the wealthy and well-connected. It was worn by Wall Street Barons, diplomats, cabinet secretaries.

A man who made that remark was joking about moving up in the world.

 

[ArrowCollarMan]

I prefer striped pants over striped jackets when it comes to piecing an outfit together. I no longer own a pair of striped pants, however.