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Thornproof trousers

Edward

Bartender
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London, UK
I like everything bar denim to have a crease to the front.... No idea whether there is a "correct" way to wear these, though. :)
 

TipTop

Practically Family
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540
Location
Albany, NY
I have a glorious pair of German suede (in Black forest green) cut (and uncreased) like jeans, that I bought a couple of years ago in Orvis, Manchester and have yet to wear them. The thought of wearing such elegant soft suede out with the dogs in the brush and mud frankly bothers me. Surprisingly, they are very supple, very well tailored and fit perfectly. Maybe I'll drag 'em out for St. Patrick's day if it's still cool.
 

Edward

Bartender
Messages
25,163
Location
London, UK
I just don't know if I can get comfortable with wearing leather pants.

Suede's not quite the same thing as wearing "normal" leather trews, though - at least as far as aesthetics go, it's not a million miles from moleskin or velvet IMO. Don't know if it'd be similar to wear as leather trousers. I have a pair of black leather trews somewhere. Bought them for pennies in Camden Market in the Olden Days, one of those things of knowing that if I didn't pick them up that cheap then, I'd need them for a costume and regret it later. They got worn twice, two different costumes, and I'm now way too fat to ever be able to get into them again. I'd never have considered them for regular wear - I'm the wrong side of twenty-five for that for a start, and too not a biker or Jim Morrison.
 

TipTop

Practically Family
Messages
540
Location
Albany, NY
Suede's not quite the same thing as wearing "normal" leather trews, though - at least as far as aesthetics go, it's not a million miles from moleskin or velvet IMO. Don't know if it'd be similar to wear as leather trousers. I have a pair of black leather trews somewhere. Bought them for pennies in Camden Market in the Olden Days, one of those things of knowing that if I didn't pick them up that cheap then, I'd need them for a costume and regret it later. They got worn twice, two different costumes, and I'm now way too fat to ever be able to get into them again. I'd never have considered them for regular wear - I'm the wrong side of twenty-five for that for a start, and too not a biker or Jim Morrison.

As a motorcyclist and clothes horse, I have owned and worn them all--in all weights. Proper MC leathers are very heavy for protection--that's what you are paying for (usually about 1.2-1.5 mils). Cow suede or rough-out chaps, vests, etc are fine for outer-layer garments but tend to be unyielding. Calf suede field pants, or even casual suede jeans, tend to be mid-to-light-weight and usually soft and supple. Garment leather (lamb, goat, etc.) are the thinnest and are very thin and comfortable; indeed, can be clingy if unlined. And in this order offer diminishing protection from road rash, thorns, cold. All are better than cloth for wind protection.

Here is a quick pic of the three examples. The German fine calf suede (chamois-like) field pants are on the left, next is a very heavy pair of cowhide MC leather jeans by Vanson--arguably the best protective MC wear made--in Boston, no less; and finally a Gimos Italian goat suede sport jacket. Just compare the seams/welts, how the leather lies--look at the crease in the Vansons that is standing at attention, even under the weight of the rest of the jeans on top of them! Each has its own specific use and comfort range. BTW, Vanson, (and lately, the fashion houses), are making perforated leather that is much cooler/airier and generally more flexible too. I have a Vanson perforated leather jacket that is cooler than its comparable vented Cordura summer-weight textile jacket; indeed, I have to be careful of dehydration on long hot-weather rides with the all over perforation.

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