Winter Pants: The Alternative Trousers To Try This Season

Moleskin Chinos

Moleskin falls under the same umbrella as corduroy and is essentially the same fabric without the ribs, again giving you one of the warmest pant options on the market. “Like corduroy, moleskin is a hard-wearing cloth originally worn by laborers during the colder months,” says Lloyd Jones. “Historically It has also been used in military uniforms, which is why you often see it in khaki greens and browns.”

With a similar napped finish to suede, moleskin trousers are soft, comfortable, and a good winter alternative to chinos – in some cases, the cloth is so tightly woven that it’s effectively windproof. “When shopping, look for a slightly looser cut due to the rigidness of the fabric,” suggests Lloyd Jones.

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How To Wear Them

Done wrong, moleskin has the potential to veer into Jeremy Clarkson territory. Fortunately, it’s very easy to get right. Keep things casual and contemporary by teaming khaki moleskins with a simple crew neck jumper, a denim jacket, and trainers. As with anything textured, keep the pattern to a minimum, with a plaid shirt about as far as you want to go.

Flannel Trousers

Long a business-casual staple, flannel – a soft, fuzzy type of wool – is also a growing favorite among creative types, who’ve found that they look just as good atop a pair of runners as they do with more formal get-up. You want versatility in your wardrobe that not only says stylish but ‘damn, those are the warmest pants’ for the coldest days.

“It is often made in a slightly looser weave than traditional wool twills to create a softer feel,” explains Lloyd Jones. “This looseness means that it is often not as hard-wearing as traditional twill weaves, meaning it should be bought in a heavier weight (9 or 10 oz) so that they last more than one season.”