Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
If you don’t want to give up on fading but need to dress up a bit then there is no better option than indigo dyed trousers. Whether they’re made from denim, canvas, some other twill, or another type of fabric entirely, indigo trousers are a fun way to keep the blue without the jeans.
1) Japan Blue: JB4100
If you’re looking for a basic pair of indigo dyed chinos then look no further than Japan Blue’s JB4100. Made from a 10oz. 98%/2% cotton/poly these denim chinos are comfortable, stretchy, and easier to dress up than jeans making them every denimhead’s dream. They feature and indigo warp and black weft, giving them some interesting hues while still being wearable on a daily basis.
Available for $108 from Denimio.
2) Momotaro: 01-070
Because they have their own denim mill, Momotaro uses some of the most interesting fabrics on the market. Their 01-070 trousers feature a 60%/26%/10%/4% cotton/wool/silk/nylon blend fabric, which is heavily textured with snowflake-like neps throughout. The trousers have curved front hand pockets, welted back pockets, copper rivets, and a corozo top button. If you need to dress up often but still want to fade some indigo then these are the obvious choice.
Available for $245 from Blue Owl.
3) Naked and Famous: Slim Chino
If you want a pair of denim chinos then Naked & Famous’s Slim Chinos are a great option. They’re made of a lightweight, 10oz. denim, which arguably drapes better for a chino, and feature a classic trouser style. With slit hand pockets, welted back pockets, a medium rise, and tapered leg, these chinos are easy to work into a rotation even for the most addicted denim wearer. They’re finished with a small leather patch, zipper fly, and tonal stitching.
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Available for $110 from Tate + Yoko.
4) Rogue Territory: ISC Officer Trousers
While denim is all well and good, canvas can be a better choice for a pair of trousers. Rogue Territory’s Officer Trousers are made from a deep, indigo-dyed selvedge canvas with slit front hand pockets, tuck-able flapped welted back pockets, matte black buttons, and tucked belt loops. With the fabrics fine looking texture these trousers are easy to dress up or down but will still fade in their own, unique way.
Available for $240 from Rogue Territory.
5) Pure Blue Japan: Deep Indigo Chino
As their name would lead you to believe, Pure Blue Japan makes some great indigo dyed products. This version of their Chino Pant features a heavily tapered leg but with room in the thigh, slanted and curved front hand pockets, welted back pockets, and herringbone pocket bags. While I’d take a pair of PBJ jeans over their chinos any day, I’d take their chinos over nearly all other trousers.
Available for 225 GBP (~$289 USD) from Clutch Cafe.
Plus One – Samurai: SJ42DP
Samurai is one of the most respected names in denim, so it should come as no surprise that their SJ42DP denim trousers are top notch. Constructed from an irregular 17oz. denim, these trousers are perfect for dressing up or down. Given that they’re denim they will fade exactly as expected, but still give you that slightly formal edge that jeans would not have. Each pair is finished with jacquard fabric waistband lining and pocket bags.
Available for $285 from Blue in Green.
