Am I the only one that hates stretchy pants?
Posted by Enge712@reddit | Xennials | View on Reddit | 113 comments
Old man yelling at cloud. I hate to go into stores to buy clothing. As a man there is no more joyless spending of time and money than clothing. But I have a professional job I am expected to wear khakis and a polo or better.
It’s really hard to find khakis that don’t turn out to be either stretch pants or like hiking pants. I have the same problem when looking for jeans. A lot of jeans now aren’t denim but have elastic or something in them.
I do not want stretch pants. I want regular ass pants with a belt like I bought at sears in 1988. And I want them loose enough that I don’t need the damn fabric to stretch.
Am I the only one that doesn’t want elastic everything?
Reasonable-Wave8093@reddit
u have to go vintage. the old Lee are hard as a rock!
Enge712@reddit (OP)
I still get Levi’s for my nicer jeans but feel they are much less well made than they used to be. Middle of the road jeans have sort of disappeared and now it’s cheap jeans or designer jeans.
I wear rural king jeans around the house since they are all denim and cheap enough I don’t care to mess them up. My girlfriend prefers I get 20% more presentable for outside.
Reasonable-Wave8093@reddit
i bought Levis recently and they are stretchy pants, almost nowhere near jeans.
Enge712@reddit (OP)
Oh you gotta be careful. But they do still make some that are really denim
mobster1@reddit
Levis on their site now lists whether the pants are stretch or non stretch. very useful
Far-Slice-3821@reddit
A pair of Levi's when I was a tween were $40. There was zero chance my family could afford such a luxurious brand name.
Now they're a down market brand, and the quality shows.
S_A_R_K@reddit
How are the front pocket sizes on the rural king jeans? I can't stand small pockets
Ineedavodka2019@reddit
So what I’m hearing is, much like my husband, you prefer to dress like what I call a hobo. I prefer if he dresses 50% nicer if we go out.
desertdweller2011@reddit
i learned recently that levi’s vary a lot depending where you buy them. i get mine straight from levi’s, otherwise the sizing is inconsistent even if you get the same style. but that’s with women’s idk if it would be the same for men’s i guess
Jarkaikinfen@reddit
I live in yoga pants so I don't have your same problem 🙃 but you might check out your local goodwill/thrift store etc.
My teens love going and buying jeans there and I like that I can buy them 4 pairs of jeans for $20.
And odds are you'll find a lot more "classic" styles at goodwill because they're second hand.
Just a thought!
mobster1@reddit
yea I was gonna suggest ebay even. lots of classic styles on ebay and good prices.
ONROSREPUS@reddit
I gave up the wife dresses me outside of the home. She loves it.
mtron32@reddit
Dude, stretch fabric is the only reason I still wear jeans. The ones I buy are French Terry with a little bit of elastic, they feel like pajamas and look professional. 😎
joshuastar@reddit
those aren’t jeans, though.
mtron32@reddit
Of course they are, they’re just comfortable
Apprehensive_Hat8986@reddit
There's no disputing that French Terry is comfortable if that's your thing, but it definitively is not used for jeans. Jeans are made with denim or dungaree cloth, which are themselves a cotton twill. It's a completely different fuondation.
Claiming french terry pants are jeans is on par with me claiming my wood bungalow is a brick bungalo.
You're not wearing jeans, you're wearing sweat-pants.
mtron32@reddit
'Often the term "jeans" refers to a particular style of trousers'
the first line on the wiki post. :)
Apprehensive_Hat8986@reddit
There's cherry-picking and then there's just ignoring sentence structure and order entirely to provide a phrase so devoid of meaning it doesn't substantiate anything.
The entire sentence is
That particular style being, blue denim, riveted pocket seams, etc.. which is what is being described.
Davis and Levis didn't make french-terry sweatpants. (although Levis' does make sweat-pants now, Levis' also specifically calls them sweatpants)
At this point one can only assume you're trolling or a fool. Ta.
Musubi0420@reddit
Not gonna downvote, I just need to acknowledge that this is a very controversial position regarding what does or doesn’t qualify as “Jeans”. I don’t have a personal opinion at stake, but I am aware that many people would argue that: (if they’re stretchy? They didn’t qualify as Jeans in the first place) …. What truly defines “Jeans” ? Denim ect… and should a stretchy version of that be considered as the same? Regarding regular pants?? Not ever for me, so-long as I can dress myself.
Enge712@reddit (OP)
To me that’s the same as the vodka martini. I don’t think a gin martini is good but if someone asked me to make them a martini I would grab gin and vermouth. I’m sure some people find the stretch jeans more comfortable but to me they are not even jeans once they aren’t denim.
timbreandsteel@reddit
You would probably call them jean-cut pants. Because jeans do also have a fairly specific look to them, regardless of what fabric is used.
Apprehensive_Hat8986@reddit
Yes. The word is originally used for pants made with indigo denim/dungaree, but has gained association with a particular pattern of trousers with pockets and belt-loops. However, actual denim jeans have also exploded into a million different styles, even forgoing every other aspect of being jeans except that the still use a cotton-twill as their foundation. (Torn jeans, cut-offs, skorts, skirts, shirts, jackets...)
The real issue is that we seem to not have a word (or I'm drawing a blank) that describes the cut/function.
Similarly to jeans, sweatpants are both the fabric and the style (loose, pockets optional, drawstring or elastic waist) and the material (what is formally called french terry).
Chinos are also the style and material.
Slacks is a descriptor of primarily the cut — specifically roominess. But is for whatever reason not used for jeans. It also doesn't cover the in/exclusion of pockets, fastener, belt-loops etc. So it's such a broad term as to be almost undescriptive.
Dress pants, is a description of the article, but is more about purpose than specific cut or material.
Pants and trousers are just synonyms (regional) for leggings (also used as both a general term for clothes that separate and cover the legs, and tights).
How does anyone in fashion ever understand what anyone else is talking about? 😅
Musubi0420@reddit
Exactly!
jelloslug@reddit
Go to Duluth Trading Company. They sell actual clothes for adults.
Plane_Chance863@reddit
I hate stretchy jeans as well. I'd wear them once, they fit perfectly. Then I'd wear them again and they'd be falling off my ass (I'm a woman, I don't wear belts because generally I don't need to).
I finally found that the kind of jeans I'm looking for are "rigid" jeans. You're looking for jeans with no more than 1% spandex/elasthane (it's possible you'll find men's jeans with none at all - I just found it difficult to find women's jeans in Canada like that). In the end I bought from Club Monaco and got jeans that fit nicely and don't stretch too much.
KerissaKenro@reddit
They have been putting spandex in women’s denim for twenty years. And I will complain about how awful it is if given any opportunity. It wears out and develops holes faster. I want my jeans to last more than a couple of years. I don’t want tight jeans, I look like a plucked turkey. You need to be young and skinny for it to look good and I am neither of those things. I get excited when I find pants that are 100% cotton
B4SSF4C3@reddit
Find the one plants that works. Buy 10 of it, in 2-4 color variants. ;)
depictionofmood@reddit
If you shop online for pants, search for '100% cotton' jeans or khakis. I found that Old Navy sells 100% cotton t-shirts, and that's where I get all my t-shirts from. If I shop in stores, I check the care instructions label to verify it's 100% cotton.
ahopskipandaheart@reddit
Elastic is part of fast fashion strategy. Skip to 10:17 for explanation: https://youtu.be/jCwbU41Icfw
brakeb@reddit
Middle aged dudes want to wear the "same size I was in high school"... So they buy 32x32, but really need a 42x32
bendingoutward@reddit
Me and my aging gutter punk pals would all be way more comfortable if somebody would make a leather jacket that zips down from the top.
Enge712@reddit (OP)
I have an uncle that still wears the same size he wore in HS he just pushes them way lower.
pixelpheasant@reddit
Woman here. I want the same
BoltsGuy02@reddit
Now that I’m close to the weight I was in high school I love the tighter fitting clothes, when I was bigger they just made me feel fatter
NorraVavare@reddit
No. Lots of people do. The fashion industry has tanked. As a woman its gotten so bad, I can't find any pants that fit. I hate shopping for clothes (20 years ago I loved it). I gave up.
GustavSnapper@reddit
I absolutely love stretchy clothing along with drawstring waists 😂
Hate belts and pants are just oppression. I’m glad I can wear shorts in the office and I refuse wear a belt unless I’m dressing up for an occasion. I wear shorts 10 months of the year, it only gets just cool enough were I live to wear pants in winter for 6-8 weeks.
Shit, I’ll only play golf courses that are a little less uptight about attire and they don’t force you to tuck in your shirt. Still wear a golf shirt, but no way am I wearing a belt or tucking it in.
squarebodynewb@reddit
No. I do too. Thanks boomers.
LeftHandofNope@reddit
DirtRight9309@reddit
i am a woman and i agree. i have no interest in buying size 2 stretchy jeans just to cover my size 6 ass so i can brag to my friends that i still wear a size 2 😂 give me the real, unforgiving, harsh yet realistic jeans of my youth!
Blackbird136@reddit
Same. I HATE stretchy jeans. I spend all day tugging them back up into place.
Also unpopular opinion: leggings are not pants. They are fine if you’re going to the gym, doing yard work, or being worn under a dress — like a replacement for tights/hose in cold weather. I do not find them appropriate when worn with a shirt that doesn’t cover your butt if you are anywhere other than your yoga class.
TransAmericaExplorer@reddit
I was just talking about this with my husband!! I will wear my leggings as pants until I die and I do not care who hates me for it 😅😅😅😅
Purple_Wave_314@reddit
I’m with you. Leggings forever
BayouLuLu@reddit
Yes! I’m ready for the leggings as pants phase to go away.
BugEquivalents@reddit
I bought a pair of 90s jeans from express with little to no stretch. I hate them, they’re so stiff and humbling 😂
Funkopedia@reddit
In addition to this... if the clothes fit correctly, you're gonna look better.
DirtRight9309@reddit
💯
wrongwestern@reddit
Check out r/rawdenim and go nuts
Traditional_Entry183@reddit
Its awful. I want regular, boot cut jeans and khakis. Normal material, regular cut above the knee, baggy and loose below the knee. Its almost impossible. Everything is either tight and cut high or super baggy all the way down.
the_DOS_god@reddit
Go directly to Wrangler or Levi's website. I buy them there when i need them.
Traditional_Entry183@reddit
Even the Wrangler and Levi's stores dont have what I want anymore. I was told by employees at both that they've changed what the numbers mean and what I used to wear isn't really the same any more. They're all much tighter on the ankle than I want, and ride up my leg when I sit down. The older ones were just cut differently where that wasn't a problem. Its like pants aren't made for men whos legs aren't broom sticks any more.
the_DOS_god@reddit
Damn, it's been a year or so since I've ordered a pair.
Traditional_Entry183@reddit
I went to a big Wrangler store this summer for the first time in a few years certin that they'd have what I need. Big place, the size of an Old Navy. Tons of different styles. None of them close to what I want to wear. Almost all of them have skinny calf zones except the ones geared towards old men that are just baggy and shapeless.
VaselineHabits@reddit
As a woman, I'm annoyed as fuck how everything became crop tops. Some of us don't want to expose our bellies, ok?
MisRandomness@reddit
My biggest problem with today’s clothes. This has been ongoing for about 10 years now. I’m convinced that they’re just trying to save money by only making crop tops. In the same way they don’t make short sleeve shirts. Everything is cropped, long or sleeveless nothing in between.
Useful_Menu_9863@reddit
My daughter is 21 and is all, "WHO WEARS CROP TOPS IN THE WINTERTIME?? DON'T PEOPLE FEEL COLD WHEN THEIR STOMACH ISN'T COVERED AND THE WIND CHILL IS 29°F??"
Traditional_Entry183@reddit
My wife certainly doesn't either, and neither does our 14 year old daughter. The 11 year old, she absolutely wants to wear crop tops as much as possible, lol.
rqx82@reddit
For business casual khakis I like Land’s End. Still good quality (not quite what it used to be, but still better than most), and the material you like. Also aren’t stuck with store inventory sizes; you can get 30x36 or 42x28, whatever size you need to fit right.
tomqvaxy@reddit
Your gendering of cheap plastielastic fabrics is funny.
tweedchemtrailblazer@reddit
This thread is full of the kind of people who’s musical taste never grew or matured after they left high school. I for one don’t want the thick crunchy uncomfortable denim of the 90s or my Alice In Chains CD back
ChiefBroady@reddit
I used to, but now I rarely buy non stretchy pants anymore.
Far-Slice-3821@reddit
Not alone. Plastic is a cheaper and spandex hides poor tailoring, so mass market clothes are full of both.
You'll pay a premium, but 100% natural fiber is still available. It's just a luxury product relative to the cheap ass clothes we've gotten used to.
UnluckyCardiologist9@reddit
Even Dockers?
MisRandomness@reddit
I think the stretch problem might have something to do with clothes now being made of plastics instead of real fibers, stretch is a nice way to disguise this.
cookiemikester@reddit
Yeah. Most real denim jeans are expensive. It’s the same with tshirts. Most cheap tshirts are no longer 100% cotton.
TiEmEnTi@reddit
Don't worry dude, if it wasn't for old people yelling at clouds, saying there's been no good music since 1999, and memberberries, this sub wouldn't exist
Amazing-Basket-136@reddit
“saying there's been no good music since 1999” TIL this sub haa THE grasp on truth.
TiEmEnTi@reddit
Strong disagree
metalbees@reddit
Yeah us metalheads have been eating well all along
TiEmEnTi@reddit
Hip Hop since 2004 too
Enge712@reddit (OP)
I honestly started putting it in GenX. But here folks will tell me if I get too boomer lol
KinderEggLaunderer@reddit
bearkrumbs@reddit
I came to the comments to make sure the correct answer was posted to this question. My work here is done.
gandolfthe@reddit
Who wants to wear old school denim jeans where you can't bend, squat, move around in them.
This should be in unpopular opinion as you clearly don't like comfort and enjoy mobility
lifeuncommon@reddit
Trust: It’s not only men who find clothing shopping to be joyless. Women are not all vapid fashionistas.
I’d happily wear the same outfit every day from now until the day I die if they kept making it.
Massive-Resort-8573@reddit
Same! I'm a t shirts and flannels kind a gal.
OrganicAverage1@reddit
lol I do. I wear scrubs to work hooray!
Common_Tiger1526@reddit
I work from home so I dress like Adam Sandler (am a woman)
fictionalbandit@reddit
Strict “no pants before noon” policy
dls2317@reddit
Also, I'd love to find an affordable t-shirt that a) isn't a goddamn crop top, b) doesn't make me look like a refrigerator (ie shows some curves), and c) doesn't fade and fall apart after 3 washes.
Enge712@reddit (OP)
Oh I know it’s not a total gender thing. But my girlfriend really enjoys looking her best. Like shopping for herself or cute outfits for her boys is fun. Shopping for myself or my sons is generally unpleasant for all. The only exception is my son on the spectrum has a very niche interest in Bionicle and me finding places that sell bionicle shirts is fun for him
ApprehensiveArea3076@reddit
Downvoted for what? Reddit is so weird.
foxontherox@reddit
Oh man, if I find a pair of pants that fits good, I buy 3 more pairs (yea, in the same color lol).
LavenderPaintbrush@reddit
I feel you.... But women's dress pants have gotten a lot better! I can actually bend down comfortably, and most will have pockets now. They also have more options for short people.
Jeans though, yeah, give me mid rise boot cut. I never even liked skinny jeans. I'll wear them with cute high boots but otherwise they look funny with regular shoes... Even if you're skinny. Sorry. 😆
meagainpansy@reddit
I did all the squats in high school. Stretchy pants are a godsend.
Lcky22@reddit
I hate it because the stretchy material traps heat and triggers my face and head getting all sweaty
CantaloupeAsleep502@reddit
I found out a few years ago that my favorite hiking pants came in chino cut. I now never have to wear constrictive fabric again. I could not be happier about it.
Enge712@reddit (OP)
Well, mom was paying for them. I was 8.
Spartan04@reddit
I'm a guy too and for me it depends on the pants. For jeans I like that they've added some stretch. Coming out of the laundry they're almost always a bit tight until they get worn for a bit and with some stretch that's not an issue. For other pants I usually prefer them not to stretch.
PhotographStrict9964@reddit
They come in handy at the holidays.
Verbull710@reddit
A few years ago I needed a new set of work pants, had been carhartt forever. Saw Duluth were on massive black friday sale, decided to try. I have converted! They have just a bit of stretch in the crotch but they're not stretchy pants. I've just stuck with them for years, now, but I have heard that the other pants makers have this now too.
unclestink@reddit
Do Dockers not exist anymore?
FionaGoodeEnough@reddit
I’m with you, as a woman, and women’s clothes are way worse about this, to the point that I switched to men’s jeans.
SaveusJebus@reddit
I will buy all the stretchy women's pants. ALL OF THEM
Sloenich@reddit
I don't like them either. Or super soft shirts. A shirt should be made from canvas.
distrucktocon@reddit
It pisses me off so much. I do a lot of work around the house and these pants don’t hold up like the older ones do. The fabric isn’t nearly as durable because it’s 30% elastic or some other BS. When I buy jeans, or cargo shorts/pants, I want stiff and durable materials that will last.
geneb0323@reddit
You are absolutely not alone. I buy Wrangler relaxed fit jeans only and recently they started to include like 1% spandex. I completely despise it. Thankfully you can still buy the 100% cotton jeans on their website for now. They tightened up the fit a bit, but they're still the best I can find. I am dreading the day that they stop producing them.
anchises868@reddit
I hate stretchy clothing in general, but especially shirts. I’m 6’2, 310 pounds, and all stretchiness is going to do is accentuate the large belly I’m trying to lose. It’s demoralizing seeing myself like that.
Musubi0420@reddit
Almost as much as I HATE velcro, they’re useless and bring everyone down a step. (Think Billy Maddison: you’re all dumber for having listened) lol
twilightswimmer@reddit
I miss jeans without any stretch to them. 100% cotton. I do like stretchy pants, but I want to have options for things with stretch and things without stretch.
allisaidwasshoot@reddit
Nah pants are significantly more comfortable now than before. Underwear too.
pgsz@reddit
Like you, I was sick of stretchy jeans. They are hot, and even if they weren’t skinny jeans, they’d cling to me. Ugh.
So now I wear good old fashioned Wrangler jeans. Just have the normal stretch of denim and nothing more. Love how loose and comfortable they are.
eat_like_snake@reddit
I always fucking hated stiff pants, so I'm fine without trying on 80 different things in the same size before I get one that fits.
hallowbirthweenday@reddit
No, you're not alone. I'm a woman, but I had to wear khakis for a waitressing job (infuriating) and realized shopping for 'chinos' will eliminate the rustly, hiking-sporty pants.
JC Penney flat front chinos are a good price and 98% cotton. The 2% is spandex, but they aren't stretchy. Just soft. No elastic waist either. Disclaimer: I'm not a shill for JCP, but I own a lot of their chino pants and shorts because they're the same as Gap and JCrew khakis from the '90s.
Good luck!
Enge712@reddit (OP)
I did end up ordering some from JCPenny. I just had kohls cash I wanted to spend. Again… boring middle aged man
hallowbirthweenday@reddit
Kohl's cash, yesssss! Middle-aged woman here, so I feel you, my friend.
I was office casual for everyday work and court formal for...well, court days lol. Kohl's is great for dressier clothes, but JC Penney and Target are the best for affordable office casual. Lands End has great polos that don't get pilly around the arms, and they have a bunch of different colors.
rigidlynuanced1@reddit
doyoulikemyladysuit@reddit
Anyone calling stretch pants fashion are out of their minds. Hard pants are where it's at. I have gone out of my way to thrift for hard pant denim, khakis and trousers for everything. That and only natural fabrics. I am SOOOO sick of wearing plastic in various forms. It is so stupid hard to find these things but so worth it
desertdweller2011@reddit
they are hard to find in women’s clothing too it’s all plastic! i look for 100% cotton, or at least as little of the other stuff as possible
waterlooaba@reddit
If it ain’t got stretch, I don’t want it. Fuck off with a button fly, no stretch denim. I want to breathe.
EastTXJosh@reddit
I don’t know, but as I was sitting here thinking about the question, I realized I have only worn shorts since June. Im an attorney that works from home and the last time I actually wore a pair of pants was for a hearing in early June. I also went from mid July until last week without wearing socks.
Enge712@reddit (OP)
I was a pall bearer in a funeral Wednesday and spent an hour looking for my suit. Then I considered I had last wore it applying to graduate school almost 20 years ago with a 29” waist and thought, I should just go buy a suit.
they_just_appear@reddit
That’s me lol. Shorts since May. Shoes only if it somewhere that requires them. (Except I’m not a lawyer and don’t work from home lol)
Pinkkorn69@reddit
Do you have a JCPENNEY near you? Last I knew they still had regular khakis and jeans. Dockers, Levi's, VH, St John's Bay. Arizona, Foundry depending on your sizing