Club Obi Wan

I was strolling along at JCPenneys and Foleys and they both have the "Dockers Versatile Pants." I picked one up for $40 at Foley's and they are very close...back flap pockets, pleated, and very accurate Taupe color (it is listed as "khaki," but it is Taupe). The only downside is the fact it is Synatural Polyester, and they have a crease that won't seem to iron out (you bet I will try). Check 'em out next time your in the mall.

http://www2.shopmay.com/gifts/OnlineSho ... 884&R=1160

I actually saw those at the mall here in Taiwan, but they were out of khaki, so I told myself i'd go back in a few weeks and get a pair.

Problem I've found with Dockers is they wear out VERY quickly, as compared to other trouser makers. I love the fit of Dockers, and the plaing fronts have a watch pocket, but after wearing them with Aldens, the cuffs fray in short order where they rub across the quick lace hooks. Just my experience with the brand....Regards. Michaelson

Thanks for the info, Michaelson. I am hoping that they will last since they are not made out of cotton like most other dockers are. In fact, as I forgot to mention above, I found some 100% wool trousers (same material as the authentic officer's pinks) in the store and compared the feel...and they are exactly the same! This Synatural Polyester is apparently made to match wool. Like I said, I hope the pleats will go away...

hey guys! Give these an eye ball
http://www.sportif.com/jump.jsp?itemTyp ... uctID=1109

Those look great! I wonder what the difference between the Tropical and the Trinidad (the trinidad khaki color looks pretty close).

Michaelson wrote:the cuffs fray in short order where they rub across the quick lace hooks. Just my experience with the brand....Regards. Michaelson

I've had the same problem with my dockers as well. I really like them with the exception of Dave Barry's comment about them being the pants for men with big butts. 8-[

"Sweetie, do these pants make my butt look big?"
" ... umm ... "
"You're taking to long to answer! You are so in trouble."

Oh...really...well, now there's a SECOND reason I don't like Dockers then. Mine fit. Regards. Michaelson

I checked these [edit: Dockers] out at Filene's last night. Good color, but they're $58. I'm thinking the LL Beans are a better value.

I'm thinking the LL Beans are a better value.

The only problem with the LL Bean pants, Rosenet, is the color. They are high quality pants with excellent fit and fabric, but this year's color offerings are just not right: http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores ... &feat=dp26
The old Taupe color is gone. Dark khaki may be the closest thing now, but it really isn't that close.
I have a pair of these and two other pairs. I have a pair on right now that are a true brown. Every year the colors are a bit different. We can only hope they bring back taupe next year.
Until then, check out the factory stores in Freeport, Nashua, NH, Concord, NH, and N. Conway, NH. I've picked up pairs of these for as low as $10. Good luck!

LL Bean also changes suppliers, even though they keep the same patterns and specs., you'll find the quality control quite odd for a company of LL Bean's stature. What I REALLY find distressing with the Chinos is that they've eliminated the watch pocket off the plain front Chino, the twin brother of the pleated front that we buy for the 'Indy look". I still buy them, but have a pocket installed by a local seamstress now. Adds about $15 to the bottom line, but it's worth it to me. Regards. Michaelson

Michaelson wrote:

What I REALLY find distressing with the Chinos is that they've eliminated the watch pocket

You know, I never made that connection. I always thought that pocket was for change, but I suppose a change pocket goes into the regular pocket. Thanks for the realization.
I've noticed on some of my other flat-front khakis from them the watch pocket shows up, sometimes, I think... randomly.

It's hit or miss. Most trouser salesmen do state those are change pockets, and some really are, as they're REALLY shallow....but I've found some with decent 3 x 3 inch sizing...big enough for any 18s pocketwatch I'VE ever owned. Finding them are a bear though. I spent most of this past weekend trying to find a pair with a decent pocket, and in all my digging only found 2! Regards. Michaelson

The L.L. Bean trousers appear to have cuffs, also. Is this correct? I, for one, do not care for cuffed chinos.

None that I've ever purchased....maybe they've added that feature. I did notice in my trouser search this weekend that cuffs are making a comeback this year. Regards. Michaelson

RonC asked:

The L.L. Bean trousers appear to have cuffs, also. Is this correct? I, for one, do not care for cuffed chinos.

They only have cuffs if you ask for them. They give you a choice of how you want them to finish them off. From leg length, to cuff, it's up to you.

Texas Jones wrote:I was strolling along at JCPenneys and Foleys and they both have the "Dockers Versatile Pants." I picked one up for $40 at Foley's and they are very close...back flap pockets, pleated, and very accurate Taupe color (it is listed as "khaki," but it is Taupe). The only downside is the fact it is Synatural Polyester, and they have a crease that won't seem to iron out (you bet I will try). Check 'em out next time your in the mall.

I picked up a pair of these in Atlanta last Spring for just under $30. Not bad a for an alternative pair of Indypants.