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Original poster

Red trousers. When did these become fashionable for elderly gentlemen?

142 replies

TheTecknician · 01/12/2023 21:43

I don't mean bright red crimplene flares that my Mum sported back in 1975. I mean the off-maroon corduroy and chino strides that have become alarmingly de rigeur over the last few months. They have now supplanted the beige (or pale blue) zippered jacket as the must-have fashion attire for the over-80s.

My old man pegged it three and a half years ago at the age of 88. He wouldn't have been seen dead in any shade of red or beige!

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
Dotcheck · 01/12/2023 22:07

Ginmonkeyagain · 01/12/2023 21:49

FRTs, well known lower attire of the older posh man for decades now.

This

bellac11 · 01/12/2023 22:07

I like Michael Portillo's look. Very fetching

TheDogsMother · 01/12/2023 22:08

I don't think it's Portillo in this instance. I agree with PP as this is a rural and country market town thing. In the winter it's cords in those colours and in summer chino shorts. I live in one of these places and there are many of these men around.

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idontlikealdi · 01/12/2023 22:08

Dark red cords, chunks in the summer. It's a standard uniform. Certainly is in my industry anyway, although it's (literally) dying out now.

Original poster
TheTecknician · 01/12/2023 22:12

I have also seen mustard and bottle green cords very recently. I admit I the latter don't bother me too much!

OP posts:
Makemydaypunk · 01/12/2023 22:16

I like the Jules Hudson look aesthetic, rather that than hoodies and trackies from sports direct.

Leafysuburb · 01/12/2023 22:18

VeniVidiWeeWee · 01/12/2023 21:52

I will ask , even though there is no chance of you responding, but what is your proof of this?

Show quote history

I conducted a survey of all male Tory councillors in the UK and asked them specifically about shoe choice and trousers colour. Responses suggested that they are significantly more likely to wear boat shoes (p<.00001) and red trousers (p<.00001) compared to the comparison group* and they are also keen on a blue blazer with brass buttons. The effect sizes were also reported as whiff whaffingly large.

*20 flamenco dancers but let's not let that get into the journal write up.

TranquilityofSolitude · 01/12/2023 22:19

Welcome to Salisbury!

saraclara · 01/12/2023 22:21

Why shouldn't they?

Seriously, if this was an OP about what older women wear, there'd have been hell to pay within the first half dozen posts. And 'When I'm Old I Will Wear Purple' would be quoted.

Jeeze. A man wears a bit of colour on his bottom half for once (and has the affrontery to be 'elderly') and full on mockery is fine?

Thatsnotmine · 01/12/2023 22:21

Ah the red trousers of wealth 😆

DeedlessIndeed · 01/12/2023 22:23

We call them the Ra-Ra-Red-Trousers where I grew up in the Cotswolds. Often paired with a particular style of faintly checked shirt.

SuffolkBargeWoman · 01/12/2023 22:24

Red trousers of wealth.
Well known and been around for decades.

cakeorwine · 01/12/2023 22:25

(I see that was already done!!_)

lapochette · 01/12/2023 22:25

We called them the red trouser brigade. There were lots of them at uni.

JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff · 01/12/2023 22:27

I dress 5yo DS in dark red cords and a knitted vest. JojoMaman, in case you cared.

He looks like a tiny stockbroker 😁

CurlewKate · 01/12/2023 22:28

Red cords have been fashionable among the posh for a million years. (Slight exaggeration there)

CurlewKate · 01/12/2023 22:30

I went to a posh university. A variety of red cords were worn by the young gentlemen there in the late 70s/early 80s. They are the older gentlemen of today!

Dogcatmousecat · 01/12/2023 22:31

I genuinely do not think these elderly gents care about people’s opinions on MN .
If they are comfortable and happy…who cares 🤷‍♀️

FreshWinterMorning · 01/12/2023 22:32

This is the only time I ever see people in red trousers.

Red trousers. When did these become fashionable for elderly gentlemen?
LoveTheDarts · 01/12/2023 22:34

Definitely a style in the Cotswolds and they start young - I think it emanates from the young farmers. The salmon, mustard or russet slacks are usually accompanied with a checked flannel shirt, a tousled mop and a ruddy complexion.

BitOutOfPractice · 01/12/2023 22:36

Only on a certain ilk of Tory who fancies himself as a Tory gent. Has been the same for 25+ years op. Not sure why you haven’t noticed.

hobbledyhoy · 01/12/2023 22:38

Yep as other PP have mentioned this is a definite thing, mostly sported by men of slightly advancing years who live in quite affluent areas

KnittedCardi · 01/12/2023 22:39

Definitely a thing among the well heeled for a long time. It often goes with a military officer background.

fyn · 01/12/2023 22:44

I (at 30, not 88!) know loads of people that wear red chinos, albeit I was a member of Young Farmers. DH wears them quite regularly. Most wear them with checked shirt, Schoffel and some RM Williams dealer boots.