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Original poster

Please help me find decent black trousers!

41 replies

Pigtailsandall · 02/02/2022 10:54

I'm losing my mind trying to find good quality black work trousers. I work in a smart-casual office, and with more in-person meetings I'd like to add a pair of tailored black trousers to my wardrobe. Something I could wear with a blazer or a biker jacket or a trench. They would need

To not have drawstring or elasticated waist
Not be cuffed
Tapered or straight leg (7/8 length is ok)
Natural material with possibly a touch of something stretchy
Suitable for machine wash and to not need ironing
Look good with boots, loafers or kitten heels

I might be asking for too much. Budget is up to about £100, but they'd really need to last - they would be the workhorse of my wardrobe
Help!

OP posts:
buddylicious · 02/02/2022 11:41

For £100 I'd be tempted to buy two or three pairs in different styles!

Original poster
Pigtailsandall · 02/02/2022 11:48

@buddylicious haha, maybe. I definitely don't need to spend that much. And really I only want one pair that fits perfectly. I'm kind of thinking tapered, high-waisted cotton trousers. I just can't find them.

OP posts:
Marbles321 · 02/02/2022 11:50

Let me know how you get on - I've been looking for over a year, and still can't find anything that is quite right!

LolaLolaLolas · 02/02/2022 11:57

Boden Hampshire trousers. They are fab. Really good quality and wash well. Various lengths too.

LolaLolaLolas · 02/02/2022 11:58

Or the Richmond ones, but I find those a bit more casual than the Hampshire.

Original poster
Pigtailsandall · 02/02/2022 12:04

@marbles321 Right? Such a black wardrobe staple

@lolalolalolas Oh, I'll have a look. Boden is not really a brand for my style so I never remember to consider them

OP posts:
Lucia574 · 02/02/2022 17:11

Sezane. Austin are a very chic tapered style. Yves very good straight/slightly flared. I also like the look of Gustavo, but haven’t tried them.

Original poster
Pigtailsandall · 02/02/2022 17:31

Thank you @Lucia574! Do the Sezane trousers wash well? It's a bit if a key priority for me

OP posts:
PAFMO · 02/02/2022 17:40

I was just going to start a similar thread so will piggyback this one.
My holy grail work trouser is the Boden Hampshire bootcut or 7/8. The bootcut is more of a straight leg with a tiny flick. It looks like they've discontinued them as they are in the sale and have size 8 and size 20s.
So, I'm also wanting some smartish black work trousers.
Hobbs aren't quite long enough for me. Boden Long are perfect. I used to get decent ones from M&S but they seem to have missed the memo that we are back in the workplace and are still flogging 468 different types of jogging bottom.

@Pigtailsandall ponte jersey is what you (we) need. Smart, bit of stretch. The Hampshire bootcuts were perfect. I mistakenly ordered "Hampshires" last week and have a(nother) pair of wide leg jersey trousers now. Hmm Which are no better than my £15 M&S wide leg jersey trousers.

Gillybobs · 02/02/2022 17:40

Boden Richmond for sure

Marbles321 · 02/02/2022 18:11

I'm going to go against the grain on the Boden Richmonds- I really don't like them. They sit too low, gape at the back, and just aren't very flattering imo! I know loads of people love them though.

I've got the wide leg Boden Hampshire which I love for more informal work days- really comfy like joggers, but with a nice blouse or jumper they look quite good.

Going to check out Sezane now!

Original poster
Pigtailsandall · 02/02/2022 20:47

I've looked at the Sezane ones and they do look good. Bit more than I wanted to pay but my main concern is the composition- 74% Acetate, 26% Viscose.... are they going to be, ahem, a bit hot in the crotch? At that price I'd kind of expect natural materials.

Boden trousers also look good but if they are low then that's a no-go. I have a big bum but a defined waist so finding stuff that fits well is a pain

OP posts:
camperqueen54 · 02/02/2022 20:48

John Lewis own range. Fab

HappyGirlNow · 02/02/2022 21:46

What size are you? I have a lovely pair brand new size 12 Karen Millen wool ones on eBay for sale 😂 they’re high waisted..

Freebus · 02/02/2022 21:51

I recently bought a pair fitting your description from White Stuff

karmakameleon · 02/02/2022 21:57

I like the Boden Richmonds too. Boden very easy for returns so if you like the look of them but not sure about fit, it’s worth a try.

BringMeTea · 02/02/2022 22:19

Take a look at the RI range on River Island. It's their slightly fancier section with a couple of really nice trousers.

Cherryana · 02/02/2022 22:24

I just got a pair like that today from M and S - the Mia trouser £35. I got the petite version because I am 5 foot and they are a great length.

Franklin12 · 02/02/2022 22:46

Reiss do some good ones. Not sure about washing though

stringbean · 02/02/2022 23:01

Reiss Joanne trousers are my go-to: I have them in several colours. Not the cheapest, but good quality and they're machine-washable.

dudsville · 02/02/2022 23:16

Thought have two pairs of cropped wide leg cords at the moment, cotton with a little stretch, good pockets, a narrow front part, no elasticated waist. I have both colours the brown and the black. They look smart casual but are so comfortable I'd wear them on long hall flights! They're currently in the sale for about £40.

Vohgue · 03/02/2022 08:34

The Boden trousers go saggy after an hour or two

Vohgue · 03/02/2022 08:35

Also.. ponte trousers are basically thick leggings

MadrigalCorp · 03/02/2022 08:41

This is the holy grail isn't it...

What are those Reiss ones like for going baggy at the knee?

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