Ask The Tailor: Should I Get a Second Pair of Trousers?

Each month we ask our expert tailors to address one of your most frequent questions. This month we’re exploring the issue of the second pair of trousers. Are they really needed?

It’s traditional for gentlemen to purchase a second pair of trousers when they’re fitted for a bespoke suit. Though this is a very common practise, it can add 30-40% to the total cost and we’re often asked if that second pair is really worth it.

Here’s our answer...

A second pair of trousers will prolong the life of your suit

No matter how good your tailoring, trousers typically have a shorter lifespan than jackets. If you want to know why this is: think about how you wear them. You sit on them all day, they’re closer to the ground where the cuffs can pick up dirt, and they’re much less likely to be protected by an overcoat when it rains. Many of us also take our jacket off when we get to the office, meaning that our trousers are getting much more wear.

Alternating wear between two pairs of trousers counteracts this and will make sure that the bottom half of your suit continues to look just as great as the top.

A second pair of trousers will avoid difficulties matching later on

If you’re wondering why you can’t just get a new pair of trousers when the first has worn out, we’re afraid it’s almost impossible to match a new pair of trousers to an older jacket. Even if you use the same tailor and they’re able to source the same fabric, different bolts of cloth can have slight variations in colour and print. There’s also the issue of fading: your suit will fade slightly over time. The good news is that this is unlikely to be noticeable… until you try and wear it with a brand new pair of trousers!

A second pair of trousers can add more variety to your wardrobe

There’s absolutely no rule that says your second pair of trousers have to be identical to your first. This can be a great option if you’re unsure what style to go for. You could choose one pair in a more traditional style and one that’s more modern. Even a small change such as pleated VS non-pleated trousers could give your suit a completely different look. 

Next month we’ll be asking our tailors to share their best tips for caring for your bespoke tailoring. Sign up to our newsletter to make sure you don’t miss it.