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

by Peter White
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.

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Considering Bespoke?

Every commission begins with a conversation. Here are answers to some of the questions we're often asked.

Business suits start from £999 for single or double breasted, and from £1,299 for a three-piece with waistcoat. Wedding suits start from £999, averaging around £1,500 depending on cloth and detailing.

The standard turnaround is 10 weeks from first fitting to collection. An express service is available in 5 weeks for an additional fee.

Yes. Alongside the York and London showrooms, Mullen & Mullen serves Sheffield and Manchester by arrangement, with fittings available at a client's home or office.

An independent, family-run business with over 50 years of combined experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on exceptional value: quality that speaks for itself without the inflated price tag. Fittings are in person and unhurried, built around a conversation about how a garment should look, fit, and feel, from a standout velvet jacket to a quietly sharp business suit.

The York showroom is at Unit 3, Middlethorpe Business Park, Sim Balk Ln, YO23 2BD, open by appointment Monday to Saturday, 9:30–5:30.

The London showroom is at 35 Sackville Street, Mayfair, W1S 3EG, open by appointment only.

Yes. Fittings can take place at a client's home or office instead of a showroom, at no extra call-out fee.

Bespoke shirts start from £180, made from English and European mill cloths with a choice of over 60 collar and cuff styles.

A bespoke suit is cut to a client's own measurements rather than a standard size, through a multiple-fitting process designed to get the fit right before it's finished. Cloth, lining, buttons, and detailing are all chosen individually rather than fixed in advance.

This individual approach also means better quality and longevity. A bespoke suit is made to fit and move with you, making it a garment built to last for years, not seasons.

Yes, alongside our bespoke suits, we also make bespoke shirts, overcoats, velvet dinner jackets, and shooting attire. Whatever the garment, the same approach applies: an unhurried, in-person fitting process built around getting the look, fit, and feel exactly right.