My love for khakis started at a young age. Unfortunately, I took an eight year hiatus. But in February 2010, I returned to the khaki world feeling more rejuvinated and confident than ever before. So why the transformation? And what's the deal with khakis?
A simple blog entry cannot possibly define such a perfect (un)pleated pant. Books have(nt) been written on the look and feel of the khaki movement. For what it's worth, I have decided to share my own take on these perfect pants and my own experience in purchasing a pair.
Few things inspire me more than a good pair of well-fitted khakis. I didn't realize this until I received an invite to a party via email from my good friend, Tiff: "This event is for the technology group- so it will mainly be dudes in khakis who, when in a celebratory mood like to discuss the merits of Windows 7 and what is taking IE 8.0 so long." Essentially, this email outlined some general principals guiding a "technie's" friday night attire. Somehow this resonated with me. I thought to myself, "though I don't fall under the definition of a techie, I do remember feeling like a million bucks in a pair of khakis. My interest in this technology group grew more than in the event itself. Who are these "dudes"? And who wears khakis? With that in mind, I confirmed my attendance and decided to purchase a pair for the party.
I spent the next day on the prowl. I was warned ahead of time, "be careful of the cut" and "mind the pleat." The cut is key. We must not forget that khakis are like ANY other pants. They need to look good in order to feel good. Don't be afraid to keep them a little above the waist. There is no shame in the khaki game. Discussions with friends revealed a harsh disliking for pleats among younger crowds. And since this is my generation, I opted for no pleats. Plus it's a cleaner look and I like that. Will pleats be the hottest thing since Rihanna's 2005 hit, "Pon de Replay?" It's very possible. But we're not there yet. So that's the end of that discussion. After taking three pairs into the dressing room I finally managed to find the one I liked. Or rather the khaki found me.
My big debut was the party. And it felt good. The versatility of the khaki is worth mentioning too. You could be having a power-brunch over some chilled melon or be playing a quick game of 9 hole golf with an associate. Regardless, nothing feels better on your skin than 100% cotton. Get out there. Get some khakis. You won't regret it.
