What are five-pockets anyway? In a nutshell, it’s the cut and shape of a pair of jeans but made of a non-denim fabric such as a cotton twill or even a washed canvas. The material makes them a notch more versatile than a pair of jeans, and the relaxed shape lends to a more dressed down (and from our perspective a more interesting) garment than say a chino. Five-pockets are basically a marriage of a jean and a chino - definitely one of our favorite go-to’s for updating a wardrobe in any season.
The History Behind Them
In 1871, tailor Levi Strauss and riveter Jacob Davis teamed up to create a hardy trouser made of denim during the gold rush – and the first pair of jeans were born.
Over the years, as jeans crossed from workwear to more of a style garment, designers experimented with different fabrics and fits. They were looking for a style that felt like jeans to wear but looked like chinos – and the first pair of five-pocket trousers were introduced to the market. And people have been loving them ever since.
Why We Love Them
We love five-pockets because they are one of the most versatile garments in a closet. They're a hybrid trouser, which means you can pull them out to wear with that trusty t-shirt you’ve had since college or that amazing new sport coat you just purchased. Dress up or dress down.
They’re also wearable year-round and perfect for that in-between weather. Because they are a little bit lighter weight than a denim, you don’t mind quite as much if that sun makes an unexpected appearance!
How To Wear Them Well
As we are approaching the start to Spring, we’d like to focus on the best way to wear your favorite five-pockets this upcoming season. Here are just a few of our favorite ways to wear them well.
- Five-pockets with a great seasonal soft or sport coat is the perfect combination to wear this Spring to the office. We love the look with a crisp white sport shirt and off-setting belt with a nice loafer. We suggest a muted five-pocket color – sticking with your grey’s and brown’s for the office is the way to go here. We have some great selections by JBrand that are sure to please.
- For those nice spring and summer evenings, a cotton/linen blend five-pocket with a lightweight cardigan or the perfect white tee (Cotton Citizens has a great one) is ideal. We just got in an amazing linen-blend style from Raleigh Denim in a beautiful slate hue – perfect all season long!
- Now, for those Saturday mornings you just don’t feel like getting dressed but have to, try out our favorite French terry five-pockets from JBrand. These feel like sweat pants but have the shape and fit of a jean. Perfectly paired with a t-shirt and cool sneaker for those Saturday morning coffee runs.
- On a last note, we love a five-pocket that can stand on its own. A great summer green or marlin blue are perfect colors to make a subtle yet bold statement. We like to pair bold colored five-pockets with muted solids whether a great crisp sport shirt or even an unconstructed soft coat. Pair with an off-setting belt (preferably a cognac or even a snuff suede) to pull the look together.
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