Short bloke looking for formalwear on the cheap.

I'm quite lacking in the dress pants department and need a quick primer on what I need as my basics. I'm currently sporting some of the cheapest slim pants I got from ASOS and YD, which looks alright and didn't cost me much. But they are polyester-viscose pants and get disgustingly sticky on a 30-degree summer day. Plus they ball up after awhile.
So I need new pants…. probably cotton, maybe wool or even chinos.

Background: my sales job interview requires that I be on the same floor as the managers and execs. They look like the type of people who wear suits (except summer). Not required now, but I will be going down that path eventually if I land that job and I have money to spend on suits.

Oh, and there's one complication — I'm a pretty short bloke so I usually wear W30 and L30 pants, which are usually available in good quantity from UK-based retailers but here in australia everything seems to be W30 and L32, which means I have to get them tailored to make them look good.

where the hell can I buy pants that are

  • the right length
  • doesn't make me look like MC hammer with the flares and the low crotch. Most importantly they should be slim straight but not skinny
  • not too expensive (say $50 max?)
  • looks good
  • isn't too bloody hot in the australian summer heat?

Comments

  • Length shouldn't really be a problem, it's pretty easy to get them adjusted. I don't know about your location, but my local shopping centre has at least two places that do adjustments, and it costs less than $20.

    Not really sure on the rest though. It'd be harder to find a decent deal locally now that end of season sales have finished. Especially if you're looking for stuff beyond the cheap polyester / elastane from the likes of yd, Asos and Connor.

    Would chino's be a better option? Cotton, so lightweight and breathable, and generally cheaper. Pair it with appropriate shirts / shoes / belt / possibly lightweight sweater?

    If all else fails… does the place have airconditioning?

    • where would you buy the chinos from? Preferably one with a crease_so that it looks more formal?

      was looking at this
      http://www.boohoo.com/aus/trousers/slim-fit-chino-trousers/i…

      which looks pretty nice and the material is cotton as well

      • +1

        Have you had a look at Uniqlo? They have some pretty nice pants, cotton and everything. The image you linked didn't load for me, but I assume you're referring to pleats? If so Uniqlo has pleated pants on sale in the above link. Plus Uniqlo pants length are really long by default, so you can take advantage of their free alteration service (if they cost more than $29.90ea if I recall correctly/ or ~$6 for alterations).
        The GAP also has a chino range (something along the lines of 2 for $99 which suits your budget)with a variety of W and L sizes.

        • Not yet, but $20 dollars for a pant looks pretty good.

      • That looks good, like woollen trousers from far away, which is the ideal trousers if you can afford them. Try Oxford in DFO for woollen trousers to see if they meet your budget.

  • If it's suits, I suggest match the attire the execs in the office. Opened a few doors for me in early career. I recently bought surprisingly good quality suits for my wedding at Myer - Blaq brand - and they had 30 waist available. When their sales kick in you can get that brand for 50% off (keep an eye here for family and friends deals). It is a polyester blend, but however they made it, it really did breath and look like cotton. Surprisingly good quality so worth a look.

    Edit - always do the alteration on trouser length to tailor. My tailor is $12 for a hem

  • How about some Leg Lengthening?

    …"average" sized thinGs would ideAlly Then be available for you To benefit greAtly, espeCiAlly from OzBargain.
    And it would give you a promotion at work as well.
    It's the cheaper route, ultimately.

    Reach for the stars, every two inches counts!

    • +1

      What's with the Gattaca? Have you been watching the movie?

      • +1

        I put that in as an easter egg for people on OzB.
        Then I saw a stupid comment.
        So I came back, and bolded the letters to make it more obvious.

        The prize?
        First person to spot it gets one Internet Points!

        • +1

          Yay I get one Internet Point! xD

        • What is the cash value equivalent of such points?

        • @outlander:
          It fluctuates day to day, kinda like Dogecoins.

    • , several orthopaedists do not recommend that it be performed unless absolutely necessary. “I do not advocate it for cosmetic reasons because there can be complications such as infection and neurovascular complications because of the insertion, osteoporosis at the site of the fracture,” said Dr. Manish Dhawan, also a New Delhi orthopaedic surgeon.

      uhhh… no thanks. Lengthening my limbs just so I can stand a little taller at the risk of complications in my later years doesn't sound like a very good bargain for me.

      Oh, unless you know a coupon code to make the procedure 80% off?

      • +1

        I have one for 81% off… but the police said a table, hacksaw, and a piece of wood-and-nail don't qualify for the part.
        Next year, I'm considering adding vodka.
        Maybe even washing my hands.

        • Throw in weekly sponge baths and complimentary maggots, and you got your self a deal, Mister!

          SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!

  • Bottom shelves

    • What's that?

      • you said you were short, sorry bad joke

  • Tarocash used to have 30L pants, especially jeans. I'm not sure if they still do. Their clothing are a good fit if you're fit/slim. If there's a significant sale, especially for small sizes, then it might meet your budget.

    http://www.tarocash.com.au/Pants.aspx?pl&s=8http://www.taroc…

  • try van huesan online,
    i also bought pants from david Jones which were cheap and not bad

  • if you're in melbourne Dimmeys is stocking Pierre Cardin and Van Heusen trousers at the moment.

    Trade Secret is pretty good too.

    You just need to try them on. no way around it.

  • I buy suits from Charles Tyrwhitt (ctshirts.com.au) - great quality at a great price. I'm also fairly short (W32L32), so I get the shortest pants & jacket.

    You can order free samples of their fabric from their website.

  • Well damn I'm so glad I am not wearing my polyester pants today. 32 degrees and I'm sweating in my black jeans.

    And so much walking ahhggh

    BTW looks like I'm gonna get the job guys :)

  • I hear Kids clothes are a fair bit cheaper!

  • Have you tried the op-shops? Mens suits are really cheap in some op-shops, not so in others. Shop in retail stores first to get used to what's in fashion, and then head to the op-shop for a $2 suit jacket and $2 pants. At those prices you can afford to take them to a seamstress to take the pants leg up.

    Some op-shops are comparatively expensive, so ask locals which are the best ones to go to. Good quality men's suits are always in the op-shops, I got one for my partner for $4. Pin the shoulder pads in, turn inside out, and wash on gentle cycle in the washing machine, hang in shade.

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