Ask a Picky Guy: Pleated Linen Trousers That Are Nicer Than J.Crew? (But Not $400)
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Whether he’stesting the strongest cordless vacuum ever made,learning about tablesapes from chef Daniel Boulud’s architect,or sharinghis favorite spots in Midcoast Maine, senior writer Michael Zhao has quickly become the Strategist’s resident picky guy. He’s here to answer your questions about men’s style, highly specific appliance hunts, impossible gifting assignments, and whatever else you need a picky guy’s take on. Send your questions to pickyguy@nymag.com.
“I’m looking for some wide-leg, pleated, and slightly dressy linen trousers that are nicer than J.Crew but less than $400.Evan Kinorion a budget, basically.”
In addition to being wide and pleated, Evan Kinori’s pants are subtly tapered toward the hem and sewn from a stiff cloth that holds its shape. I’ve tried them on but have found that I prefer my wide pants with a flow-y drape because, as shirt designerErin Reitz pointed out, barrel legs don’t often flatter taller figures.
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Although slightly more than $400, I think these made–in–New York trousers are a great alternative. The double-pleated, overdyed suiting linen will give you the visible texture Kinori’s pants are known for but will have a more flowing drape than the stiffer fabrics he favors.
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I’ve been buying 18east’s wide pants for years, and its made-in-India Tino offers a similar design at a lower price. The elastic waistband only extends across the back, providing comfort without affecting the drape of the double-pleated front. It also makes it easier to size up or down — I’m wearing a large, below, but would typically be a medium.
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The Kell pants are cut from a stiffer slubby cotton-canvas and darted near the hems, giving them a more barrel profile that’s similar to Kinori’s. I’m wearing a medium.
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Sizing up in these Todd Snyder trousers makes them about as wide as the other pants on this list, but they’re made from a much lighter cloth. Very flowy, very breathable, and very on sale at the moment. I’m wearing a 32x32.
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3Sixteen is best known for its straight-cut selvedge denim jeans, but its collection has slowly expanded over the years to include some impressive shirting and other kinds of pants, including these garment-dyed pleated linen trousers.
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These French-made flat-front trousers come recommended by clothing designer Erin Reitz and restaurateur Brooks Reitz, whoshare the same pair. “They’re great if you’re looking for more volume than a straight leg but aren’t ready for a barrel leg,” says Brooks. Erin likes that they aren’t as curvy as most barrel legs, which better suits her tall figure.
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If you like this shape and decide you want a few more knock-around pairs, these Uniqlo C pants have become a go-to of mine since trying them on forSecretStrategist. The basic twill material is nothing special, but the silhouette and drape are amazing for the price.
“Are there any non-Rapha sources for nicer cycling jerseys?”
It is my strong belief that unless you are regularly attending group road rides with experienced cyclists who know how to draft, you don’t need a skintight jersey and bib to enjoy riding your bike. That said, sometimes putting on an outfit is part of the fun. And nicer kits definitely feel better against bare skin than cheaper ones. I haven’t been wearing these much lately, but I have my favorites from when I was riding more seriously, and I also asked some of the more dedicated riders in my circle for their latest recommendations.
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Velocio made its name as one of the first cycling-apparel companies to focus on women’s kits as much as men’s. It makes most of its products — including its budget-friendly One line — in Italy and Eastern Europe out of Italian-milled fabrics that have a satiny, luxurious hand and ample stretch. I find its jerseys fit true to size but prefer to size up for the vests and jackets.
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Distance cyclistIan Kizu-Blairswears by his Voler kits. The company makes each jersey to order in America yet sells them for about half the price of a comparable made-in-ChinaRapha Core jersey. They come in more colors, too.
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If you want something with an edgier aesthetic, look to Ornot. It regularly releases limited drops made from experimental and deadstock materials under itsSpecial Projectssection. This color-blocked mesh jersey is cut from Polartec Delta, which amplifies your body’s evaporative cooling capabilities in hot weather.
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7Mesh is like if the CEO of Arc’teryx decided to start a cycling brand, because that’s exactly what happened here. It has been gaining a cult following among cycling gearheads who care more about performance than trendy design. “They’re just quietly making killer gear and not trying to be all that loud about it,” says UC Davis active modality managerJeffrey Bruchez.
“I bought myRoom and Board Hudson walnut bed frameover ten years ago and regret not getting the matchingC-shaped, single-drawer nightstands, which are now too expensive for my budget. The only other one I’ve found is theDWR Matera, which costs even more. Are there any more affordable alternatives that don’t look and feel cheap?”
Due to a combination of misguided tariff policies and rising shipping costs, high-quality furniture has just gotten really expensive,even when it’s made in America. I’ve found a few good alternatives below, but even if the design and build quality are comparable, the stain may be slightly off. If that’s going to bother you, I’d look into using a buy-now-pay-later option to afford the ones you actually want, lest you regret your choice for another decade.
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Raymour & Flanigan lacks the cachet of a DWR-stocked brand, but it’s been selling solid furniture at relatively affordable prices since 1947. The Aversa nightstand looks similar to the Matera but has a slightly bulkier design that offers more storage. It’s made from a combination of Asian hardwood and MDF board, covered in walnut veneers, and — at 44 pounds — only 3 pounds lighter than the Matera. The light-cherry stain looks similar to your bed’s walnut finish. Senior editor Winnie Yang checked it out at a nearby showroom and felt it was solid for the price, even if the drawer sliders felt a bit rattly.
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If 28 inches isn’t too wide, then CB2’s Tavola would be a safe choice. Yes, $600 isn’t that cheap, but I’ve bought a lot of CB2 pieces over the years — both used and new — and have always been satisfied with the build quality. At 75 pounds, this thing is definitely built to last.
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If you prefer the metal-frame design of the Hudson, then this is the best option I’ve found. Perigold is like the higher-end version of Wayfair, and many of its pieces, including this one, come backed by a warranty that covers commercial use. It’s made from a combination of mango hardwood and MDF, not walnut, but the color comes close.
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If you’re open to a slightly different design, consider these semicircular West Elm nightstands. I’ve had mixed experiences with West Elm’s build quality over the years, but these are part of itsContract Gradecollection (for hospitality use) and rated to support up to 260 pounds of weight.
What I’m wearing: dad sunglasses, real Madras shirts, and more slip-ons
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Warby Parker Cliff Sport Sunglasses
This summer, I haven’t found the time to recommit to running as I’d initially intended. But I have been wearing Warby Parker’s new Italian-made running glasses everywhere. They kinda look like something from a Twitter reply-guy’s avatar — “reminiscent of the pairs your high-school soccer coaches wore or those you might find at a gas station,” as Strategist contributor Katie Snyder wrote more charitably inher review— but they stay on my low-bridge nose better than any other glasses I own.
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Kartik Research, Bode, Original Madras Trading Company, and 18 East have long been champions of Indian textile manufacturing in menswear, but even mall brands are now getting onboard. It’s a big part of whyBanana Republic is suddenly good again. And Indian production is also behind J.Crew’s pivot to using real Chennai-woven madras fabric in its short-sleeve shirts — instead of the printed cotton it has been using for decades. I’ve been wearing this one all summer and loving how soft and breathable it is, compared to similarly lightweight linen.
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This is my first pair of Crocs since I last worked in a kitchen (seven years ago), and I’ve dubbed them “ParaCrocs,” since they look like the Paraboot Michael Tyrolean derby shoe. They feel just like normal Crocs, except they look nicer with jeans — or wide-pleated trousers, for that matter.
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I’ve been seeing theseNorth Face hikersaround at parties in recent months, but the slip-on version looks even better. The beige body contrasts nicely with the black elastic, and the marigold pull-tabs echo the Vibram logo on the heel. If the toe box were just a bit wider, they’d be my go-to shoes for the fall, but as they stand, they’re better for a narrower foot.
One more thing: The book every expecting dad (or other non-birth parent) should read
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The single best piece of advice I’ve received as a dad-to-be was to read this book. It’s a comprehensive yet readable guide to supporting one’s partner through every stage of their pregnancy and birthing journey. Author and birth educator Penny Simkin draws on her decades of experience, informed by the latest medical research, to provide clear, actionable, and empathetic advice on how to handle all potential outcomes, converting my anxieties into preparedness. It’s been an invaluable resource for framing conversations with my wife’s obstetrician and developing our birth plan. We ended up taking a weekendlong birth class anyway, just in case, only to discover that it covered all the same topics in less detail.
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