Wool flannel trousers and durability
Hello, I have switched to wearing wool flannel trousers during the colder days of the year. I like that they are warm and can be dressed down since I don’t usually have a reason to dress formally. Unfortunately, I’m experiencing durability issues.
My pair from Bonobos developed pilling near the crotch which I chalked to Bonobos being a lower quality vendor. But, now my pair from O’Connells has developed a pretty big hole. I called them and they offered to repair it for free but I would be responsible for shipping both ways. They said that it’s normal for the weave.
Is this true? Should I be looking for a different weave? Or should I be looking for a different fit?
7 Replies
is this hole also near the crotch?
Yes, it’s in the crotch area but slightly towards the rear.
wool fabrics are going to vary a ton in durability depending on the weight, weave, etc. as they've mentioned. Hardier country fabrics like tweeds and flannels and looser fits can help alleviate that.
It used to be that when you bought a suit you'd buy two pairs of trousers or just a bit of extra fabric for repairs but these days people don't usually wear suits that often or walk that much in them for it to matter.
You might be an exception here. I'd personally take them up on their offer to repair it for free. A local tailor likely can repair it but a patch would be easiest and cheapest for them. Reweaving the fabric will likely cost the same as shipping
crotch blowouts on multiple pants makes it sound like theyre too tight or youre wearing them too high
Thank you for your detailed response! That was very helpful.
I guess I do walk a lot since I live in NYC and we walk around a lot. Sounds like I shouldn’t be wearing them as a daily driver?
Turns out my trousers are 12 ounce Donegal Tweed, not flannel like I thought initially. Is that too lightweight for durability?
The fit could be an issue like you said. The trousers are not super tight, but I do have bigger thighs. I’ll take them to my tailor and see what he recommends.
as beans said, good quality repairs are expensive, so shipping both ways doesn't sound bad
I think they are going to patch it either way since it’s not in a visible area.
Thanks everyone for your advice! My tailor said that it’s most likely because of my gait rather than the fit. The bad news is this will happen to any pair of pants. The good news is that he has the exact same fabric to patch it because he also makes suits and trousers from scratch.