Can a middle aged man wear pink chinos?

Wednesday, 14 March 2012

When I started sailing over thirty years ago I noticed the beautifully faded red or pink sailing trousers worn by many old salts. My new chinos from Ted Baker exactly reproduce that colour. I bought a similar pair from Boden a few years ago, but they languished unworn in a drawer until they went off to a charity shop a few months ago. They didn't fit well and the pink was unrelentingly bright; no doubt they would have faded to a more attractive shade if I'd given them a chance.

There is a similar colour trouser (or pant) in the USA in the shape of Nantucket Reds. You can browse the collection here - I'd be tempted, but most shipments are a hefty $50.

And to answer the question in the title - why not? Pink trousers, pink socks, pink shirts, pink ties - bring them on! If you like a colour, wear it.

[For an alternative and highly entertaining view of red (and possibly pink) trousers, see here. Do you still feel the same way about them?]


FE Castleberry Collection
Mystic River Yacht Club



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17 comments

  1. Is it possible...21 March 2012 at 13:59

    Surely only a middle aged man can wear pink chinos.

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  2. Is it possible...21 March 2012 at 14:02

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  3. Grey Fox21 March 2012 at 14:02

    I'd have to think about that one. Thanks for the comment! GF

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  4. Bob Hanson6 April 2012 at 12:35

    You thread your belt through the loops clockwise? This seems dangerously unconventional – any particular reason?

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  5. Grey Fox11 April 2012 at 01:59

    I didn't know there were rules about that sort of thing! Thanks, GF.

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    Replies
    1. Mathew1 May 2012 at 20:44

      Neither did I.... I do them that way too. Now I'm curious.

      Delete
  6. Jim28 July 2012 at 10:17

    I always understood gents fastened their belts anti-clockwise, ladies clockwise.
    No idea where this came from though...

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    Replies
    1. Grey Fox28 July 2012 at 12:49

      I hadn't heard that one before - a bit like buttons being done up on different sides. GF

      Delete
  7. Baslowfisher30 July 2012 at 09:48

    also available from Orvis

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  8. The Stylederektor14 February 2013 at 06:15

    I purchased a pair of Ralph Lauren “ Nantucket Reds” at least twelve years ago. Over the years the fabric has become beautifully soft and the colour faded very slightly.

    Last year I was leaving Lord’s, wearing blazer, 'Nantucket Reds', a light blue shirt and MCC bow tie. A young man aged about 22 came up to me and said "very sharp sir" and I don't think he was being sarcastic! So yes - middle aged and above, they're a good look.

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  9. Heinz-Ulrich von Boffke24 June 2014 at 16:17

    Heck yeah!

    Best Regards,

    Heinz-Ulrich von B.

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  10. Anonymous3 August 2014 at 16:16

    Well I'm just about to find out for myself.

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  11. Anonymous3 August 2014 at 16:21

    I forgot to point out that it's entirely your fault I'm in this mess of being about to wear red trousers. Having bought a few pairs of chinos from Spoke on your recommendation I saw their faded reds on sale and jumped in.
    My wife thinks they will be great. I have tan loafers too, I am not from Nantucket...
    Chris

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  12. Grey Fox4 August 2014 at 00:50

    Well, good luck gentlemen - it's good to hear from men who are prepared to let their personalities shine through unaffected by cheap prejudices ;)

    GF

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  13. Anonymous13 August 2014 at 12:42

    Well my faded red chinos from Spoke had an outing today. Navy polo, chestnut loafers, no socks.
    No one fainted as I passed and I enjoyed wearing them, they certainly give things a lift.

    Despite other colours feeling decidedly dull in comparison, I will ration myself and not get carried away.

    My wife is coming around after her initial reservations and commented that the fit is very good, which as ever, is the key.
    Chris

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  14. Grey Fox13 August 2014 at 14:28

    Thanks for your comment, Chris and I'm delighted to hear this. Try bright blue next!

    Best wishes,
    GF

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  15. Chris17 August 2014 at 02:14

    i'll let her get over the shock of these reds before I do anything else. :-)

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