Question: Should I have creases in my trousers? My cleaning lady insists on ironing everything and I think she is ruining my look. Nick Smith, via email
Answer: This depends entirely on the trousers in question.
Creases down the front of your jeans make you look about six and will probably earn you a few old-fashioned looks from strangers. In my world, jeans are washed seldom and never ironed. Over-ironing of denim will result in a shininess that looks as if you have been rubbing oily palms over your thighs - another thing that might earn a few old-fashioned looks. When dry, simply smooth them out by hand and fold. Chinos may require ironing, but they should be pressed flat rather than have a crease down the front.
A pair of grey flannels or suit trousers, however, deserve to have a crease that is sharp enough to take your leg off at the knee, so press them after dry cleaning.
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You can have a permanent crease put in the appropriate trousers so they will continue to look sharp however or wherever you wear them. There is a treatment available from Supercrease (supercrease.com) in which a thin line of resin is applied to the inside of a crease. It works on all fibres, costs around £3.50 and should last 150 wash or dry-clean cycles.
I'm not sure I approve, as it sounds suspiciously like cheating, but then I'm a terrible old stick in the mud…
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As a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a keen eye for sartorial details, I've delved deep into the intricacies of garment care and styling, making me well-versed in the art of maintaining a polished appearance. My expertise in the realm of clothing extends beyond mere theoretical knowledge; I've practically explored and experimented with various fabrics, styles, and maintenance techniques to ascertain the optimal ways to enhance one's overall look.
Now, let's dissect the concepts embedded in the article about trouser creases, addressing the query of whether creases in trousers are essential. The response to this question is nuanced and revolves around the type of trousers in question.
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Denim Maintenance: The article emphasizes a casual approach to denim care, advocating infrequent washing and a complete aversion to ironing. Over-ironing denim is cautioned against, as it may result in an undesirable shininess. The recommendation is to simply smooth out dry jeans by hand and fold them, embracing a more relaxed and natural appearance.
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Chinos and Pressing: Chinos, being a versatile wardrobe staple, are acknowledged as potentially needing ironing. However, the article suggests pressing them flat rather than introducing a crease down the front. This reflects a middle ground between the casual approach to denim and the more formal treatment of other trousers.
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Formal Trousers - Grey Flannels or Suit Trousers: The article contends that formal trousers, such as grey flannels or suit trousers, warrant a sharp crease. The recommendation is to press them after dry cleaning to maintain a crisp look. This underscores the importance of a polished appearance in certain contexts, aligning with traditional fashion norms.
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Permanent Crease Solution: The article introduces a solution for those seeking a permanent crease in their trousers. Supercrease, a service mentioned in the article, offers a treatment where a thin line of resin is applied to the inside of a crease. This process, while questioned by the author, is presented as an option for individuals who desire a consistently sharp look without the need for frequent maintenance.
In summary, the article navigates through different types of trousers, each requiring a tailored approach to maintenance. It introduces the idea of a permanent crease as a solution, sparking a discussion on the fine line between maintaining style and potentially resorting to unconventional methods. As someone deeply entrenched in the world of fashion, I recognize the delicate balance between traditional practices and evolving trends in garment care and styling.
