*Feature image via VEER
A reader asks:
“I recently interviewed for a position at a distribution office where I was surprised to learn that they have a no metal policy. Meaning, that if hired, I wouldn’t be allowed to wear any clothing containing metal. No metal belts, buttons, zippers, clasps, grommets on shoes, etc. Being the dapper butch that I am, this news was slightly concerning. I’m pretty sure every pant I own has metallic buttons and zippers on them. Short of resorting to wearing workout attire and/or scrubs, are there any dapper (particularly pant) options that you can think of that do not contain metal components? With exception of “butch leggings” that I saw the recent Autostraddle article for, I’m kind of stumped. Not sure I’m a butch leggings every day of the week kind of gal. Please help!”
Well, don’t knock workout attire just yet. Fortunately for you, designer sweats are all the rage right now. (Just ask Esquire and GQ magazines….Oh, and us…we’ve said sweatpants can be dapper) Take for example:
From left to right: via Esquire, Steven Alan, and GQ
The key is how you style sweats, as seen on the runways of Band of Outsiders, Steven Alan, Shades of Grey, Michael-Bastian, Todd Snyder, and Bespoken. You can also purchase fashion-forward sweats from brands that specifically design menswear inspired clothing for the unconventionally masculine, such as VEER and Wildfang. If the waist ties have mental tabs on the end, you can simply cut them off.
Yes, these are sweatpants by Band of Outsiders
Also Band of Outsiders sweats!
Image via Closet Freaks
via John Simon Daily
via The Block
via Esquire
If we still haven’t sold you on dapper sweatpant ensembles, then opt for twill pants with Velcro closures, which you can find at places like Buck & Buck or Cover Up Shop Adaptive Clothing.
Velcro closure Buck & Buck twill pants