How To Wear Printed Legwear

Statement Legwear

If the past few season’s runways are anything to go by, we’ve been given a firm message that we all could do with a little print and pattern in our lives. While many a conservative gent will wince at the idea of donning florals, at the opposite end of the spectrum, there are others who are happy to go the whole hog with head-to-toe geometrics. Here at FashionBeans, we’re of the attitude that menswear should be a considered affair, and aim to strike the perfect balance between trend-led and classic. With this in mind, we’re exploring SS14’s printed legwear trend to show that by adopting a pattern on your southern-half you can make a modern statement, with or without shouting about it…

Printed Casual Trousers

By far the easiest way to work printed legwear into your style regimen is with a casual trouser. From runway to high street, designers and brands are pushing aside solid tones in favour of something with a bit more punch this season. Chinos, a perennial favourite, have been re-imagined in a range of patterns, including geometric, floral and camouflage. Labels such as Zara, Edwin and Ralph Lauren offer a succinct mix of printed chino styles to break up the ubiquitous monotone and pastel shades, while Hentsch Man’s Moire carrot trousers are a relaxed yet bold choice that are perfect for summer. Back in the 1990s, printed denim was big news, with luxury labels such as Jean Paul Gaultier offering graphic, impact designs that were for the truly fashion forward. Now, with the 1990s trending again, printed jeans have returned – Paris brand Ami’s eye-catching foliage print jeans are the perfect case in point. Sweatpants have left the confines of the gym to become a dress-down and dress-up staple, with the industry continuing to push sports luxe aesthetics. These athletic trousers have not escaped the print trend either, with the patterns bringing a new dimension to this most casual of styles. Versace Versus’ graphic, jungle print sweatpants are just the ticket for the more daring style connoisseur, while Kolor’s hem print design is a more subtle choice.

• Topman Black Dogtooth Print Spray On Skinny Jeans
• Huf Floral Sweatpants
• Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Jeans Low Crotch Slim Tapered All Over Orb Print
• He By Mango Slim-fit Printed Garment-dyed Chinos
• Denim & Supply Ralph Lauren Slim-fit Camouflage Chinos
• Gap Lived-in Slim Camo Pant
• Reiss’ selection of clean, fifties-inspired Cuban collar shirts will look sharp when paired with patterned shorts and help really set off the print. Summer footwear is all about sandals and slip-ons: a bi-colour minimalist pair of Marni or Topman sandals are just the ticket, while Castaner, Rivieras and United Nude offer espadrilles and plimsolls in a range of solid hues and statement patterns that will complement your printed shorts.

  

  Final Word

  It’s obvious to the shrewd style observer that the print trend continues to gain momentum season after season – and it looks like it won’t be waning for some time. Printed legwear is a genre that has something for everyone: stand out botanical trousers for the statement-makers, and subtle micro-print shorts for the more restrained gent. In a world where men’s wardrobes are traditionally dominated by solid tones and muted hues, a dash of pattern will offer a fresh perspective and help rejuvenate your personal style. So, what are your favourite printed legwear looks? Have you invested in any of the key prints and styles this season? As usual, we welcome your thoughts in the comments section below…