Second-hand trousers for men: this is how you choose the right fit

Choosing second-hand trousers for men starts with the fit. Waist size alone is not enough. The seat, crotch, thigh, leg and length in particular determine whether trousers fit well. With vintage trousers, the proportions can also be clearly different than with modern models.

Start at the waist

The waistband should close comfortably without pinching your stomach. At the same time, you don't want the pants to fall off your hips without a belt.

Also pay attention to where the waistband is. Some vintage trousers are clearly cut higher than modern trousers. That is part of the model and can work nicely with a tucked-in shirt or waistcoat.

The seat should fall smoothly

You don't want strong horizontal drawstrings at the back, but you also don't want a large amount of loose fabric. Well-fitting trousers follow the seat without pulling tight.

A lot of excess fabric under the buttocks can mean that the pants are too loose or that the fit does not suit your body type.

Check the cross

The crotch is an important control point for second-hand trousers. The pants should provide sufficient room to move without hanging low and sloppily.

Also look for wear on the inside. Especially with used trousers, the crotch can become thin sooner than the rest of the fabric.

How wide can the upper leg be?

That depends on the cut. Classic trousers may have more room than modern slim-fit trousers. Vintage models from different decades can also be clearly straighter or wider.

Pants do not have to be tight along the thigh to fit properly.

Straight, tapered or wide leg

A straight leg remains fairly even from thigh to hem. A tapered model tapers towards the bottom. Older trousers may be wider or even slightly flared.

Choose the shape that matches your shoes and outerwear. A wider jacket or vintage jacket can be better balanced with slightly wider trousers than with an extremely narrow leg.

How long should trousers be?

The length is partly a matter of taste. Classic trousers can lightly touch the shoe and form a small bend; a more modern model may be shorter.

More importantly, the pants do not stack heavily on the shoe and the front and back fall neatly.

Cover or no cover?

Some trousers have a turn-up at the leg. This is a style characteristic and can be especially nice with more classic or vintage trousers. A cover adds visual weight to the bottom.

Leave it on if it matches the pants and the length is correct; removing it changes the ratio.

Note the fabric and condition

Check knees, seat, crotch, pocket edges and bottom of legs. This is where most wear and tear occurs. You also look for small holes in woolen trousers.

We only name material when the label or a reliable source confirms this. A fabric that feels like wool does not automatically have to be 100% wool.

Vintage trousers fit differently

An old size 48 or 50 is not automatically the same as a current size. In addition, trousers can be higher in the waist, wider in the thigh or cut differently in the crotch.

Therefore, work with real measurements and compare them with pants that already fit you well.

Can you have trousers altered?

Often yes. Adjusting length is usually relatively easy. Waist and seat can also sometimes be adjusted depending on how much fabric is available in the seams.

An incorrect basic shape at the crotch or thigh is more difficult. So don't buy purely on the idea that a tailor can solve everything.

Trousers with jacket

Loose trousers with a jacket is a strong smart-casual combination. Make sure the substance and formality roughly match. Smooth business trousers under a very casual tweed jacket can work, but require more attention than two textured fabrics.

Trousers with waistcoat

One waistcoat and trousers work well when the waist is high enough. With a classic waistcoat you want to see as little shirt as possible between the waistcoat and trousers.

Also read how tight should a waistcoat fit?.

Second-hand trousers at EcoGents

In our collection second hand and vintage trousers different cuts, sizes and periods are presented. Because size labels vary widely, we prefer to look at actual fit and measurements.

For broader quality control, also read recognize quality in second-hand men's clothing.