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I’ll be the first to admit: I’m not big on shopping for clothes. My best garb often comes from those vintage picks I’ve pilfered from relatives’ closets (my style has been described as “Grandpa Chic”), and I tend to wear the same outfit so many times, friends have not-so-jokingly called it my “uniform.” So when I came across Western Rise, the men’s apparel brand describing its slacks as “The Last Pants You’ll Need,” they had my attention—and after taking three of them for a spin, they had my heart. Read on to learn which of the stylish performance-clothing brand’s bottoms will be right for you—and don’t be surprised if it turns out to be all three.
Sliding into the set of AT Slim Pants (pictured above with Western Rise's Merino Button-Down), I immediately gained a newfound appreciation for high-tech fabric. Designed for everyday wear with 97% air-texturized Nylon and 3% Spandex, the pants felt light and sturdy, but with a stretch that put a veritable glide in my stride. They made my regular jeans feel heavy by comparison, even though the woven canvas material is apparently 5x more durable than denim.
Another technical touch that tickled my fancy was the secret zip on the back pocket, giving my wallet an extra layer of protection from any hopeful pickpockets. I also got a chance to test the “Nano-scale C6 durable water repellent treatment” when taking out the trash during a downpour. The droplets magically beaded up without soaking through, leaving me fly and dry. Perhaps that C6 treatment is what accounts for the snow-pants-like “swish” sound I was hearing in my first few strides—but a day later, they were fully broken-in, and it was smooth sailing from there. If it weren’t for the other two pairs, I might not have ever taken them off...
This one’s name seems appropriate, as the Evolution Pant felt like the next generation of the AT Slim. Significantly lighter in weight, the material somehow felt no less durable in any way. That’s because its woven twill utilizes Supplex® nylon technology, giving the pants a slight stretch that doesn’t diminish their rugged strength. They’re even “abrasive resistant,” which means they’ll stand up to any scratches that might come from a walk in the woods—or (more likely, in my case) a feisty feline looking to play.
I got the Evolution Pant in khaki so I could stride into any business-casual scene in style, and the cut of these does indeed make them ready to replace any chinos you’d usually pair with a button-down. I’ve also worn them with boots and Oxfords alike, cuffed or rolled down, and their versatility definitely stands up tests of both form and function. I’m thinking these will serve me well in hotter seasons, when a slightly lighter material will help keep me feeling (and looking) plenty cool.
Let me preface this one by saying I’ve never, ever been a skinny-jeans type of guy. I already look like I’ve skipped every available leg day at the gym, and have never understood the fashion trend that seems to trade comfort for constriction.
So you can imagine how ridiculously comfortable Western Rise’s Diversion Pant must be for me to be instantly converted. It’s all because of their super stretchy material: a two-layer double weave that “combines the face of a durable nylon canvas work pant with the interior dobby weave of a pair of sweatpants.” It’s an apt comparison: whether I had my feet up on the desk, was out for a grocery run, or was bopping around the kitchen prepping dinner, these things made for easy movement of all kinds, just like sweats—but form-fitting and flexible, not baggy and shabby.
I basically forgot I was wearing them (just like I did with Western Rise’s Session Tee, also highly recommended), only conscious of the pants when once again amazed at the four-way stretch from their interwoven elastane. They fit like a glove, if the glove was crafted by the guy who made Spiderman’s bodysuit. Indeed, I felt ready to climb buildings, dodge bullets, and swing damsels to safety—and even if I was only destined to sear a steak, at least I’d be doing it in superlative style.
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Here’s the bottom line on these bottoms: they must be worn to be believed. With their seamless blend of high-tech function and high-quality fashion, I expect Western Rise’s pants to last me for a long, long time. If you’re looking for your next (and last) pair of comfortable, durable slacks, definitely start by giving one of the above a try.
