It is impossible to do one post that highlights Patagonia. I am a huge fan of all of their stuff – Snap Ts, Baggies, Polos… and especially the Stand Up shorts. Is ‘legendary’ an appropriate word to use for these? I think they are bulletproof. I became introduce to these while pledging, and have been wearing them ever since. They started like this:
And would wear in like this (extra kudos if you wore a hole in them):
They (used to) make Stand Up pants as well. I grew out of mine and haven’t found a replacement pair. The hunt continues…
It’s hard to throw the shorts away – the older they get, the better they wear. There is debate – the 5″ or the 7″ inseam – either way works. One thing that I wish Patagonia would do is offer more color variety. Today they offer Retro Khaki (old faithful), Alpaca Brown, Smoke, and Alpha Green. All good choices, but remember some of these jewels?:
Heritage Blue
Rust (I think)
A variety pack – the Smoke and Olive staples, but lime green, heritage blue, and white.
The most elusive color: redIt’s hard to pinpoint the best part about these shorts: the heavy canvas, the back pockets, or the distinctive way they look after years of use. They have a cult following; once you own a pair – you’ll know what we’re talking about.
(Images: Google Image Search)
There was a great steel blue/gray color called Pewter maybe 6-7 years ago, have worn mine out and waiting for them to reissue.
I'm a huge patagonia fan myself!
So far as a stand-up pants replacement–the best stand-in I've found is the Mountain Khakis Original Alpine Pant. Not a perfect stand-in, but a gap filler none the less.
I had quite a few pairs in college and wore them all out when I moved to Charleston. Fishing and drinking all day and night are tough on stand-ups.
@Matt – I remember those. Great color (that they should bring back…)
@ Anon – I have a pair of the MH Alpine Pants – great stuff.
@ Duck – I can't think of a better place to wear out Stand Ups than Charleston.
I love these shorts, but I never know what to wear them with. I'd feel weird wearing them with a polo or oxford. Just a pocket T?
http://cgi.ebay.com/VINTAGE-DEADSTOCK-PATAGONIA-STAND-UP-PANTS-SIZE-40-/290558762156?pt=US_CSA_MC_Pants&hash=item43a6a6dcac#ht_2674wt_1139
There are your stand up pants
Although the stand up shorts are a staple, I wish the stretch band cotton shorts came back:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Patagonia-Mens-M-Cotton-Shorts-/130511310723?pt=US_Mens_Athleticwear&hash=item1e63148f83#ht_2798wt_905
Kinnucans in Oxford had standup pants earlier this year, I would assume that all of their other locations did as well.
Long fleshlight sleeves offer the most safety and often have a traditional look.
@JRS I am not sure if I love you site or hate it. So many of your posts have lead to purchases. The 7″ stand ups being the most recent.I received my pair this week and fell in love the first time I wore them. Like my Orvis Ultimate Khaki which are the only pants I wear to the office I think the stand ups will becoming my only shorts.