Here in the South, Khakis are a way of life. We live in them – wearing them until they are falling apart, then reloading.
It’s also fair to say that there are different ‘levels’ or ‘categories’ of Khakis. For example – there are ‘beaters’ that you throw on with a t-shirt – basically sweat pants. Distinguishing features of the ‘beaters’ are very frayed edges, missing belt loops, acceptable stains (accompanied with a good story), small rips, tears, etc. They have been on a long hard ride, and are at the sunset of their journey.
Up a rung would be the ‘standards’. A ‘standard’ khaki is the fat part of the bell curve. These are khakis that you usually iron prior to wearing, but it isn’t a requirement. Some of the edges are starting to show wear, but there are no stains, and everything functions properly. These are ‘work’ Khakis – seen around offices and corporations on a daily basis. There are hundreds of options for ‘standard’ khakis, which has resulted in great debates around our parts.
Finally – there are the ‘business’ Khakis. These are the 100% cotton jobs that mean business. Folks that wear ‘business’ Khakis know what they are doing – especially if they are spending that kind of money on OTR-ish pants. These Khakis are a rare breed in the wild, but their population is growing, as more and more men are paying attention to the way the look – and dress. There is a noticeable difference is the way they look and feel. The material is more lush, and they usually have a more tailored fit than the typical ‘standard’ issue. On par with dress trousers – these are the adult version of Khakis. Enter Jack Donnelly Khakis:
You’ve seen mentions of Jack Donnelly Khakis in the past, but a ‘business’ review is in order. Jack Donnelly Khakis is an outfit based in Atlanta with an emphasis on Khakis. We had a great chat over a couple BBQ sandwiches recently – it’s refreshing to speak with someone who takes dressing well seriously, and wants to help men have more confidence in something as simple as a pair of Khakis. Believe me when I tell you – they want to develop relationships with their customers, not just be some financial transaction. Jack Donnelly understands that while their Khakis are an investment, after one pair you’ll be hooked.
Out of the bag, it’s obvious that the material is nice – soft to the touch, but sturdy enough to hold a crease. Nice touches with the alterable waistband and patterned fabric on the padded waistband. All Jack Donnelly khakis come unfinished, so your tailor can hem them to the perfect length. Prior to sending them to the tailor, I always wash and hang dry my Khakis – this gives the seams a chance to mature. Always do this to your Khakis as washing and/or drying will change the fit a bit.
Hanging Dry
Back from the tailor – in the plastic – ready for action
I’ve worn these a couple times since adding them to the rotation, and am very impressed. My first impression is that they feel more tailored or fitted than comparable ‘business’ Khakis. They have a lower rise, and the legs or leg openings aren’t as wide. The fabric is extremely soft, making it a very comfortable ride. They also hold their shape very well – they don’t stretch out towards the end of the day. I’m on board with these, folks. These mean business.
That said, the great folks at Jack Donnelly are offering up a pair, so enter the Jack Donnelly x Red Clay Soul ACC Championship Giveaway:
Guess the final score to the ACC Championship game – closest guess wins a FREE pair of Khakis from Jack Donnelly. Winner will be announced on the Sunday following the game.
Rules:
- ‘Like’ Red Clay Soul and Jack Donnelly on Facebook
- ‘Follow’ Red Clay Soul and Jack Donnelly on Twitter
- Leave a comment to this post with your score pick and an email address. If there are matching winning guesses, the first of the submission will be picked.
Va Tech- 27 Clempson- 17
Virginia Tech 31 Clemson 20
Clemson 24 – Va Tech 17
Clemson 23, VA Tech 20
Virginia Tech 34 – Clemson 31
Virginia Tech – 31
Clemson – 21
Virginia Tech 31 – Clemson 14
GO HOKIES!
Virginia Tech 21 Clemson 10
VT 28 Clemson 24
VT-24 Clemson-14
34-24 Tech
Clemson 34, VA Tech 27
Clemson 28
Va Tech 17
VT 34, Clemson 17
Va. Tech – 31
Clemson – 21
Clemson 27 VT 13
VT 24 – Clemson 10
VT 28
Clemson 17
lets go hokies!!!!!!!
hokies 24
Clemson 17
(and I hate the hokies)
Vt
VT 34 Clemson 20
Virginia Tech 31 Clemson 24
Virginia Tech 24, Clemson 14
VA TECH 24 – CLEM 21
Clemson 38, Va Tech 31
Clemson 30
VA Tech 28
VA TECH27 – CLEMSON17
VT – 37
Clemson – 17
Tech: 27
Clemson: 24
Somehow missed the first comment being the same…
VT 31 – Clemson 17
Clemson 28/ VT 27
VT – 34
Clemson – 14
34-17 Va Tech
I’m a Clemson alum, but I’ve got to be realistic here…
VT- 34
Clemson- 13
Va Tech 27
Clemson 20
Clemson 38
VT – 10
Send me those khakis, please.