Smart trousers that move with you: stretch, an elastic waist, fewer creases
A good smart trouser reads as tailoring and wears like something softer: a woven fabric with real stretch, a waistband you forget, and a fabric that creases less. Our TP 01 Essence 3.0 is a 285 g/m² twill with a relaxed waist and straight leg; the TP 02 Essence 2.0 is a 225 g/m² stretch weave, tapered, with an elastic waist; the TP 05 is wide and pleated.
A morning meeting, a long lunch, an afternoon at the desk, a train, a dinner that starts later than planned. One pair of trousers for all of it. At nine they need to look sharp. At nine in the evening they need to still look sharp, and you need to still be comfortable in them.
That is what we design our trousers for: the line of tailoring, the give of something softer. Here is how stretch, an elastic waist and a fabric that creases less make that possible, and which of our smart trousers fits your day.
Can smart trousers really be comfortable?
Yes, when the fabric and the waistband do the work. A woven fabric with real stretch moves with you; an elastic or relaxed waist means you never think about it; a fabric that creases less still looks right at the end of the day.
The TP 01 Essence 3.0 is the clearest example. Comfortable enough to erase the line between the office and the couch, and sharp enough for either. It is woven in a mid-weight twill at 285 g/m², which gives it structure and lets it fall right, and dyed after weaving for a deep, even colour.
What makes a trouser crease less?
The weave. Our Performance Stretch Weave, at 225 g/m², stretches, creases less and still looks sharp at the end of the day. It is the fabric of the TP 02 Essence 2.0, a trouser that reads as tailoring and wears like something softer.
The TP 02 has real stretch, an elasticated waist and belt loops for the days that ask for a belt. It is tapered: clean through the leg and narrower at the ankle. The 2.0 has a little more room and a new fabric that creases less. The same fabric makes the OS 02 Essence 2.0 overshirt, so the two can be worn as one.
The line of tailoring, the give of something softer.
Which smart trouser should you choose?
Choose by the shape you want under the knee and the day you have ahead.
| Model | Fabric | Fit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP 01 Essence 3.0 | Technical Stretch Twill, 285 g/m² | Relaxed waist, straight leg | Every day, from desk to dinner |
| TP 02 Essence 2.0 | Performance Stretch Weave, 225 g/m² | Tapered, elastic waist | Travel, long days, a soft suit |
| TP 05 Pleated Wide | Technical Drape Weave, 290 g/m² | Relaxed waist, wide fit, front pleats | A fuller line, office to evening |
| TP 04 Essence Chino | Softened cotton twill, 250 g/m² | Straight and relaxed, partly elastic waist | Weekends and easy days |
The TP 05 is full through the top and falls straight to the hem, with front pleats that give room through the thigh. Its fabric is soft to the touch and heavier in the hand, made for the way a wide trouser falls. It belongs at the office on a Friday and at the dinner table that same evening. Want a sharper, flat-front line instead? The TP 03 Essence is slightly slim with a mid rise, with a concealed zip and four integrated pockets.
How do you get the length right?
Check the fit note, because some of our trousers run long. The TP 01 Essence 3.0 and the TP 05 run long, so between sizes or with shorter legs, take the smaller one. The TP 02 is tapered; between sizes, take the bigger one. The TP 04 chino is straight and relaxed; between sizes, go one size down.
Let the hem end cleanly on the shoe. With sneakers, it just touches the shoe; with loafers, a little ankle is fine. For which shoe goes with which trouser, read which shoes with chinos, jeans or linen.
Which trouser is best for travel?
The one that creases least: the TP 02. It is also half of the Essence Suit: the JC 01 overshirt and the TP 02 trouser in the same cloth, made to be worn all day and packed the same night. Machine wash at 30°C, inside out. Wear it together, or split it into the rest of your wardrobe.
Why are some of our trousers on a third version?
Because we keep the shape and fix what isn't good enough. The TP 01 Essence is on its third version: more room at the crotch and legs, a better fall over the calf, a little neater and dressier. The TP 02 is on its second: a little more room, and a fabric that creases less. See what changed in Version after version, every fabric on our fabrics page, and how to wear a soft suit in sneakers with a suit.
Frequently asked questions
Do ETQ trousers have an elastic waist?
The TP 02 Essence 2.0 has an elasticated waist; the TP 01 Essence 3.0 and TP 05 have a relaxed waist; the TP 04 chino has a partly elastic waistband.
Which ETQ trouser creases least?
The TP 02 Essence 2.0, in our Performance Stretch Weave at 225 g/m².
Do ETQ trousers run long?
The TP 01 Essence 3.0 and the TP 05 run long. Between sizes or with shorter legs, take the smaller one.
What is the Essence Suit?
The JC 01 overshirt and the TP 02 trouser in the same cloth, made to be worn all day and packed the same night.
How do I wash the Essence Suit trousers?
The Essence Suit, including the TP 02 trouser, is machine washable at 30°C, inside out. Check the care label of each trouser.
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