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Member since 3/28/08
Posts: 2333
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Posted on: 2/10/09 5:12 PM ET
I need to replace my favoritest pants that are falling apart. For a pair of basic black trousers, to wear to work and maybe out once in a while, what do y'all recommend?

- Comfortable in at least 3 seasons
- relatively wrinkle-free
- hangs nicely
- no special washing
- irons nicely
- maybe has a slight bit of stretch but not too much
- holds color

I'm willing to compromise on some things, like the washing--if it has to be hang-dried that's OK. I don't really want to mess with dry cleaning though.
  
Member since 12/28/04
Posts: 13915
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Posted on: 2/10/09 6:35 PM ET
In reply to FirecrackerKTM
Rayon poly lycra, or RPL is a good all around woven (not a knit) with good drape for pants. Not all are created equal and it is often hard to find good quality. A rayon crepe is also a nice fabric with good drape. You can probably wash both, but the first needs to be tested and if it shrinks a lot, needs to be washed again. Both will iron nicely.

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www.nancyksews.blogspot.com
  
Member since 1/20/08
Posts: 1301
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Posted on: 2/10/09 6:46 PM ET
In reply to Nancy K
I agree. I got some RPL last year from Gorgeous Fabrics and I love it. I made a pair of pants and a pencil skirt from what was left, and I have worn them to death.

Edited to add a link: RPL at Gorgeous Fabrics
-- Edited on 2/10/09 6:53 PM --
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Michelle

http://cheapandpicky.blogspot.com/
  
Member since 3/28/08
Posts: 2333
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Posted on: 2/10/09 7:01 PM ET
Ehh, I had some RPL that pilled REALLY bad. I don't know how to tell whether it will or not. Is price the only way to know?
  
Member since 9/29/02
Posts: 3237
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Posted on: 2/10/09 9:51 PM ET
Firecracker, I have to agree with you on RPL. Some is terrific and some not so. I just wore a pair of new RPL slacks today and they wrinkled far more than I think is necessary! It was good quality fabric from a good source so I have no clue how you select 'the good stuff.'
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Patti

R-r-r-ripping my way to fitting success
  
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Member since 7/30/02
Posts: 8991
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Posted on: 2/11/09 7:40 AM ET
I'm a big fan of moleskin - the polyester version. It looks a little like suede on the right side. The wrong side is smooth and a bit shiny. Wears like iron, resists wrinkling, can wear it in almost any weather, washes nicely, dressy enough for the office, has a bit of stretch. I recently made my DSis a pair of pants and was going to use RPL, but ended up with moleskin instead.

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With a great wardrobe that's still in the flat-fabric stage.
  
Member since 3/28/08
Posts: 2333
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Posted on: 2/11/09 7:51 AM ET
Oh interesting. I haven't tried that. I had thought it would be too "floppy," but the right pattern would be OK.
  
Member since 6/22/04
Posts: 4602
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Posted on: 2/11/09 8:35 AM ET
In reply to FirecrackerKTM
Ugh, there are some horrible RPL's out in the world in yardage as well as RTW...and there are some amazing ones that fulfill our every wish for pants fabric.

Do you wear brown? Fabric Mart has an RPL that feels like it it one of the amazing ones on this page. It is described as "604108 58” Poly ester/Rayon/Lycra Polyester Gabardine Chocolate Brown Sample Cut Price: $1.99 per yard". As a member of the sample cut club I get swatches mailed to me but I think non-members can order from that category. And with a 20% off sale how can one go wrong! Fabric Mart has such an odd assortment of fabrics but overall I would say they have some of the best quality around.

I agree with Ann about the moleskin, it is indestructible and looks surprisingly good. JoAnn has a textured one that is a little heavier. Still, I much prefer a good RPL, softer and more comfortable to wear and I think it looks much nicer.
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Liz

thefittinglife.blogspot.com
  
Member since 12/13/07
Posts: 826
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Posted on: 2/11/09 10:40 AM ET
Yes, non-members can order. You suckered me right in (yeah, wasn't really that much of a challenge). And you still get the 20% off and the bonus points. And 10 other yards of fabric - no, wait, that was me with the mouse.
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7941
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Posted on: 2/11/09 10:44 AM ET
In reply to FirecrackerKTM
Polyester Gabardine. I have several pairs of nice pants with this wonderful fabric. It's truly "wash and wear". You don't have to put it in the dryer if you don't want to. It's durable, has a slight bit of stretch because it's polyester, and certainly holds its color. Once a crease is pressed in the leg, it stays there; like iron. And it's very easy to sew with! If I could wear this year round, I would! (Hmmm. Maybe I could use flannel to line it.)

ETA: Liz's link is the stuff I'm talking about. I have a sample of it, and it's divine!
-- Edited on 2/11/09 10:58 AM --
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"Play the cards you are dealt, but choose who is sitting at the table"..AARP magazine

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