Swedish Work Trousers, Gray, Surplus

These are thick, durable pants. However, of the two pairs I got, one had metal buttons that were covered in what looks like limescale and both ran quite large. So, you will be winning no style points with these. Order a little bit smaller than your usual.

I had mixed feelings when I pulled these trousers out of the parcel. They are classic work trousers, which means they are tough as old nails, and look about as good, too. I originally ordered a size 92 (the last one!) but somewhere between the warehouse and my mailbox the trousers disappeared! The Varusteleka crew were awesome and sent me a replacement free of charge (a size 96). So, I was quite anxious to get my hands on these trousers when they finally arrived. Caveat emptor. The pair I received looked like they had been through at least one war. There were two large patches on the rear of the cuffs where a previous owner had rather amateurishly patched some serious wear and tear. Several spots on the legs, and one on the crotch, had been patched with heavy duty thread (a dark green thread that unfortunately is quite visible at any distance - I guess the Swedes only make their thread in one color?). There were several small rust stains on various places and the fabric was quite faded. The buttons were all firmly sewn on and only slightly oxidized with a gray/green patina. The whole kit has that fine musky warehouse aroma. I assume that the exemplars used in the photos on the website are on the spotless end of the spectrum. My pair looked as if they had at least three previous owners. I would not recommend these if you are looking for something casual to wear out and about on the town right out of the parcel. They are not pretty -not even as pretty as the ones in the pictures. However, these trousers feel like they will last another three or four decades if cared for and modified slightly. They fit fine and I am able to wear them comfortably without belt or suspenders (the adjustment tab in the back is surprisingly accommodating and effective). I will probably replace the old thread with something closer to the fabric color and may try to dye the fabric to cover the stains and faded areas. It may be worth it to replace the adjustment buckle in back as well (it is the old style with the very, very sharp prongs that are meant to stick right through the fabric). For gardening, tinkering with the bicycle or car, or tromping through the mud and dust to cut down timber and wrestle Sasquatch, these will do the job. Just don't expect to look like anything other than a lowly conscript while wearing them.