I found this photo of Tobey Maguire wearing Acne John sweatpants on the Upscale Hype blog. I had the black ones long before Tobey - and they look better on me. The question is: what colour next? Mr Dapper : What colour? Most definitely, none. No colour. No sweatpants unless exercising or lounging alone at home, regardless of whether they be basic or in a trendy cut. Let's leave the elasticated waists to Florida retirees, shall we? I was particularly amused by a comment on the webpage you mentioned, which I'm delighted to share with our readers: 'Don't know what's worse, the fact that you recognised these pants or their price.' May I also remind you about that boy from that ghastly United States reality television show who was asked by Abercrombie & Fitch to stop wearing their track pants last year? It made international news. Mr Dandy: Ha! Busted, Dapper, now we all know you're a Jersey Shore fan. But that's not my biggest worry about this dude's question - I'm wondering why he's using Tobey Maguire as a style reference. For his great acting skills and nice personality, sure, but seriously? Let's move on. Worn correctly, the new style of sweatpants (skinny on the calves with a drop-crotch and ribbed cuffs at the ankles), can look casual but hip, so we say go for it. If you're only interested in another pair of what Acne calls its 'comfortable fleece long john pants,' you'll have to go directly to its online store (US$230; shop.acnestudios.com/shop/men) because we haven't seen them in Hong Kong and they're sold out (and were more expensive) on MrPorter. com. I'd have picked the navy blue, but since you have the black, go for the lighter blue or army green. Skip the light grey, which always ends up looking grubby and more casual than cool. The only exception to that rule would be the amazing sweatpants with panels in silk chiffon and a cotton blend at Lanvin (HK$3,800; Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, tel: 2175 3282), where you'll find a matching hoodie (HK$4,600) and other high-fashion sweatpants in various colours and fabrics (HK$4,600). Of course, this kind of streamlined harem pant is standard with avant-garde designers such as Neil Barrett, whose also down with the sweatpants in various materials (HK$5,300 each; The Landmark, Central, tel: 2526 0168). There's also the American Apparel 'jumper pant', a slim-cut, cropped, high-waist track version in pre-shrunk pique cotton which is available in tons of colours (US$38; www.americanapparel.net ). Wear this look with a tee and cool trainers, maybe leather ones. Jacket optional. Last, check out www.betabrand.com for its 'dress pant' sweatpants (US$90), for your amusement if nothing else, plus the brand's other awesome trousers. I really want one of those puffa jackets but in a softer, non-tech fabric. Where do they make them? Mr Dandy: I'm guessing they're mostly made in China, aren't they? Seriously, the stores and the rest of us have moved onto the spring-summer collections. When I got this question, I rushed out to find the dregs of autumn-winter still on the racks (and sometimes nicely discounted), but I can't guarantee you'll find the same by the time you read this. I'll be brief so you can get shopping. I'm loving my grey J Lindeberg 'Rumble Patch' tweed down jacket (HK$5,490; Times Square, Causeway Bay, tel: 2506 1368). Altea has it in a zip-up hoodie style and soft grey houndstooth fleece wool (HK$6,895; Pacific Place, Admiralty, tel: 2918 9083). The brilliant Ground Wave definitely pushes the envelope, so its tencel-fibre quilted jacket with a wide open collar won't be for everyone, but I think it's amazing (HK$7,490; Harvey Nichols, The Landmark, tel: 3695 3388). Another alternative to the casual sporty 'puffa' style is Brioni's padded sportscoat (HK$22,995; The Landmark, tel: 2118 3717). Mr Dapper: If you're going to part with sums of that size, then I'd recommend one of the Italian cashmere experts. Brunello Cucinelli has perhaps the best selection in a variety of shapes and his signature neutral colours (HK$34,995 to HK$44,995; IFC Mall, Central, tel: 2311 3068). Though not as wide, an array is available at Loro Piana and you won't be disappointed by the extraordinary quality and cuts it also offers in baby cashmere (HK$26,500 to HK$31,300; IFC Mall, tel: 2234 7398). Mr Dandy: Oh, and if you don't find what you're looking for, check out Citygate Outlets (Tung Chung MTR station; www.citygateoutlets.com.hk ), the next home for old season stock.
