Vetements Pants

Figuring Out the Mysterious World of Vetements Streetwear

Hey friends! I’m back with another in-depth buying guide, this time tackling the intriguing and elusive world of Vetements. For those who aren’t familiar with the brand, Vetements exploded onto the global fashion scene in 2014 with their first runway show in Paris.

The brand was instantly recognizable for their deconstructed, oversized streetwear silhouettes and daring use of graphic prints and slogans. The mastermind behind Vetements is Georgian designer Demna Gvasalia, who has fearlessly challenged fashion norms and made a name for Vetements as the ultimate anti-establishment luxury brand.

Today I’m going to focus on one of Vetements’ most coveted pieces – their signature pants. From cargo pants to jeans, the Vetements pant selection features the same avant-garde tailoring and proportion play as their ready-to-wear. However, navigating the world of Vetements can be confusing, especially for first-time buyers.

So in this post, I’ll be covering everything you need to know before investing in your first pair of Vetements pants. Let’s dive in!

What Exactly Are Vetements Pants?

Vetements offers a wide range of pant silhouettes, but some of their most popular styles include:

• Oversized cargo pants: Featuring billowing leg proportions, drawstring waists, and multiple pockets. Often seen in camouflage or solid colors.
• Ripped denim: Significantly oversized jeans with distressed detailing. The thigh and knees areas are often sliced open.
• Track pants: Cotton sweatpants with contrast side stripes in bright neon hues. Relaxed fit with elastic cuffs.
• Tailored trousers: More formal wool or cotton pants with widened legs and wrinkled, imperfect tailoring.

The unifying Vetements aesthetic across all pant styles is a deliberate oversized, anti-fit shape that feels almost cartoonish in proportion. For example, a pair of Vetements jeans may be exaggeratedly baggy around the thighs and knees.

Demna also embraces imperfections by keeping details like uneven hems, loose threads, or mismatched pockets. Each pair has a deconstructed vibe that challenges our conception of flawless tailoring.

Where to Buy the Best Vetements Pants

Now that you know what makes Vetements pants so distinctive, here are the best places to buy a coveted pair:

• SSENSE: This luxury retailer consistently stocks the most complete selection of Vetements pants for both men and women. Expect to find all the latest runway styles.
• Farfetch: Great for browsing an enormous range of Vetements pants. You can shop by specific seasonal collections.
• Matches Fashion: Carries a tightly curated selection of the most popular Vetements pants. Great customer service.
• Luisaviaroma: Look here for more unique limited edition Vetements pants that sell out quickly.
• Mytheresa: This luxury shop adds new Vetements stock constantly so keep checking back. Helpful styling tips available too!
• Vetements Web Store: Buying directly from the brand ensures you get access to all colorways and waitlist for sold-out sizes. Sign up for new product alerts!

I always recommend double checking return policies when buying luxury fashion online. Vetements limits returns to 14 days after receiving your order. Exchanges only within 7 days.

How Should Vetements Pants Fit?

The oversized proportions of Vetements pants takes some getting used to. Rule number one – do not size down! I repeat, no sizing down for a “slimmer” fit.

Vetements designs are meant to overwhelm your frame, so use your waist size as a starting point. Their pants tend to run very large through the hips and thighs.

For example, I typically wear a US size 4 but size up to a 6 in Vetements jeans to get that drastic slouchy look around the knees. Be prepared for the waist to gap and require a belt.

For a more tailored fit, consider selecting a style like the wool trousers or smart pants. But in general, embracing the extreme bagginess of Vetements bottoms is part of the aesthetic.

Don’t be afraid to ask the retailer for detailed measurements if no sizing chart is provided. Vetements pants are not meant to be figure-hugging, so get ready to step out of your fashion comfort zone!

Debating Whether Vetements Pants Are Worth the Splurge

Let’s address the elephant in the room – Vetements pants don’t come cheap. Expect to spend anywhere from $500 for printed cotton pants to over $2000 for leather styles.

Here are the biggest pros and cons to weigh when deciding if they’re worth the investment:

Pros:

• Incredible quality of materials and construction
• Edgy, standout designs you won’t find elsewhere
• Ability to own a piece of legendary fashion history
• Resale value tends to hold steady or increase over time

Cons:

• The ultra-high price tag, obviously
• Styles too avant-garde for everyday wear
• Sizing and proportions can be intimidating

Personally, I think of my Vetements pants as statement grails to cherish for years to come. They offer me a way to embrace fashion as artistic self-expression.

But I also recognize they aren’t sensible purchases for someone looking to build a basic wardrobe. Ultimately each shopper needs to decide if Vetements pants are a justifiable expense for their lifestyle and budget.

Deciphering the Vetements Pant Size Chart

Ready to take the plunge? Here’s how to navigate the tricky sizing for Vetements pants:

• Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, keeping a flat tape measure parallel to the floor. No sucking in allowed! Vetements tends to run at least 2 sizes larger in the waist.
• Hips: Stand with feet together and measure the widest part of your hips and butt. Add at least 10cm to your measurement.
• Thigh: Measure midway between your crotch and knee. Add an extra 5cm.
• Length: Measure from waistline to above your ankle bone. Vetements pants often run long for that baggy bunching effect.
• Openings: Pay attention to thigh, knee and hem circumferences listed. Size up until you reach the max listed size.

I know their absurdly oversized sizing takes some trial and error. Don’t get discouraged! With some persistence you’ll discover your perfect Vetements pant size.

Care Instructions to Keep Your Vetements Pants Flawless

Key laundering tips:

• Always check fabric tag for specific instructions
• Wash in cold water and hang dry for best results
• Try woolite detergent for delicates on high quality fabrics
• Avoid dry cleaning when possible to limit chemical exposure
• Spot clean stains immediately to prevent setting in
• Use a short gentle cycle and wash similar colors together
• Remove pants immediately after cycle ends to minimize wrinkling
• Lay flat on a towel or hang to dry – no tumble drying!

To refresh pants between wears, hang in a steamy bathroom or use a handheld garment steamer. Store folded in breathable cotton dress bags. Follow these steps and your Vetements pants will maintain their impeccable quality for countless wears.

A Breakdown of Fabrics Used for Vetements Pants

Here are the primary textiles you’ll see used across the Vetements bottoms range:

• Denim – Typically overdyed and distressed for a grungy look.
• Canvas – Durable cotton material perfect for cargo pants. Gets softer over time.
• Wool – Luxuriously soft wool flannel, crepe or suiting fabrics. The most formal option.
• Silk – Seen primarily in pajama pants or joggers for a luxe sheen. Delicate hand wash only.
• Cotton – From lightweight poplin to French terry, cotton dominates the casual pant selection.
• Leather – Buttery lambskin and calfskin leathers take tailoring to the next level.
• Technical fabrics – Nylon, ripstop and mesh textiles allow bold prints and colorblocking.

Demna loves experimenting with paradoxical fabric clashes like silk boxers layered under wool trousers. Pay attention to fabrics to predict the aesthetic of each pant.

Do Vetements Pants Work For All Genders?

One of the coolest aspects of Vetements clothing is the refusal to conform to traditional gender boundaries. Demna has said he designs primarily with himself and his friends in mind.

Many Vetements pants feature an androgynous silhouette not overtly feminine or masculine. I’d encourage anyone intrigued by the styles to try them on and see how you feel!

For example, the uniform trousers have a womenswear shape but are modeled by both male and female models. Same goes for the canvas utility pants intended as unisex.

Just keep the exaggerated proportions in mind if your style tends to be more body conscious. But Vetements is absolutely an equal opportunity brand when it comes to gender. Wear their pieces however you feel most confident.

Dressing Up or Dressing Down Vetements Pants

One perk of the oversized Vetements aesthetic is versatility. You can easily dress up pants with a blazer and heels or go full casual with sneakers and a hoodie.

For a night out, try leather pants with a corset or bustier top and strappy sandals. Add some edgy layered necklaces.

Going super casual? Style camo cargo pants with a cropped band tee, denim jacket and chunky dad shoes. You can even play with athletic inspired looks like track pants with a mesh tank and baseball cap.

Distressed denim styles work perfectly with crop tops for a modern 90s vibe. Lean into street grunge with a plaid shirt, beanie and Doc Martens.

Take your look up a notch for the office by pairing wool trousers with a silky blouse and blazer. The slouchy tailoring adds edge to corporate attire.

Have fun playing with proportions by cuffing pants or adding colorful socks. The only limit is your imagination with Vetements versatile pant designs!

A Breakdown of the Many Styles of Vetements Pants

Here’s a quick overview of the pant styles Vetements constantly reinvents each season:

Trousers

• Wool, cotton, linen, or silk
• Often cropped, cuffed or uneven hems
• Pleated or creased fronts with oversized fit
• Vibrant plaid or striped patterns

Denim Jeans

• Non-stretch rigid or soft denim
• Rips, shredding, open knees, extreme distressing
• Oversized through hips and thighs
• Cropped lengths or long with raw hems

Joggers & Sweatpants

• French terry cotton, lightweight nylon or silk
• Exaggerated dropped crotches and tapered ankles
• Branded graphic waistbands
• Neon colorblocking and racing stripes

Cargo & Utility Pants

• Oversized canvas or ripstop cotton
• Billowing silhouettes with cross-body strap details
• Multiple large flap pockets, sometimes detachable
• Camo prints or solid olive, tan, grey and black

Leather Pants

• Super soft lambskin or calfskin leather
• Smooth and shiny or distressed matte finish
• Cropped biker, jogger and cargo silhouettes
• Skintight but can size up for extreme loose look

Do Vetements Pants Run True to Size?

In a word – no. Vetements takes an artful approach to oversized silhouettes, so conventional sizing charts do not apply.

Expect to size up 1-3 sizes larger than your typical pant size. Some tips:

• Check exact garment measurements if provided
• Never size down – embrace the voluminous proportions
• Fit will vary noticeably between styles, rise options, and fabrics
• Try on in person first if you can to gauge best size
• Be prepared for extreme baggyness and necessary belt
• Don’t fear gaping waistbands or loose fits – it’s the intended aesthetic

There’s a method to the sizing madness once you get familiar with how Vetements deliberately plays with extremes. Getting the right exaggerated proportions on your frame just takes practice.

Assessing the Durability of Vetements Pants

Despite their artfully deconstructed look, Vetements pants are remarkably well made. Demna works with top luxury factories in Italy, Portugal and Switzerland renowned for expert construction.

Even styles featuring intentional distressing, shredding and unraveling will stand the test of time thanks to reinforced seams and sturdy fabrics.

Based on personal experience, here are some durability factors to consider:

• Denim lasts for years if cared for properly. Repeated wash and wear further breaks down durable rigid denim.
• Fine wools and silks require more delicate laundering but won’t pill or tear when handled with care.
• Sturdy canvas and cottons are built to handle daily use and only get better with age. The exception being lightweight poplin fabrics prone to snags.
• Leather has an incredibly long life span when protected from moisture and properly stored. Avoid direct heat exposure.

With proper laundering practices, even the most deconstructed seeming Vetements pants should deliver multiple seasons of enjoyment if the avant-garde aesthetic continues to delight you.

The Significance of Vetements Graphic Prints and Slogans

Vetements isn’t just playing with silhouette and proportion. Demna also employs eye-catching graphic prints and slogans to communicate the brand’s themes.

Some of the motifs you’ll see include:

• Gothic fonts and metal band logos – Symbols of youth rebellion breaching high fashion
• Photorealistic casual scenes – Surreal collisions of mundane moments and couture
• “Sustainable” slogans – Winkingcritique of marketing hollow environmental claims
• Corporate logos – Remixing brands like FedEx and Canada Post into satirical fashion statements
• Identity themes – Cross-culture and gender fluidity celebrated through text

So don’t ignore the graphic details printed or embroidered on your Vetements pants. They are key to decoding the tongue-in-cheek cultural commentary embedded in each garment.

Comparing Vetements to Other Avant Garde Luxury Brands

Vetements has definitely carved out its own space in the luxury fashion landscape. But here are some other brands to consider if you vibe with Demna’s avant-garde vision:

• Maison Margiela – Vetements borrowed Margiela’s numbered sizing system and has a similarly experimental approach to silhouettes.
• Comme des Garçons – Rei Kawakubo also constantly challenges fashion orthodoxy in her collections.
• Undercover – Bold graphics and prints with an uncanny, darker edge.
• Y/Project – Oversize and distortion are specialties of Glenn Martens designs.
• RAF Simons – Push boundaries from punk rock references to futuristic minimalism.
• GmbH – More streetwise edge and gender fluid silhouettes.
• Palm Angels – Luxurious streetwear with provocative motifs.

Each offers their own unique voice, but share Vetements’ passion for breaking the fashion “rules” and empowering wearers to redefine luxury.

Pricing Breakdown for the Vetements Pant Lineup

Here’s an overview of standard Vetements pant pricing tiers:

• Cotton pants – $500-800
  Basic canvas and poplin styles printed or plain. The “entry level” Vetements pant option.
• Wool and other tailored trousers – $1000-1500
  High quality wool and linen fabrications elevate this classic silhouette.
• Denim jeans – $1500-2000
  Selvedge and overdyed denim commands premium pricing. Highly coveted.
• Silk/velvet joggers and pajamas – $2000-3000
  Luxe materials and athletic-inspired shapes target this higher price bracket.
• Leather pants – $3000+
  Buttery leather pushes these biker and cargo styles into serious investment territory.

Of course ranges are just general guidelines. Limited edition collaborations, exotic skins, embroidery and beading can drive individual styles far higher.

Reviews Suggest Sizing Challenges But Longterm Satisfaction

Curious what fellow Vetements devotees have to say? After poring over countless reviews, here are my key takeaways:

The sizing and proportions provoked the most frustration, especially for first timers. But those who took the time to find their ideal size ultimately gushed about fit and quality.

Most reviewers advised not following the size chart, but instead trying on multiple sizes first or ordering two sizes for comparison. Patience pays off.

Surprisingly durability received rave reviews. Even heavily distressed jeans and leather held up beautifully over years of wear.

Fans obsessed over tiny design details like stitching, pocket shapes and fabric imperfections. The quality craftsmanship shines through.

Overall Vetements achieves its goal of creating equal parts challenging and satisfying garments. Reviewers noted their most beloved pieces sparked incredible reactions and compliments.

Online vs In Store Shopping for Vetements Pants

Should you try to locate Vetements pants at luxury boutiques or stick to ecommerce sites? Here’s my take:

Benefits of in store:

• Try on multiple sizes for best fit
• Discuss sizing expertise of sales associates
• Avoid return hassles of online orders
• Can see quality details up close before purchase

Benefits of online shopping:

• Far wider selection of styles and sizes
• New product drops instantly accessible
• Easy price comparisons between retailers
• Helpful measurement guides and styling tips
• Convenience of quick delivery

My recommendation? First timers should make the effort to visit a quality multi-brand luxury boutique with an extensive Vetements selection. The personalized service helps decipher sizing.

Once you know your fit, online shopping grants easy access to new seasonal arrivals. Click, receive, enjoy!

Vetements Return and Exchange Policies

What if the Vetements pants you anxiously awaited don’t fit right or you change your mind? Here are some common retailer policies good to know:

• Most offer 14 days for returns starting from delivery.
• Many require items be in original condition with tags attached for refund.
• Return shipping costs are usually covered by the buyer.
• Exchanges tend to be more time restricted at 5-7 days after delivery.
• In store returns are typically easier than by mail.
• Sale and discounted items often have final sale policies.

The limited return window makes nailing your size crucial. Follow sizing recommendations and buy from retailers with generous policies to allow hassle-free exchanges.

You’ve invested a lot, so take advantage of customer service teams happy to make the buying experience exceptional. Don’t settle for a piece that doesn’t absolutely delight!

Styling Vetements Pants for Maximum Streetwear Impact

Once you’ve secured the perfect Vetements pants, it’s time for fun with styling. Here are my top tips for an edgy head to toe look:

• Pair with graphic tees and hoodies for a streetwise vibe. Go for bands, skate brands or Vetements own motifs.
• Add layers like denim jackets, oversized flannels and leather bombers.
• Incorporate unexpected preppy touches like rugby polos or crisp collar shirts.
• Try sockless loafers, chunky boots or retro sneakers to keep the look feeling young.
• Finish with a structural shoulder bag instead of totes for a sharper edge.
• Accessorize with baseball caps, comparative sunglasses and understated jewelry.
• Play with unkempt but cooler hair styles. Think perfectly messy bedhead.
• Finish off with a statement manicure in dark moody hues.
• Confidence is key – walk like you own the place!

The most important tip? Wear what empowers YOU, not the crowd. Let your inner rebellious spirit shine through!

Wrapping Up My Complete Guide to Vetements Pants

Well friends, we’ve reached the end of my deep dive into the fabulous, funny, and fearless world of Vetements pants.

Hopefully this guide gave you tons of tips for navigating sizing, pricing, styling and more as you shop for your first (or fifth!) pair. Never be intimidated by high fashion!

The takeaway? Embrace the extreme proportions and standout look of Vetements pants to reveal your own daring side. Just be patient finding the perfect fit for your frame.

Most importantly, have fun with fashion and use pieces like these to stay connected to your spontaneity, creativity and sense of play. Never let go of that inner child who had no rules!

What topics should I cover in my next buying guide? Let me know in the comments. Until next time, happy shopping and stay fabulous!