They are already selling well, apparently, so that’s probably a good sign for the 1960s-style Stay-Pressed trousers by Real Hoxton.
You might know them more as Sta-Prest, but that’s the official name and trademark of Levi’s, which isn’t making them to this design right now. Mikkel Rude made some a while back, and Levi’s has produced archive versions over the years, but the design they are doing now is a very wide leg.
You would hope Levi’s Vintage Clothing brings them back in original form at some point, but until then, it’s a case of someone producing something similar. And that’s pretty much what we have here.
For the uninitiated, Sta-Prest was a collection of wrinkle-resistant trousers produced by Levi’s from 1964. No ironing is required. Or, at the very least, not much. That’s because of the permanent crease. Although officially seen as jeans, they were good-looking trousers too, great for a smart/casual look and ideal for Mods or even for a casual ivy league look.
As I said, Levi’s doesn’t make them and vintage pairs in good or unused condition can make good money, so an alternative is probably required. Real Hoxton has recently gone down that road with its Stay-Pressed range in a variety of colours and pretty much every size you can think of.
It has taken ‘several years’ for Real Hoxton to get these right for retail, and they are available now. I’m picking up a pair soon, so I’ll update you on the look, feel and fit in this article a little further down the line.
But if you can’t wait, these are a regular fit with a mid-rise and straight leg, each with a permanent crease, an original YKK brass zip, side slant pockets, plus two welted back pockets.
Plenty of colours to choose from (you can see some here), and all are available now for £80 a pair.
Find out more at the Real Hoxton website
Update – the hands-on:
I have now picked up a pair of these, and they are a very well-made pair of trousers with a lovely finish. Slim but without going down the skinny route. The one thing you need to consider carefully is the sizing.
I’m a pretty ‘stock’ medium for everything (at around 5ft 11), so went for a 32 waist and a 31 leg, despite me perhaps being nearer a 33 waist (but they only do 32 or 34). Anyway, as expected, the waist is a little tight but bearable. The waists seem bang on, so do get your size rather than trying to size down.
As for the leg, I would say it’s perhaps an inch longer than I would usually wear, so will probably get them altered to take that inch off. The legs are available as 29, 31, and 33. So if you want something a little shorter on the leg, so 29. But 31 is pretty much the middle ground. For a longer leg or if you decide you want to turn them up, there’s always that 33.
Regardless of the size, it’s a good all-rounder and something I can see myself getting a good amount of use from over the summer.
