Natalino Ready-to-wear Trousers – Review
- Derek
- Jun 19, 2019
- 4 min read
Background
Natalino is a London-based brand launched in 2018 with a desire to dress in a classically-minded way. For many classic menswear enthusiasts, you might have already heard of Natalino with their first run of A/W collection last year, making them one of the notable new entrants in the market.
Until recently, Nathan of Natalino contacted me to see if I would like to test drive their trousers and give them some honest feedback. I am more than happy to do so because Natalino is a brand that I have been keeping an eye on.
Review: Olive Linen Pleated Trousers
The pair I received from Natalino is olive linen pleated trousers which are the latest addition to their Spring/Summer collection.
It’s no secret that I like heavier Irish linen such as those from W. Bill and Huddersfield Fine Worsteds (HFW) because trousers made out of these fabrics tend to drape better and have greater wrinkle resistance.
Yes, linen wrinkles easily. But that’s just linen being linen. And it also holds truth that wrinkling does make linen more casual and perfect for smart casual/weekend occasions (a ‘relaxed elegance’ I would say). Personally, I embrace and would flaunt those natural wrinkles – they are things of beauty. The key, after all, is whether the rumples would keep getting better with wears.
So here, the Natalino trousers are made out of a 13 ounces Irish Linen from Ulster Weavers. The 13oz linen certainly feels heavier but as it turns out, the trousers look pretty sharp straight out of the box.
The trousers also come in a versatile olive colour which I can certainly see these will be largely worn with blue shirts or sport jackets for the coming summer months.
The first impression is good.
Finishing and Details
The finishing inside and outside is also neat. From the rear split waistband, metal side adjusters, reinforced stitches at the pleats to the genuine horn (not cheap plastic) buttons at the rear pockets, these classic details are finished with solid quality and able to complement the make of trousers well. These are the things you don’t see very often in other ready-to-wear trouser makers at similar price points - nice touch.
Sizing and Fit
In terms of size, I chose size 32 after going over the sizing guide and it’s proven to be accurate. The trousers cinch slightly at the waist so it won’t collapse easily as I walk. In any case, side adjusters are also in place to slightly fine-tune the waist of the trousers if needed.
For every model of Natalino trousers, three types of length are offered (S: 30” inseam, R: 32” inseam and L: 34” inseam) to suit different body types. In case the three types of length are still not your right fit, one can always take the trousers to alteration tailor and have them shortened.
Instead of the small adjustments, I am more concerned whether the trousers fit well. A common problem that I encounter with ready-to-wear trousers is that they are often cut too tight for my thighs and not being able to drop in a clean and uninterrupted leg line. As a result, I have to go with bespoke trousers for nice fitting trousers (but budget wise it’s challenging to do this very often).
The Natalino trousers here achieve an overall good fit, albeit not perfect as bespoke trousers (which is perfectly normal, and any direct comparison between ready-to-wear and bespoke products would be unfair and absurd). The fit is certainly better than most of my ready-to-wear trousers.
To look into details, the trousers are cut high-waisted and gently tapered at the bottom. The trousers are cut with a high rise that they are meant to be worn on the waist, creating the impression of leg-lengthening.
The single outward-facing pleats are cut relatively deep which certainly allow more room in the seat and thighs to provide a fuller cut for aesthetic and functional purposes without looking too baggy.
The leg opening is in proportion to the waist without tapering too aggressively or bunching at my calves. Throwing a sharp and clean line down the leg to the cuffed hem, it creates a more balanced appeal while achieving a crisp look. And thanks to the heavier linen fabric, the trousers are able to hold its shape throughout the day without losing the charm.
After testing out the trousers, I talked to Nathan about my general impression and findings concerning the fit and design. He then explained the philosophy behind Natalino’s style:
“Classic suiting is a big influence and I find it interesting to use casual fabrics and applying suiting proportions and details (like high waist, pleated cotton trousers). Ultimately, what is most important is that the clothes look nice, are comfortable to wear, can be thrown on without much thought, and are timeless whilst staying relevant in the real world.”
Based on what I observed, Natalino has indeed managed to strike a proper balance between aesthetics and function for their items by taking references to the classic era of menswear history.
Conclusion
Overall, I would recommend Natalino as a solid choice for off-the-rack trousers.
Priced reasonably at £145 (only £120 excluding VAT), the finished pair that I received certainly lives up to my expectations in terms of quality in the make, fabric and fit and represents good value for money. In fact, by only operating online and dealing directly with manufacturers in different countries, Natalino is able to keep the production cost low without compromising on style and detail.
As Natalino continues to grow, I would be looking forward to their future collections and expansion to include more types of ready-to-wear items (sport jackets maybe?).
The Natalino trousers are worn in the above photos with:
- Caccioppoli 1920 zephir/linen wide-stripe shirt by the Anthology
- Wear Not Tear navy button-down polo shirt
- Berwick snuff suede Belgian loafers
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