http://therealpantsman.com.au/

 If you’re interested in stocking ‘The Real Pants Man’ click HERE

It all started when two low-maintenance mates couldn’t turn a corner without seeing men in skinny leg jeans, tight tees and canvas shoes with no socks. Deterred by the sight and unwilling to succumb to the street trend, the pair decided to take matters into their own hands.

Introducing ‘The Real Pants Men‘ - Besty and Mick. The down-to-earth Melbourne duo embarking on a new adventure, entering the world of fashion and manufacturing. Dishing up some level-headed advice about their first designing project, the boys speak openly about their expectations, inspirations and the importance of supporting local trade.

With their minds set on attention to detail and the quality control of their denim line, Besty and Mick remain focussed on perfecting their product rather than creating an elaborate hype through social networking.

Their latest collections ‘Spitfire’ and ‘The Canyon Kid’ draw inspiration from rock n roll music and a childhood love of cowboys.  Made from locally sourced denim and manufactured in Brunswick, ‘The Real Pants Man’ eagerly anticipate the public’s reaction to the launch of their timeless pieces.

Available in a selection of washes and sizes. Ladies range coming soon!

Facebook - Workshop NOW open Saturdays

Photography by: Jessica Eslick

Styling & Direction by: Natarsha Kershaw

Thank you to Danger Zone Tattoo

Is their fierce competition among other fashion labels in Melbourne? How do you separate your brand from every other aspiring designer?

Being new to the industry, we haven’t experienced a whole lot in terms of competition. I’m sure there is a lot, especially among local fashion labels, but we’re not fully immersed into that scene yet. Hopefully in the next 6-12 months, that will change as our product emerges and we network with other designers and professionals.

Perhaps that’s what separates our brand from the others…  We’re not trying create any kind of hype, telling you why we are awesome. The simple truth is, we needed some jeans to wear, so we made them rather than buy them.  I’m sure that philosophy has come before us, but that’s how it happened. We’re honest people, so we don’t try and make it more than that.

How would you describe your own personal style? Is that reflected in the designs?

We are both pretty simple creatures. Very low maintenance and just out for a good life, and I think that is definitely reflected in our designs. Neither of us have greatly diverse wardrobes, but I guarantee that we each have shitloads of jeans!

Do you encourage people to get to know their local seamstress/tailors? What are the benefits of having clothes tailored to your size?

It’s heavily dependent on who you are, what you’re into and whether or not you’re prepared to roll out the coin. People who love to op shop and find old pieces…that would suit them so they can reshape the garments to their size.

We would probably encourage people to get behind the machine themselves. A basic sewing machine is inexpensive, the needle goes in, the needle comes out… If we can do it, anyone can!

Where do you source your materials from?

We buy all our denim in Melbourne. We strive to keep everything within Australia, which surprising isn’t that difficult.

 The majority of the Australian rag trade has gone offshore now, but there remains an great community of suppliers. Everyone seems to know everyone. It’s pretty cool.

Attention to detail: What should you look for?

In denim, you want your jeans to be sturdy but comfortable at the same time. Raw denim seems to be all the rage these days, but we still love a classically aged pair of indigo strides.

What are your thoughts on mass produced clothing?

We aren’t really into the mass produced gear (especially against clothing manufactured in sweatshops), which is why we started sewing in the first place. We used to trawl through op-shops to find old t-shirts and whatever, and then re-cut and dew them. It’s the best way to truly create your own style.

How would you describe your current collection? What has been your inspiration?

The current collection is a 2-line range of jeans. A straight leg, called the SPITFIRE, and a skinny leg, called THE CANYON KID, each in 5 different washes.

They are just really awesome jeans. We’ve always been into music, especially rock n roll, and Besty wishes he could come back as a cowboy.

 So that would be our two main inspirations. Rock n Roll and Cowboys

What advice do you have for people planning on opening a store or starting a label? Would you encourage them to align their store with a charitable organisation or environmental cause?

Because we’re new to the business and still trying to establish our brand, we’re not in the best position to give advice on starting a label or store. Saying that, you have to be incredibly open to other people and their advice, listen to what they say and be proactive with it.

It’s essential to have a sound business plan before you start spending. Be clear on what you need to do, what your product is, who you’re marketing it to, who‘s manufacturing it, how much it costs and be aware of your competition and the trends.

Outline exactly what it is that you want to do and don’t want to do. You’ll have a thousand people telling you how to do this, when to do that. Unless your vision is strong and you know where you’re going, you can be tempted to waiver.

The fashion industry by definition is considered a superficial trade. There’s a lot more to life than looking good and we think it’s a great idea to align your brand with a charity or environmental cause. It’s also a great marketing tool, everyone wins. The customer feels good because they’re getting the product as well as contributing to a good cause.

Where do you see ‘The Real Pants Man’ in the future?

We want to be synonymous with a timeless classic pair of jeans. That piece of your getup that will never let you down, and just becomes a part of your life.

Once the jeans are established, I’m sure we will expand the range to other menswears, but only when we have really nailed the denim.  Quality – we want to be known for a superior product.

What advice can you give to people who imitate famous people’s fashion sense and follow trends?

Give it a rest. People used to be famous for actually doing impressive things, whereas now they’re famous for looking good. Just be yourself. Don’t obsess over the famous people. And if you don’t know who you are, start looking!