Smarty pants

From chinos to office trousers, an online-only startup is offering custom-made 'lower half tailoring' service to the guys at off-the-rack rates

Mumbai-based entrepreneur Dhruv Toshniwal knows the struggle that men face in finding a pair of well-fitting pants. “They are either too baggy or tight. There’s also the problem of extra short inseam lengths, bulging pockets, no space for phone storage and not enough stretch in the fabric,” says the 34-year-old, who has worked with leading apparel and lifestyle brands, including Hugo Boss, Marks & Spencer and Ralph Lauren. While studying at Wharton Business School, Toshniwal learnt of Bonobo’s custom-made pants at off-the-rack prices. When he moved back to India in 2017, he realised that while homegrown brands were offering custom-made shirts, nobody was focusing on trousers.

Tapered pant

The Pant Project is an online-only venture he launched with brother Udit in October last year, with the goal of becoming the new-age ‘e-tailer’.

Power stretch fit

They’ve curated a range of premium fabrics, from luxury wool and linen to performance poly viscose, power stretch knits, and cottons, that can be machine-washed and have stretch for comfort. Clients can pick exact waist size and length, with every pair of pants which is hand-stitched to precise specifications. They also offer free alteration. A delivery typically takes 10-14 days and customisation includes adding pleats on the front panel, extended tabs on the waistband, roll-ups on the hem, a button or hook fastening mechanism, or free monogramming.

A size guide and reco engine apart, a stylist is available to help you measure yourself. So far, their power stretch fit has been a bestseller.

How it works
>> Select your fabric
>> Choose your fit (slim, tapered, relaxed)
>> Select customisation (pleats on the front panel, extended tabs on the waistband, roll-ups on the hem)
>> Checkout

What: The Pant Project 
Where: pantproject.com
Cost: '2,600 onwards

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