Contrary to what we might believe when looking at the legs of these gentlemen, some dress pants still resist the domination exercised by jeans and chinos.
Rare and marginal, these leg pieces are nonetheless remarkable… and noticed. Among them, the Gurkha pants occupy a special place; and it is with our interpretation of them that we officially open the fall-winter 2025 collection.
The Gurkha, a short history of a great pair of trousers
Historically, the Gurkha takes its name from the soldiers of the eponymous Indian ethnic group. At the beginning of the 19th century, the latter distinguished themselves by their bravery by courageously resisting the British army of the East India Company. Three times less numerous, poor in food and ammunition, they held firm during the battle of Kalunga and even managed to escape into the surrounding mountains.
Impressed by the heroism of the Nepalese mercenaries, the British troops included a clause allowing them to recruit Gurkhas in the Treaty of Sugauli signed in 1815 with the King of Nepal. Even today, the “Royal Gurkha Rifles” is a unique corps within the British Army.
Among the gear of these soldiers, we find the “kukri”, a fearsome knife with a curved blade, but also and above all the Gurkha trousers. Recognizable at first glance, they stand out from their counterparts thanks to their double strap closure which acts as a belt and side tightening tabs. Devoid of belt loops, this ingenious size allows the trousers to be adjusted to the millimeter for optimal comfort. Combined with a high waist, a straight leg, two pairs of clips and a large pocket on the left leg , this assembly promoted ease and freedom of movement, to the point of being adopted by the British Army.
Gurkha pants according to Hast
Eager to offer exceptional clothing for your everyday life, Hast is launching its fall-winter 2024 collection with pleated pants freely inspired by the Gurkha.
By interpreting this icon of the military wardrobe in our own way, we have made it a versatile piece, clearly more peaceful and more elegant. While preserving its general spirit and the balance of its proportions, we have injected a tailoring dimension that evokes love rather than war.
As you can see, his belt is not strictly that of the Gurkha. We have deliberately swapped the double strap for a wide double-buttoned belt , a more dressy alternative and easier to unfasten.
As you may have noticed, belt loops are missing from our Pasteur, which is why we added side tightening tabs that are reminiscent of Gurkha bindings. A stylish and practical way to adjust the tension at the waist.
In addition, we have kept some historical details such as the darts, the high waist and the straight cut. The major changes are elsewhere: on the material side on the one hand, since we have gone for a 100% wool grey fabric ; and on the thigh level on the other hand, since we have done without the bulky patch pocket of the period models.
All in all, these are the most cutting-edge trousers in this collection. With their unique fit, pronounced features and finishes that border on sartorial art, they offer your legs a one-way trip to dandyism.
If you fancy a trip, here are some suggested pairings.
How to wear our pants?
Gurkha revisited, the Pasteur is clearly a strong piece. Its wide side buttoned belt, its side adjusters, its two pairs of darts and its long leg pleat make it undoubtedly a remarkable dress pant. Also, we advise you to frame it with slightly more sober pieces, gravitating around the classic register.
At the top, several alternatives are available to you. A simple t-shirt could be suitable, but it seems to us that a shirt would be more in keeping with the universe summoned by the Pastor. In particular, a formal shirt seems ideal , slipping inside the pants to reveal the spectacular waist. Since wool already provides texture, you can aim for a smooth fabric like poplin , and a white shirt to create contrast. If you feel like it, a nice tie can enhance the ensemble ; after which you will only have to choose a jacket (or even a work jacket ) to complete the composition. Or not.
If you find this outfit too serious, nothing prevents you from taking a look at our casual shirts . These can be worn outside the pants, open over an undershirt or double-locked. In this register, we prefer denim or chambray models , fabrics whose grain goes perfectly with wool. A western shirt for example. What do you think?
As sharp as they are, our loosely Gurkha-inspired trousers also tolerate being integrated into more casual outfits. With a thin sweater and a fairly loose cardigan, you will create an interesting ensemble, evoking ease without suggesting carelessness.
As for shoes, we would be of the opinion to play the leather shoe card in all circumstances. With his straight leg and vertical crease, it seems to us that the Pastor would not support a pair of sneakers, but that is just our opinion.
The final word
Gurkha revisited, our wool trousers combine audacity and elegance to touch the essence of versatility. At ease with the most sober outfits to the most advanced compositions, they will bring a sophisticated note to all the outfits you imagine.
Made in the European Union with certified natural fibers , it embodies the values of Hast and inaugurates an autumn-winter collection in the form of a promise: a renewed oath of honesty, requirement and beauty.