By: wtaps0 [Instagram]
Contents
1. Introduction
The Outlier Futuredarts are the entry-point to the New York-based urban technical clothing brands, which is known for and specialises in minimal bottoms crafted with proprietary fabrics. The Futuredarts are a pair of casual pants that features the Outlier F.cloth fabric, a slim, tapered silhouette in a minimal 5 pocket design. After wearing them extensively for 5 months I wanted to share a comprehensive review of my experience with the Futuredarts. The pants were purchased directly from Outlier for $USD148.
2. Performance Specifications
Outlier offers the following performance specifications and quality claims for the Futuredarts:
- 200gsm 97% nylon 3% elastane canvas F.Cloth
- High breathability
- Lightweight , 370g (size 31)
- DWR-coated, light water resistance
- Dart-based construction, no side-seams
- Substantial 35% two way stretch
- Custom Italian Mombasa poly slot button
- Fabric woven in Sweden Manufactured in Portugal
- Two large rear welt pockets
- Two large front pockets
- One small front coin/pen pocket
3. Design Features
The Outlier Futuredarts feature a very minimal design with a slim silhouette and a design aesthetic that is based on classic American chinos. However, its performance has been elevated in various aspects for the garment to fit the urban technical and bike-to-work philosophy of Outlier. This includes improved construction, a technical material choice and a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) fabric treatment. The Futuredarts have been one of the most comfortable pairs of trousers for commuting and travelling that I’ve worn. Their tapered silhouette and minimalist detailing allows for easy styling in a range of outfits including: urban technical, casual, and a Grayman context (one where unassuming clothing hides advanced technical features or performance). I purchased a size 30 for these trousers, which was true to size for me, but it should be noted that they fit quite slim and you may want to go one or two sizes up for a more relaxed fit.
The stand-out feature of the Outlier Futuredarts is its choice of the proprietary fabric F.Cloth. F.Cloth is a summer weight canvas-like material that consists of a nylon 6.6 and elastane blend finished with a light DWR coating. My first impression of this material upon receiving the product was that its extremely light weight. F.cloth is in fact Outlier’s lightest fabric, and the lack of metal hardware further reduces weight. The texture of the canvas is slightly rough, however it has never felt irritating, but rather brought about a dry feeling directly contributing to the comfort of the Futuredarts. The weave of the fabric in addition to the materials allowed the pants to be moderately breathable, and extremely quick-drying on account of the nylon and the elastane, which has proven to be very fitting for low to medium output activities on days with temperatures up to 28 degrees Celsius. The DWR coating applied on the fabric is relatively light, and is more helpful for light precipitation and fluid spills than as rain protection. This light weight combined with the quick drying abilities of the fabric makes the Futuredarts a good pair of travel pants.
The construction was another highlight of the Futuredarts. Unlike traditional Chinos or the Outlier Futureworks/Futureslimworks that include side seams, the Futuredarts utilise a long darts construction. This type of construction results in a more natural taper on the pants and a lack of side seams. This provides more freedom of movement and produces a flattering tapered silhouette with a reduction of unnecessary stretch and creasing. In my experience this was very effective in reducing wear on the exterior sides of the pants. This type of construction is complemented by the 35% two-way stretch that the fabric has, leading to significant range of motion despite the slim fit of the pants. The material due to its canvas weave and the elastane does loosen over time, stretching at points of wear. Despite the pants’ lack of knee articulation and slim cut, there was minimal “riding up” during various physical activities.
The feature set of the Futuredarts is relatively minimal, but the design considerations made are very deliberate and elevate the experience of wearing the pants. The two front pocket bags are constructed from a nylon mesh material to improve breathability. They are deep and have a large capacity, which could be used to carry various objects such as large phones, e-book readers, keys and wallet and most importantly snacks bars. Inside the right front pocket there is also a smaller coin/pen pocket. Its relatively large capacity compared to coin pockets in traditional 5 pocket pants, is extremely useful for carrying Bluetooth earbud cases or organising wired headphones. There are also two slit back pockets, with edges reinforced with an extra layer of F.Cloth material, the capacity is comparable to a pair of chinos, however it did not get much usage in my ownership of the bottoms. The hardware used on the Futuredarts are durable and reliable: the YKK zip fly was smooth and light, and the waist slot button is not sewn on directly but rather attached with a nylon ribbon.
4.Issues and Concerns
One issue that I’ve had with the Outlier Futuredarts is the pilling that occurs at the upper thigh area of the pants. This area commonly experiences high wear with sitting down and desk work, but I did not expect it to fray to this degree. However this is only on the surface level of the fabric, thus should have no effect on its structural integrity. Some of the fraying was able to be removed by the use of a lint roller or a low iron as stated on the garment tag. However it does it have a cosmetic impact, which could be much more apparent if purchased in lighter colours that Outlier offers the F.cloth in.
Another point, which is not really an issue but should be kept in mind, with the Futuredarts is a lack of heavy water-resistance. Although F.cloth is a nylon and elastane blend, it has been woven with a focus on breathability and comfort in warmer and drier climates. Therefore although the DWR coating works well for light precipitation and fluid spills, it will not suit medium to heavy rain for more than a few minutes. As nylon is hydrophobic if it is prepared in such a loose weave, water will pass straight through it. Over time with wears and washes, the DWR-coating also will inevitable wear off and not provide any water-resistance at all. Therefore it should be expected that the Futuredarts remain a warm weather bottom. However, during times where I encountered heavy rain while wearing the Futuredarts they dried very quickly.
5. Use Case and Styling
The minimalist detailing of the Outlier Futuredarts allows it to be styled with a range of items, providing great versatility. They do not have to be styled exclusively with technical fabrics and items, and work as well with t-shirts and tennis shoes as they do with technical menswear or a button shirt.
Due to the more aggressive tapering of the Futuredarts, it could also be worn with outdoor oriented sneakers such as the Salomon Speedcross, and a sportswear long sleeve or sleeveless tee from brands such as ASICS for walks or cycling. However the slim profile does limit experimentation with proportions, as bulkier sneakers and oversized tops will not suit the Outlier Futuredarts. For my tastes, minimal slim-fit pieces in muted colours should work well with the Futuredarts.
6. Summary
The Outlier Futuredarts are a pair of slim, dart-constructed technical chinos that use the brand’s proprietary fabric: F.cloth. They are made well, versatile, and an excellent pair of bottoms for travelling in mild to warmer climates. The pants have a slim fit and a larger size should be opted for a more relaxed fit. The Futuredarts are a good transition piece and entry point for consumers who are looking at getting into technical apparel but want a more conventional aesthetic.
It should be noted that pilling will occur in high wear areas of the Futuredarts and that the DWR coating is a mild treatment and these should not be considered waterproof pants for rainwear.
The Futuredarts have been recently re-released for the current season and can also be found in good condition on secondhand markets.
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Ethical Statement: This product was purchased by myself with my own funds and is in no way endorsed or otherwise sponsored by the manufacturer (Outlier).