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This really shouldn't be downvoted--$250 is a lot for a pair of pants and most people would be shocked at the price, so it does take some explanation.

For me, a few things stand out, and these are things I care about:

• Made in America: this drives up prices, and personally it's something I'm willing to pay for as I try not to support Chinese sweatshops and try to keep jobs stateside, and that sort of thing. This isn't a concern for everyone, but for me it's a big one. Hypothetically, say you found something exactly like Outlier but made in China--the Chinese counterpart would be cheaper for sure. Country of origin, even with the same product, is a differentiation I'm willing to pay for.

• Functional: These things are made with use and abuse in mind, without sacrificing looks (think very sporty wear that definitely performs well and is comfortable, but doesn't have any place in an office setting--Outlier bridges that by both performing well and being office-appropriate). Most of their pants have a 4-way stretch, meaning you can do Yoga poses (literally) in something that looks like a pair of slacks or denim (I like the Keirin Dungarees a lot). Originally they were very cyclist-focused, so the crotch is reinforced to not blow-out (rip) and not fade (who wants a white butt on a pair of black pants?). Out of 3 years of daily cycling, I can say that these pants held/hold up exactly as advertised. They are also water-resistant (i.e. not proof): I was just caught in a downpour in Chicago this morning and while I got wet (read: not soaked/drenched) they dried within 2 minutes (really!) of getting indoors.

• Fashionable: Again, with most companies you have to choose; do you want fashion or function? Outlier provides both. In no other pair of pants can I do yoga, cycle, stay dry, stay warm (Woolback OG's), and walk into an office meeting.

• Buy once, buy quality: This is sort of a personal motto I have, and it's done me wonders. I try to keep all my possessions minimal, so I buy very few of something but I buy things that are very high quality and will last, defeating the purpose of needing several things. It's more expensive initially for sure, but long term it saves a lot of money. Sure, $60 pants are cheaper and might look similar, but I'll need a couple of them in a few years and other pants for other activities. Again, I can do almost anything in a single pair of Outliers, so I won't need gym pants, climbing pants, cycling pants, office pants, etc. This is also a good article on the perspective of just buying once and buying quality.

It really comes down to what you need. These aren't for everyone for sure. What's most important is that you consider what you need in a pair of pants (and if this sounds like a silly question, then $60 or less pants will do just fine). If you need your pants to function in certain ways that Outlier satisfies, then $250 is a lot easier to swallow. If you are just wanting a pair of pants that just "look good" then there are definitely way cheaper options than Outlier.

Ohhh, this raises an interesting question then. What pieces would you guys never attempt because others satisfy what you're looking for? Can you recommend some brands and pieces that you guys look up to?

They've made a few hoodies, actually, but they've long been sold out. If you do a quick Google search for "outlier hoodie" you'll find some. Their Freeshell could also be considered a hoodie. Sign up for the restock alerts so you don't miss them (as I have in the past)!

Have you ever looked into buttons like TAD uses?

http://www.tripleaughtdesign.com/Apparel/Shirts/Overland-Long-Sleeve-Shirt

I have this shirt and the buttons on it seem great and have never failed. Though they are quite big, but maybe the same concept (bartacking)?

You may be very interested in outlier.NYC. On mobile so can't link, but easily found on Google and they have a subreddit (r/outlier).