Ribbed fabric does something to a trouser that plain weave simply cannot. It adds visual weight without bulk, a quiet texture that reads as considered rather than loud, and it photographs well while looking even better in person. The problem is that ribbed trousers have a wide quality range and the cheap end cuts corners in exactly the wrong places. The rib flattens after a few wears, the fabric pills at the thighs, and what looked like a sharp choice starts looking tired within a season. The ones worth owning cost a bit more because the yarn is better and the construction behind the waistband and the seat is done properly. We have been specifically looking at cuts that work for the office as well as a more casual weekend setting, because versatility is what justifies the spend. Corduroy gets all the attention in this space but a well made ribbed wool or cotton trouser earns its place just as much.