I know it isn't the 60s/70s, but here's the thing: hand washing pants is painful and West Africa is dusty. If you could get rusty/brown colored pants you'll minimize the embarrassment of biking to a meeting and having your pants streaked with kicked-up dust. On some days I wake up, put on clean clothes and by the time I leave my courtyard my pants already have dust stains. I'm not necessarily advocating wearing the same unwashed pants for weeks on end (especially not during the hot time of year), but having a pair of anachronistic pants will make you look cleaner. Honestly, sometimes perception trumps reality.
Caution: Rust does not coordinate with all outfits. Also, even if something looks clean it might not smell clean. Don't be a dirty hippie stereotype... this isn't your mother's Peace Corps, remember?
Note: Bell-bottoms, flares and otherwise undesirable or costume-esque clothing are welcome in Burkina villages. If you've had a desire to wear those ugly outfits that Aunt Delila bought you or if breaking as many Western fashion rules as possible gives you a thrill, now is your chance. Carpe diem!
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