Just realised that there’s way more clearance between chainring and leg on 1x, has anyone found they no longer need to tuck trousers in a sock on a 1x commuter?

Tiny bit, but it depends how flappy your trousers are. I’d be surprised if your Flap Zone overlaps with an outer ring, but not a smaller ring 5mm further away. You’re losing some protection by not having a front mech, too.

You could get one of these* for your outer ring position, but there’s still potential for chain trouser interface as your drive side leg comes back round to the top.

* https://www.spacycles.co.uk/m2b0s210p3655/SPA-CYCLES-Alloy-Chainguard-110-BCD