When shopping for men’s new trousers, you’ll have to choose between a pleated or non-pleated front. While the difference is minor, you can distinguish between pleated and non-pleated trousers. So, which style should you choose and why?
Pleats
Pleated trousers are characterized by vertical creases running along the front of the trousers. Here, fabric has been folded and sewn together to achieve this detail. It essentially looks like someone pinched parts of the fabric together. Pleats have long been a popular choice among for men seeking a formal appearance, though there’s been a growing shift towards the use of flat-front, also known as non-pleated, trousers in recent years.
Flat-Front
Flat-front trousers lack the characteristic pinched fabric of its pleated counterpart. The fabric is completely flat, though it may be “darted” on the sides to achieve a more uniform design. Without pleats, they offer a cleaner and more tailored look, making them the preferred choice among men seeking a business casual appearance.
Furthermore, flat-front trousers typically offer a slimmer appearance. This is because the fabric is pressed directly against the man’s body, whereas pleated trousers have excess fabric that “puffs out.” If you want to achieve a slimmer appearance, stick with flat-front trousers for this very reason. It compliments your body by hugging against your wait and legs.
Why Pleats?
So, what benefits (if any) do pleated trousers offer? Well, there are a few key advantages to wearing pleated over flat-front trousers, one of which is comfort. The excess fabric allows for greater movement, which in turn makes the trousers more comfortable to wear. Men with large bodies and/or athletic builds should consider pleated trousers because of its comfort.
If you plan to sit for long periods of time, you may want to choose pleated trousers as well. Sitting down stretches the trousers’ fabric. But pleated trousers feature just enough extra fabric to accommodate this stretching without causing discomfort in the process.
One or Two Pleats?
Most pleated trousers feature either one or two pleats on the front. Whether one or two, pleats are found on the front of the trousers, and they are designed for the same purpose: to create excess fabric for improved comfort. A single pleat, however, is a more subtle feature that’s not quite as overbearing as two pleats. Trousers with two pleats can look awkward, especially when worn by men with a slim figure.
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