Pleated or Plain Front Pants

[DeusVult]

So, I'm in the market to buy a couple pairs of pants, for general wear to casual office or maybe someplace where jeans aren't appropriate. Just for context, where I work Dockers-type pants and, polos or button-down collared (non-dress) shirts are standard.

I know it probably depends on one's build and body type, but what is everyone's recommendation on whether to wear pleated or plain front pants? I have a couple of pairs of both. Having lost a considerable amount of weight over the past couple of years, and also just because of general wear and tear, I need some new pants. Where I work, I do encounter some occasions for my clothes to get dirty, even damaged. So, I probably won't be looking at high-dollar slacks.

In the past I've leaned toward pleated pants. I know fashions change year to year, but as they say, style is forever, right? Any comments are appreciated.

 

[ph33nyx]

Congrats on the weight loss!
While it does seem like plain front is the new trend, I always find myself leaning towards pleated.

 

[furious1]

Plain front. Pleats are fussy. They are also considered a bit declasse as they, by design, don't fit as well because they are designed to fit a wider variety of body types. If you lost weight, congratulations, be proud and wear plain-front pants!

 

[Austin]

Avoid pleated pants if you are overweight or short. It makes you look squatty.

 

[Go West Young Man]

From a fashion point of view, flat fronts are 'in', so chosing those over pleated pants will always make you look a bit more stylish.

From an aesthetic point of view, pleats make most people look a little bulgy in the midsection. The main exception is if you have more weight in the midsection, flat fronts can look uncomfortably stretched across you and pleats allow for a more natural drape.

 

[Amer]

I'm a plain front kind of guy. I think it just depends how you look in them.

 

[p.m.a.]

Congrats on the weight loss! I'm in the same boat, and have just went on a little spending spree to update my wardrobe. I went with plain front pants, and they feel more up-to-date and definitely more flattering.

 

[Masterkova]

No pleats. Ever.

And congrats on the weight loss!

 

[TwelveBravo]

Plain front. Pleats are for little girl's skirts.

 

[KarthVader]

Plain front. Pleats drive me crazy!

 

[Wisdom]

+1 to Plain.. Pleats bulge when you sit and I've heard 'em called "old man pants" a few times. No offense intended to the old men in our group, or those who prefer pleats, of course.
-\Visdom

 

[73mountaineer]

Flat front, always. I'd also suggest taking a look at Dockers 5-pocket pants; styled like jeans, but not denim. I have a couple of pair that I wear when I am feeling more casual, but jeans still aren't appropriate, & I really like them.

And congrats on the weight loss! Been there, done that, and kept it off for over a year now. You can too!!

- Steve

 

[scottish steve]

I'm obviously in the minority here, but a lot of the time plain-fronted trousers are the cheaper option in The UK and consequently can look like it. The thing about some traditional 3-pleated styles though is they can be a lot higher in the waist than is considered normal these days. If you can find a good quality 3-pleated pair which aren't high cut and you've got a flat stomach to show off, they look a lot better IMHO. But if its a choice between a modern waist height or pleats, go for the waist-height.

 

[Bill Smith]

Plain front all the way.

 

[DeusVult]

Thanks for everyone's input! I believe it's fair to say the concensus is plain front. And, now that I've been looking at some pictures, I can see the pleated style, particularly the reverse pleats, looking a little frumpy. The forward pleats, apparently, are the actual "tradition", but they are rare in casual pants, as far as I can tell. Were I looking for dress pants, or a suit, I'd still consider pleats, and maybe seek out the forward style.

I may be new here, but I don't know that I've seen such general agreement on any topic so far on this forum! We can leave this thread going, as far as I'm concerned, but I do have my answer and for that I thank all those who posted.

 

[letterk]

Always flat. I was flat before flat was cool.

 

[Delawareguy]

Pleats make me look fat....er

 

[TulsaLhorn]

Flat front here always. Also don't forget flat front is usually paired with no cuff, while a pleated front is usually combind with a cuff.

 

[Gaz]

Another vote for plain/flat fronts. I never did like the pleated look either. Congrats on your weight loss!

 

[TulsaLhorn]

Where I work, I do encounter some occasions for my clothes to get dirty, even damaged. So, I probably won't be looking at high-dollar slacks.

Reminds me that I blew out a $100 of Jack Victors changing my flat tire yesterday (trying not to kneel on the ground and squatted instead, ruined pants instead of dirty pants). Replacing the trousers cost almost as much as the tire!!