I was speaking with a salesman about a suit over the weekend. I told him I loved the jacket but wasn't as crazy about the pants as they were pleated. It was higher end, and he stated that pleated pants are a telling sign of any well made suit. I didn't believe this to be true as I preferred flat fronts. Am I crazy here?
Also, let's say the salesman is correct, would getting flat front pants cheapen the look of a good suit? Thanks!
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Pleated = fat men.
I like pleated much more because you can use your pockets better and they are more comfortable, especially sitting down.
Your salesman was wrong though. Flat fronts are definitely acceptable, if slightly less formal (all tuxedo pants are generally pleated). To put it in perspective I was in a high end nyc department store and asked for pleated incotex pants and they groaned and said no one is wearing pleats this year and they didn't carry any.
Incotex, nice choice.
Moneyrunner,
The salesman’s statement regarding pleats only clarifies that he lacks adequate knowledge of his profession or, otherwise, that such was merely his attempt at salesmanship so that you would deem the expensive suit with pleats as being of the better quality and, thereby, considering it the preferred choice.
The use of pleats in pants is never subject to being either “in-style” or “out-of-style”. True style, itself, is timeless. Anyone who attempts to tell you otherwise is only a slave to the words of either “this” or “that” fashion editor, for whom these editors themselves are not timeless.
Rather, the use of pleats in pants is dependent upon the particular man’s body-type and the comfort in wearing them.
Pants should be comfortable when standing, walking and sitting. For taller, thin men that are well-proportioned in their overall stature, no pleats are generally necessary.
However, for the investment banker who also happens to play soccer, or other similar sport, resulting in larger than typical muscles in the legs and buttocks, then pleats are the superior choice to provide expansion and comfort when sitting, as well as to complement the overall tailored look of the suit regardless of whether in the standing or sitting position.
The use, or non-use, of pleats is a tailoring mechanism to ensure that the suit purchased will be both comfortable and hang well on a man’s body.
Therefore, follow what is best for you. Simply laugh at anyone who tells you otherwise. Any such persons are only showing their ignorance when referring to pleats as “in-style” or “out-of-style”. The salesman should be up-front with you and not guide you to choose such a suit for the reason of being better quality.
Cheers
True style is definitely not timeless. We don't wear hats or capes or detachable collars or codpieces. They were all stylish at one point. Men didn't just discover "true style" in the 1920's-30's when they invented suits.
This was exactly my thinking. I think he wanted me to feel more comfortable about the pleats than I was and I also wanted to seal the deal. It bothered me how much he was against the flat front.
Thanks for all the input guys.
I thought pleats were out of style these days? Am I wrong? I thought pleats = dork?
pleats are definitely out. especially for younger guys who are going for a more tailored look.
i must say that after sitting in my effing chair for 18 hours in flat front modern fit pants sometimes i'd love the extra breathing room that pleats provide
I must disagree with the "True style is definitely not timeless" comment by RufioandHook.
I believe that you are confusing "style of the moment" with timeless style,
I agree with Scio. Pleats are just fine and provide me a more comfortable fit given my muscular legs. I think they look crisp and I have seen plenty of pants with pleats still being worn by guys in their 20s. Give me a break if you think they are "out of style." While flat front has become an acceptable alternative, pleats are by no means obsolete.
Flat-front is a younger look.
pleated pants are a little older look.
I personally where flatfront. I think pleated looks weird, but it is preference. It does not make your suit look more expensive or cheaper. It is really preference.
And also, not to sound like a women, but the fashion side of suits comes into play. Like I said before.
Flat-front = younger people, younger look, a little more trendy. Pleated = traditional, classic, older look
it is what you like, so where whichever you like
It's WEAR (as in I wear grey pants) not WHERE (as in Where are you?)
Doesn't matter.
Personally I wouldn't take fashion advice from someone who consistently confuses wear with where, but slumdog is right. Wear pleats and people will think you stole those pants from a bum in geriatrics. And don't bother listening to scio, he is a self-absorbed pedant.
This is ridiculous. Pleats are common to nice suits. They are not an absolute must, but if you look at what the best bespoke tailors in England and Italy make, you'll see that pleats are the standard. They only look out of place on traditional American trousers--think J. Press and Brooks Brothers. Moreover, pleats serve a a real function: they make it much easier to sit (no matter how skinny you are), and they allow your trousers to hang better, giving you a cleaner line.
That said, it's true that a lot of poor-fitting, low-quality suits worn by unfashionable people are pleated. However, you would be wrong to draw too many conclusions from that. Most people simply don't know how to dress themselves and stick to the way they've always done things. When pleats are back "in" (and they are, from season to season), and it's fifteen years from now, you'll find yourself the old dork in flat fronts.
Bottom line: fashionability and dressing well are two very different things.
Oh, and don't forget your cuffs.
No doubt that flat front pants are what younger guys are wearing in general, that cannot really be disputed on a large scale. However, who really cares, wear whatever you want. I don't wear pleated pants, but I heard they are comfortable as all hell. So maybe if I gain 20-30 lbs. I'd consider rocking them.
I used to despise pleated pants, but after gaining 25 lbs I have to say that they're more comfy. Other than that, the pants drape better, and hold a crease much better.
Subtle single pleat looks best, IMO.
If you're going pleats, you gotta go cuffs too.
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