Trouser Front Options: No Pleats, Single Pleats & Double Pleats
When it comes to trouser front styles, we generally count in three types which are no pleats, single pleats, and double pleats. Each of these front styles offers different functionality and comes with certain sorts of benefits and limitations.
Thus, to help you choose the best trouser front option, as per your lifestyle needs and comfort preference, today, we're going to pen down a quick overview of these font styles. Let's begin!
Trouser front options
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Pleated trousers
A pleated front style is quite common in bespoke trousers as it's aimed to provide the perfect fit and mobility altogether. Pleats are made in trousers to create more space around the seat of trousers without compromising their neatness. This ample space around seats comes in handy for those who use trousers pockets too often as the pleats cover for the strain.
The pleated front style is also quite useful in high-waisted trousers as it provides a perfect shape to fit in a small waist and wide hip bones. Since pleated trousers look classic and traditional, these are better for formal occasions and be worn with formal suits.
However, while shopping for pleated trousers, you need to remember that pleats work better when made on densely woven fabric since such materials hold the crease better and drape gracefully. On the other hand, pleats made on softer fabric may stay open and lose their neatness & sharpness, which in turn minus both aesthetics and functionality.
Types of pleated trousers
Based on the number and placement of pleats, trousers can be classified into different categories as follows;
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Front vs. Reverse pleats
Some trousers have pleats on the front whereas some feature a flat front while having pleats on the backside. In front-facing pleats, more room is given towards the front, near the crotch area. On the other hand, in reverse or backwards-facing pleats, more room is given towards the back, near the pockets. Historically, backward pleats are more common in Italian tailoring whereas front pleats are more common in English tailoring.
Even though front pleats look more classy, they come with the downside of getting piled up in the lap area when seated. That's the reason why backward or reverse pleats are more common in store-bought trousers. Not only do reverse pleated trousers look stylish, but they also keep the inward of the leg neat when sitting or moving.
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Single vs. Double pleats
Some trousers come with only a single, long pleat that sits in the middle. Whereas some trousers have double pleats with a large middle pleat and a second, small pleat beside it. This second pleat sits between the first pleat and pocket and offers more functionality than single-pleated trousers. Some trousers also feature three pleats which are more functional than the other two versions.
The most common of them is single pleated trousers as they can be easily found in formal trousers to casual chinos. However, if you want your outfit to stand out, you may consider going with double or triple-pleated trousers.
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Flat front trousers
As the name implies, flat-front trousers are those which don't contain any pleats, neither at the front nor at the back. This way, the pants front and back look smooth and neat, with no crease at all. This kind of trousers are extremely versatile and unlike pleated pants, can be worn to both casual and formal events.
Even though flat-front pants are not as flexible and comfortable as pleated ones, these offer a sharper silhouette. Considering this, flat trousers are considered a better option for lean men. Likewise, flat-front pants are not preferred for heavy-built men or those having extra weight around the waist since these pants highlight such areas further.
To create a perfect look with flat trousers, consider wearing them a bit low on your hips. You can easily pair these pants with dress shirts or casual Ts but make sure you are getting the right size that is neither too tight nor too loose around your waist.
FAQs
Yes! The extra fabric in pleats provides more room around the seat, which in turn prevents the feeling of discomfort or restricted movement.
People with leaner bodies should avoid pleats since such pants highlight your hips, making them look wider than the rest of your leg.
Big and tall guys should always go for pleated pants.
