Quick! Look down and tell me what's on the front of your pants. Hopefully, your answer is "nothing." If you answered "pleats," then let's chat for a moment. First, I want to know why you are wearing pleated pants.
"I've always worn them"
"I like them"
"I have a large waist so they fit better"
"I'm skinny so the pleats help me look bigger"
Unfortunately, pleated pants are not going to maximize your look for the better. In fact, we learned a lot about pleats since they were the rage in the 80 and early 90's and discovered the following truths:
1) Pleats in your pants date your look considerably. This isn't a trendy, hip thing, it's a fact. Pleats are no longer fashionable for the successful man and haven't been for over a decade.
2) I like sweat pants, but that doesn't mean I should wear them to work, out to dinner, etc. Same for pleated pants.
3) I quote Trunk Club "Rule No. 662: Yes, pleated pants add extra fabric and extra weight to your physique." A larger man, with a larger waist will in fact look even larger in pleated pants.
4) Yes, the thin man will look bigger in pleated pants, but mostly in his hips. A skinny man with big hips is not attractive.
5) Pleated pants get puffy when you sit down. It's hard to focus in the meeting when the man next to you has Elephantitis.
The answer my pleated pals is the flat-front pant (see center image above from Nordstrom.com). Flat-front pants and trousers (dress slacks) are up to date, classically modern, flattering for nearly all body types and especially slimming for larger men. Getting the right fit is essential to maximizing the benefits of the flat front pant. While you are standing, they should lay flat across the front without pulling at the pocket corners or pressing your rear end into a flat shelf. If you have lost your crack so to speak, they are too tight (this goes for all pants really).
As most women will tell you, pleated pants need not apply. Update your look, polish your image and make the most of your physique with plain front pants. This is one area you want to be depleted!
If you don't believe me, watch this:
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