Here’s why you should be wearing pleated trousers
Creased and crimped, you may not think these higher-waisted, folded-front trousers are worth your time. The truth is, however, you can't beat a pleat...
Words: Jonathan Wells
Pleats are in. We know, we were surprised too. But it just so happens that these creased and crimped trousers are having something of a resurgence; gathering their fronts and their speed as they barrel towards a new age of puckered popularity.
So, even though you may associate pleated trousers with dated fashion and *ahem* larger gentlemen, it’s high time you gave these higher-waisted, folded-front garments a go. We’ve chosen our favourites to show the sheer versatility of the style and prove that, whatever your lifestyle, there’s always room to tuck in a pair of pleats.
Tie up a pair of drawstring pleats for casual style
It’s not every style of trouser that can look as good in black tie as they can reclined on your sofa. But give a pair a pleats a drawstring and you’ve got your new favourite lounge pants. With their looser fit and the freedom of movement afforded by the gathered fronts, they’re perfect for relaxing.
In a comfortable seersucker, these tapered pleats from Remi Relief are tailored with a mid-rise tapered profile. Monitaly has cut its pleats with a dropped crotch shape to give the wearer even more freedom of movement, and Lardini’s offerings come crafted from linen, to ensure optimum comfort.
Tuck in a pair of conservative pleats for the office
That’s right, it’s not all about mooching around the house in your smart but slouchy trousers. Pleats can also add a little interest to your work wardrobe. Opt for a neutral colour, simple button fastening and a sharp crease that will draw seamlessly from the pleats.
Caruso’s suit trousers work perfectly for this; pleated, pressed through the front, and made in a solid twill-cotton blend. Similarly, Dolce & Gabbana’s trousers are pleated at the front to ensure the straight-leg profile hangs neatly. Or go to Ermenegildo Zegna, reliably responsible in sourcing naturally wrinkle-resistant and durable fabrics.
Corduroy pleats are a style sensation
If cords weren’t already bold enough, try adding some pleats to really take things old school. Both trouser styles are having a renaissance, after all, so why not combine the two?
Connolly is leading the charge on this one, with wide wales and pleats along the waistband to smarten the tapered shape. Brunello Cucinelli, too, has pulled out all the stops, boosting the width of its corduroy pattern for added impact. And Ralph Lauren’s offerings feature sharp pleats along the front creating a little more space in the legs.
Switch up your formalwear with pleats
Oh, how far we’ve come from those drawstring linen lounge pants. A true testament to the versatility of pleats, they can also be used to switch up your formalwear.
Rubinacci’s adjustable buckled tabs along the waistband pair with the least to create a really striking style. Oliver Spencer’s sleek, simple trousers benefit from their pleats to create a mean trouser crease. And AMI solve the loose-fitting problem pleats perennially suffer from by crafting them in the brand’s signature ‘carrot fit’.
Let’s continue making past fashions cool again. Here’s why your next tie should be knitted…
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