Man in Business Suit - Flat Front or Pleated Pants?

Flat-Front – Flat-front pants are slimming, snugger-fitting and since they go in and out of fashion, are generally better suited for the style-conscious. Since there are no pleats, the silhouette is more smooth and straight, accentuating slimmer figures. These pants should be well tailored, a bit loose around the waist, and worn just on or below the hipbones. It’s important to keep in mind that flat-front pants are an unforgiving cut. On larger men, this style may be too tight and uncomfortable around the waist, belly and thighs. Flat-front pants will not only accentuate a slim figure, but also emphasize a belly.

Pleated – Pleated pants are more generous around the middle, allowing for comfort and ease of movement. Because of this, pleats are a constant option and don’t go in and out of fashion. The pleated style helps to make a larger man’s front look flatter. Pleats are also ideal for men with a large back-side or athletes with large thighs. Men who have physically active jobs or lifestyles also find that pleated pants are roomier and easier to move in. Pleated pants should be worn just above the hipbones at the natural waist. Slender men, especially if tall, should avoid pleated pants because there will be too much extra room and the silhouette will appear sloppy.

As somebody who dressed men for a living -- do not, I repeat do not wear pants with pleats. They are outdated. They add weigh to your lower abdomen. They are the equivalent of mom jeans. NOBODY looks good with front butt. NOBODY.

I prefer my husband in flat front pants but here's some info I found on Josbank.com


http://www.josbank.com/menswear/shop/ContentView?storeId=11001&catalogId=10050&contentKey=DRESSPANTS

Pleated dress pants are the classic look. Pleats have a couple benefits, like adding detail to the pants as well as flattering large-built body types. If you have larger legs, carry extra weight in your midsection, or have a broad upper body, pleated pants will help balance out your appearance. They may actually help you look slimmer. One to two pleats will sufficiently capture this effect.

Flat-front pants, on the other hand, are more modern and complement a business casual look. Plain front slacks have no pleats, giving them a slimmer and more tailored appearance. Men with slim-built body types look best in this type of pant.

Pretty much this whole statement.

Try on a few pairs. I think on some people, pleated pants look poofy. But, you have to be careful that your flat-fronts aren't too tight...

So I'm a mid to late thirties professional in a somewhat conservative accounting firm. I just got put on a client that will require me to wear a professional business suit 3-4 days per week at the client. Acknowledging how much that is going to suck in the heat of the summer, I will still need to pick up 2-3 new suits. The big question - flat front or pleated pants?

I have a relatively athletic build while still trying to lose another 3-4 inches off my waist. The internet seems to have quite a bit of bias toward flat front, but when I look around the only people I really see wearing flat front are those in their 20's or those that are extremely lean/skinny (not muscular at all). What say you, MFP?

I used to work at Van Heusen (we sold women and men's casual clothing and dress wear). I suggest to go with the flat front they tend to create a slimmer look. You are correct younger men tend to prefer them because of this; they are slimmer in the leg than the pleated. Now if you prefer a little more leg/ thigh room then go with the pleated. In the end it comes down to what you prefer, but my opinion is flat front.

This is not a slam, but limit the female influence on business attire. (sure you will probably look better, but unless youre in the fashion industry, just dont.) Ugly ties rule.

Haha, touché.

There's a reason we girls don't necessarily listen to what men think we ought to wear to work either (: Ain't enough Halloween secretary costumes in the world.

I do agree with the flat front side though. Perhaps there's a middle way? Something plain, understated and modest (see also: boring) without appearing either too 'GQ' or too 80s?

Or wear a kilt, and really freak the client out.

Both. Pleats do have a place.

In certain industries such as financial, always go conservative. You want to project a stable, prudent image. Latest styles and fitted clothing projects youth. Youth does not project wisdom - dress mature.

A flashy peacock tells the client that you are making too much money off him and that you spend money frivolously. Your goal is to conduct business, not make a fashion statement. Other than a wedding band and conservative watch, off the jewelry too. Less is more.

This is not a slam, but limit the female influence on business attire. (sure you will probably look better, but unless youre in the fashion industry, just dont.) Ugly ties rule.

No, sorry. Flat front pants became popular in the US several years ago. They are not in anyway "new" or on the cutting edge of fashion. Wearing pleats at this point doesn't make you look conservative, it makes you look dated and sloppy. Flat front pants aren't a woman's influence, it's basically Europe's influence.

No, you don't want to appear flashy, but wearing clothes that were popular two decades ago isn't your only option. If you can purchase flat fronted pants at say Sears (and you totally can), you are not going to appear as though you are a fashion hound.

FLAT. Pleats are very dated looking.

What decade are we in?

Pleats?!

I think it depends the look you are going for....flat is def the more "in" look right now. I own both and I feel like pleats look more professional