Man in Business Suit - Flat Front or Pleated Pants?

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?

this is the internet, anti-popular will always be popular.

Oh, and Gig 'Em! C/o 2010 (don't add me though, I'm just here to act a fool. I'm actually embarassed by myself most days).

If you will be going sans jacket occasionally, go with flat, or a single, discreet pleat.

If you'll have the jacket on the entire time, just do whatever is comfortable.

Flat is fashionable but pleats aren't out. I also think pleats look more profssional, as someone else mentioned. Honestly though, the quality and fit of the suit are what matter most.

The females certainly proved my point. Not one failed to mention comfort or how much better men look in wearing the particular style they advocated.

Business dress presents one's bona fides , it plays a vital part in making a favorable first impression; a ticket to enter if you will. We dress to impress the crowd we wish to find commonality & acceptance ....females or business...and as the subject of this thread is business dress, no girls allowed.

Reduced to bare basics, one dresses to convey a message. Stop and think, why wear a tie? The argument can be made that the tie is a silly, useless piece of cloth that doesnt serve a practical function, and it can be uncomfortable at times....but, the tie does serve a function, like the banner, the tie conveys that the wearer respects certain conventions. It signals respect for ones peers and states, "I respect you and your standards, I care what you think of me". Business dress illustrates an important asset; social grace.

How often do you hear a guy grouse, "Im not wearing a tie, that's stupid"? What he is actually saying is that he rejects convention and doesnt regard the people at the function to be worth the effort of a tie. Subliminally he is being offensive. He doenst want to be accepted by them. The absence of his tie declares that he is a rebel & when he shows up, there will be some who will harbor reservations, or even resentment as he lacks awareness. As earlier stated, proper dress for the function presents a means of credibility & respect. (NOTE: Businessmen, do not let your female buy your work ties because they will come back with matching pocket squares or even worse, talk you into wearing a bow tie!)

So the issues are; do you mister businessman want to gamble with your one chance to make a favorable first impression, or do you need to pioneer the cutting edge of fashion, or do you need to convey that you are prudent & not one to make changes in business norms? Successful business is about stability.

Business is a good ole boys club, and if you heed the codes you can join.

Flat front. Though I will say I like pleated due to my junk not being obvious. Have to wear stupid underwear to keep stuff in check. For style though, flat front. Pleated you can get away with if you are older. Since you are my age, I'd recommend going for the flat front.

I had to look up the difference...



I like pleats. I think they look more expensive, professional. The flat fronts look like like you should be in a boy band.

I'm no fashion aficionado, but I believe pleats are pretty dated. I haven't worn them in awhile.

Flat front

The females certainly proved my point. Not one failed to mention comfort or how much better men look in wearing the particular style they advocated.

Business dress presents one's bona fides , it plays a vital part in making a favorable first impression; a ticket to enter if you will. We dress to impress the crowd we wish to find commonality & acceptance ....females or business...and as the subject of this thread is business dress, no girls allowed.

Reduced to bare basics, one dresses to convey a message. Stop and think, why wear a tie? The argument can be made that the tie is a silly, useless piece of cloth that doesnt serve a practical function, and it can be uncomfortable at times....but, the tie does serve a function, like the banner, the tie conveys that the wearer respects certain conventions. It signals respect for ones peers and states, "I respect you and your standards, I care what you think of me". Business dress illustrates an important asset; social grace.

How often do you hear a guy grouse, "Im not wearing a tie, that's stupid"? What he is actually saying is that he rejects convention and doesnt regard the people at the function to be worth the effort of a tie. Subliminally he is being offensive. He doenst want to be accepted by them. The absence of his tie declares that he is a rebel & when he shows up, there will be some who will harbor reservations, or even resentment as he lacks awareness. As earlier stated, proper dress for the function presents a means of credibility & respect. (NOTE: Businessmen, do not let your female buy your work ties because they will come back with matching pocket squares or even worse, talk you into wearing a bow tie!)

So the issues are; do you mister businessman want to gamble with your one chance to make a favorable first impression, or do you need to pioneer the cutting edge of fashion, or do you need to convey that you are prudent & not one to make changes in business norms? Successful business is about stability.

Business is a good ole boys club, and if you heed the codes you can join.

This is painful to read. *Wonderful* quotes such as :..".females or business...and as the subject of this thread is business dress, no girls allowed." "NOTE: Businessmen, do not let your female buy your work ties because they will come back with matching pocket squares or even worse, talk you into wearing a bow tie!)"

And I love how you ended it with "Business is a good ole boys club, and if you heed the codes you can join." :huh:

Wonderful. You show promise, faintly, but that can be developed.

Are you an Aggie grad? Don't know about Texas, but no jewelry (exception: wedding band, medical id)-- like college ring knocker jewelry, earrings, bracelets. No weird Masonic handshakes or rings.

Pleated suit pants have been standard for a while, though some suit manufacturers do make flat front pants. For khakis and odd pants, pants not part of a suit, flat front pants are preferred. Only two reasons why you would go with pleated pants for other than a suit: you are overweight; you are well-endowed. Avoid at all costs pleated front khakis. It is a 90's look and it is a dad pants look.