YES, PLEATS! Your guide to wearing pleated pants (2024)

FAQs

Are pleated pants in style 2023? ›

Menswear is making a huge step this year! We are making the change from the very slim fit that was popularized in 2012, and are now making pleated, relaxed…

Men's pleated pants, and pants with pleats in general, took a hit in the 80s and 90s when they were a little 'extra' and ended up firmly in the dated pile. Yet men's pleated trousers still have a role in men's fashion today and, when worn well and tailored correctly, can be rather flattering on the right body.

If you're heavy-set, you will want to wear pleated pants because the extra room around the waist offers comfort. Plus, because they're worn slightly higher, they'll impart a slimming effect to your profile. If you're in the normal or average body type category, then you can take your pick.

Pleats can either be forward facing, in which the folded fabric points inward, toward the fly of your pants, or reverse—pointing in the direction of the pockets. The British style generally favors inward-facing pleats whereas pants in a more Italian, specifically, Neapolitan style usually face outward.

Since the mid-2000s, clothing has pointed emphasis on skinny or slim-fitting clothing. Pleats simply don't look good with modern, low cut, ultra-light trousers. Therefore, it's easier, cheaper, and more attractive overall to simply offer flat-fronted styles in modern slim-fit trousers.

Sorry, Gen Z: Skinny Jeans Are Officially Back

But three-quarters of the way through Fashion Month Fall/Winter 2023, it seems the pendulum is swinging back. Skinny jeans, skinny pants, and — gasp — leggings have taken over the runway, most recently making their presence known at Saint Laurent.

Style with a fitted top

As your pleated pants are a more relaxed, loose style, to balance out your outfit, look to style them back with a more fitted top. We love a relaxed pleated trouser with a classic tank, fitted t-shirt or a long sleeve knit tucked in.

Single pleated pants can be cuffed or hemmed: Single pleated pants are highly versatile and work well with cuffs or without them. Two-pleat pants should have cuffs: Two-pleat pants should always be worn with cuffs and not hems.

Here's an old rule: In order to determine whether or not a pair of pants should have a cuff, counting pleats is a good way to go: Dual pleated pants should always have cuffs. Single pleated pants can be worn with or without cuffs. Flat-front or no-pleat pants should not be worn with cuffs.

Editor's Note. When it comes to crafting separates with versatile appeal, look to Pleats Please by Issey Miyake for an expert lesson. Exhibiting the flattering plissé technique that has come to define the label, these trousers offer fluid movement alongside undeniable comfort thanks to gentle pleated folds.

Are pleats in style? ›

Pleats serve a functional purpose: they allow for more breathing room where it matters most. But beyond the utility, they also look particularly right in 2022, when dressing like a swagged-out octogenarian has never been cooler and appreciation for the bigger-is-better style of the '80s is at an all-time high.

Be careful and consider the fabric of the pants: While ironing pleats of cotton or linen trousers high temperature is perfect, but the pleats need more time to set. In case of linen trousers put a layer of fabric between iron and trousers to avoid damaging the fabric and the unusual shiny effect.

Generally speaking the pleat-front trouser is flattering on most body shapes. Traditionally a style of pant associated with menswear, the pleat-front pant was designed to conceal a belly.

A pleat is a fold of fabric sewn beneath the waistband on the front of a pair of trousers. In contrast, a flat-front pant lacks these folds and is made just as it sounds — the fabric of the trouser largely runs straight and clean from top to bottom.

Spacing Pleats

Pleat sizes can be adjusted but spaces should all be the same size. Susan prefers 3.5" to 4" spaces between pleats for styles like French or Euro pleats. "That's an average - a starting point - but you might use smaller or larger spaces to fit your rod". An average pleat size is 5 inches.

Pleated pants or skirts also add volume at your tummy and hip area and will automatically make you look heavier than you are.

Don't you just LOVE plaid? It's one of those classic patterns that will always be around, especially this time of year. Because of the often larger, bolder horizontal and vertical lines, the effect can enlarge the figure... looking like bricks on a house.

Pleats, they're incredibly contemporary and timeless at the same time. They instantly make us feel more elegant and catapult our outfits to the next level. Apparently that's a global sentiment.

Skinny jeans are being replaced by bootcut and straight-leg styles. After a good, long run, it's time for skinny jeans to step aside and let a new trend take center stage. As a replacement in 2023, Sommer recommended barrel, bootcut, and straight-leg silhouettes — all of which are having a moment right now.

Insider asked professional stylists which pant trends are in and out for 2023. Cargo pants, cropped cuts, and leather are going to be popular styles this year. On the other hand, skinny jeans and high-waisted pants have seen their heyday.

What is the fashion color for 2023? ›

Digital Lavender, Luscious Red, Sundial, Tranquil Blue and Verdigris are the color names for 2023.

We recommend wearing your pleated trousers with shoes that aren't covered or overwhelmed by the pants. Double-buckled shoes or heftier, chunkier shoes work well since they will scale well with the extra fabric of pleated pants.

Pleats were originally developed to be functional. They allow the pants to expand when you sit, which is not only more comfortable, but it also prevents issues like puckering pockets and unnecessary seam tension.

STRAPPY FLATS OR HEELS

A strappy or lace-up flat or heel will pair perfectly with a crisp denim cuff. Try cuffing your jean 2-3 inches above your ankle to show off your strappy shoes. Cuffed boyfriend jeans are our favorite jean to show off our shoes.

Pleats are generally described as having two main types: forward and reverse. Forward pleats are the English classic, opening inwards towards the fly seam, while reverse pleats open outwards and are more Italian. You probably think of pleats as a fashion item, maybe one that's had its day.

A good guideline is to wear cuffs with double or triple-pleated pants and no cuffs with flat-front pants. Trousers with single-pleats may be cuffed or not cuffed. If you are dressing in a tuxedo, you should never wear pants with a cuff.

Cuffs come in and out of fashion. But, they are a permanent fixture of classic men's style when worn properly. They show the wearer has literally gone the extra inch to stand out.

In fact, the one style staple to have if you're looking to conceal a burgeoning midriff is pleated skirts or dresses. Also called plisse or knife pleats, they can cleverly draw attention away from your stomach area.

Miyake made his signature turtleneck). Pleats Please became, according to Mr. Miyake in his 2012 book, his “most valuable contribution to design.” Its functionality found new uses, from dance costuming to maternity wear.

Are pleats flattering for plus size? ›

Do pleats add weight? In other words, do they make you look bigger than you are? Yes, they do. But once you find the right length and pleat for you, you'll look like a million bucks.

Back then, pleats were popular as middle-manager garb. By the mid-'90s, flat-front trousers became the norm. Then, in the early 2000s, the new skinny-fit look championed by the super-forward designer, Thom Browne, ended the acceptability of pleats. They were relegated to granddad fashion.

Fluted - very small, rounded or pressed pleats used as trimmings. Fortuny - crisp pleats set in silk fabrics by designer Mariano Fortuny in the early 20th century, using a secret pleat-setting process which is still not understood. Honeycomb - narrow, rolled pleats used as a foundation for smocking.

Pleats are used create volume in a garment. The fabric is gathered or folded together, which creates a fuller silhouette. Pleats not only provide an aesthetic function, they are also practical, as they allow for freedom of movement and airflow within a garment.

AVOID HIGH HEAT.

Rub a bar of soap on the inside of your pants, along the line of the pleat or crease. Turn your pants right side-out and iron them on the ironing board. Dampen a clean cloth with white vinegar. Rub this cloth on the pleat or crease of your pants, then iron them as usual.

Iron the waistband first so you don't mess up the pleats after you iron them. For pants, you may want to iron any pocket lining first. If that lays flat, your pleats will have more of a chance to do the same. Flip the pant leg off of the board so you are ironing one leg at a time.

2023 Fashion Trend: Sheer Clothing

From a cellophane-like dress, worn over a boldly hued maxi skirt at Tory Burch's spring 2023 show, to a frothy frock revealing undergarments at Victoria Beckham, the previously risqué trend is coming not only for your weekend wardrobe but even workwear.

Pleated skirts have been around a long time, and you may be wondering are pleated skirts in style in 2023 or even how to style a pleated skirt? The short answer is yes, pleated skirts are in style. The pleated skirt is a classic, timeless piece that you'll wear over and over again.

Now, something else from back in the day has secured its spot in the 2022 stratosphere: the parachute pant trend. According to fashion expert and celebrity stylist Cindy Conroy, this buzzy bottom was initially trending in the '80s thanks to a popular musician.

of clothing : no longer generally worn by people. Those ruffled blouses went out of fashion years ago. of a style of something, a way of behaving, etc. : no longer generally liked by people : unpopular.

How many dresses should a woman own? ›

In general, aim for 40 to 50 items, including 3 to 5 casual dresses or skirts. Refer to this ultimate guide on how big your wardrobe should be for inspiration. Only keep the essentials and what you truly need to earn more time, space, and money for the things you truly love.

Believe it or not, pleats are making a comeback. And not in your grandpa's pleats kind of way. I call it: The return of the modified pleat.

Pleats serve a functional purpose: they allow for more breathing room where it matters most. But beyond the utility, they also look particularly right in 2022, when dressing like a swagged-out octogenarian has never been cooler and appreciation for the bigger-is-better style of the '80s is at an all-time high.

Parachute Pants

Whether it be a low-slung nylon pair à la Hailey Bieber or billowing satin cargo pants, the oversize style is a guaranteed trend for 2023. Due to the loose fit, opt for a more tailored silhouette on top and pair with heels.

From sag to high fashion. Both Farmer and Floyd said they started sagging to imitate the way their favorite rappers dressed in videos. But today's hip-hop stars no longer sag, and that's the primary reason sagging has gone out of style, fashion experts say.

And we're into it. Whether you're down to try out parachute pants, balloon legs, or barrel-form trousers, one styling factor remains constant: the bigger, the better. So keep scrolling shop a few of our favorite voluminous bottoms, and get ready to go big or go home.

The soft orange shade Apricot Crush has been named colour of the year 2024 by colour authority WGSN in collaboration with Coloro - The Color Code.

The underlying premise of the three colour rule is to not combine more than three colours in your outfit at any one time. The exception being black and white, which are technically not 'colours' but tones, and can be intermixed as a fourth colour in your outfit.