# Men's pants -- pleated or non-pleated? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 19, 2005, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928 "2005-06-19T17:31:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2005, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/41 "2005-06-20T20:54:45Z")
Well, honestly I don’t really care what you fellas choose to wear (hey - yer not _MY_ man), but pleated pants make me think of colostomy bags. So there it is. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2005, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/42 "2005-06-20T20:57:04Z")
> [@Stranger On A Train](#): > > Actually, I prefer [Sportkilt](http://www.sportkilt.com/shopping-cart.cfm?page=details.cfm&Product_id=10385&returnto=kilts.cfm), as they’re polyblend and therefore don’t wick up as much water. Nice. 😃 (Added to favourites.) > [@Stranger On A Train](#): > > But I’ve been informed that they do not conform to the accepted standards that comprise “office wear”, not even “business casual”. Not even with tartan, sporran, and sgian dubh. Yeah, we men need to become liberated as well. Of course, you can’t blame them for not wanting people to walk around the office with a dagger. Even if it’s a costume type thing and doesn’t actually have a blade. > [@Stranger On A Train](#): > > Then again, appropriate office attire seems to invovle wrapping a noose about your neck, so…whose idea is this, anyway. Keeps oxygen from rushing to one’s head. ---
**Author:** ![tremorviolet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@tremorviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tremorviolet)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2005, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/43 "2005-06-20T20:58:18Z")
> [@Stranger On A Train](#): > > Then again, appropriate office attire seems to invovle wrapping a noose about your neck, so…whose idea is this, anyway. Sigh. If you guys would just realize how incredibly attractive you look in ties, maybe you’d all stop bitchin’ and moanin’ about 'em. 😉 I guess my biggest beef with pleated pants is that many guys don’t wear the right sized pants. They gain weight but keep wearing the same old pair of Dockers so the pleats swell up and they look enourmous. Properly fitted pleated pants aren’t nearly so bad. [Here’s](http://www.bermanism.com/images/dallasblast05/IMG_0579.jpg) a bunch of my male pals and the pleated pants looked nice on them. I will note that my extremely fashion conscious, designer label ho’ friend (the guy on the right) was _not_ wearing pleated pants (and would probably be offended at the very idea). ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2005, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/44 "2005-06-20T20:59:45Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > But, unless I’m asked, I zip my lip and say nothing. Amen; that’s how I roll. If you ask for my opinion, however, I’m going to be brutally honest. I’ve been requested to go shopping with quite a few men and women who’ve wanted my opinion and assistance in selecting clothing items. Sometimes the person is heading to an event and other times s/he just wants to update his/her wardrobe. When I’m done with 'em, they look–clothing-wise, at least–fantastic. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2005, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/45 "2005-06-20T21:02:28Z")
> [@UrbanChic](#): > > When I’m done with 'em, they look–clothing-wise, at least–fantastic. OH MY GOD - You’re Stacy London!! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![tremorviolet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@tremorviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tremorviolet)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2005, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/46 "2005-06-20T21:03:25Z")
> [@alice\_in\_wonderland](#): > > OH MY GOD - You’re Stacy London!! 😃 Shut up! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2005, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/47 "2005-06-20T21:06:32Z")
Who’s Stacy London? Does she have a dashing sense of style? ---
**Author:** ![tremorviolet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@tremorviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tremorviolet)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2005, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/48 "2005-06-20T21:10:45Z")
> [@UrbanChic](#): > > Who’s Stacy London? Does she have a dashing sense of style? She’s the female host of the American [What Not to Wear](http://tlc.discovery.com/fansites/whatnottowear/stylegurus/london.html). She’s got decent advice although I think many of the make-overs tend to look too similar with too much emphasis on what’s current without regard for how it fits a person’s body type. (And if anyone was wondering, I wasn’t being snarky to **Alice**. “Shut up” is pretty much Stacy’s most repeated phrase.) ---
**Author:** ![Ashes\_Ashes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/db5fbb/32.png) [@Ashes\_Ashes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ashes_Ashes)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2005, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/49 "2005-06-20T21:16:48Z")
> [@bordelond](#): > > **Ashes** – what does all that have to do with pleated pants? Have you not read the thread? (I would put a smiley here, but I don’t like them)Many times it’s been stated that _most_ people look poofy or fat, when they wear pleated pants. Poofy or fat is not usually a desired look. Wearing clothes that are wrong for your body type, like pleated pants, can make you feel like crap (or be treated poorly, denied a promotion, never get a date, uncomfortable, etc). Feeling like crap is not good. So be aware of yourself and you could avoid these problems. Now, if you look good (or \*think \* you look good) in pleated pants you go right ahead. I’m still five credits short in the coursework necessary to get my Fashion Police badge and can only make a citizen’s arrest. Dammit. So much ugly, so little time. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2005, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/50 "2005-06-20T21:19:54Z")
> [@UrbanChic](#): > > Who’s Stacy London? Does she have a dashing sense of style? See **tremorviolet’s** explanation above. I really love that show - it’s almost an addiction… FWIW, I read many of your fashion related posts in Stacy’s voice…'cus, she’s ya know…_SASSY_! ---
**Author:** ![UrbanChic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9dc877/32.png) [@UrbanChic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UrbanChic)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2005, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/51 "2005-06-20T21:23:04Z")
Ah. I don’t watch those kinds of shoes on TLC. I have watched the one on BBC once or twice. Those women were approaching brutal, but veered off at the last minute. Helping someone update their wardrobe isn’t just about helping the person select new, trendy clothes, as you pointed out. It’s about combining timeless pieces with a few trendy ones sprinkled here an there. It’s about bearing in mind, not just a person’s weight, but also his or her body type. It’s about understanding that, yes, halter tunics are en vogue right now, and yes, that gal who’s so NOT your body type does look good in one, but, no, sadly that will _never, ever_ work for you. I swear if there was any real money in it, I’d quit my job and do it full time. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2005, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/52 "2005-06-20T21:28:44Z")
> [@UrbanChic](#): > > Those women were approaching brutal, but veered off at the last minute. Clinton and Stacy are a much kinder, softer version of the UK girls - honestly, they seem like total _bitches_! Clinton/Stacy - not so much. As opposed to “You’re fat - you can’t wear that.” they’re more “With you’re body shape, that tube top and hot pants outfit isn’t the most flattering look for you…” Anyhow - I regularly help friends and family members buy clothing - sometimes it seems like people have blinders on when it comes to what they’re wearing - they can see that pants that are too short look goofy when other people do it, but somehow don’t notice on themselves. ---
**Author:** ![Queen\_Bruin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/e274bd/32.png) [@Queen\_Bruin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queen_Bruin)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2005, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/53 "2005-06-20T21:43:11Z")
> [@UrbanChic](#): > > I swear if there was any real money in it, I’d quit my job and do it full time. If I had money for a new wardrobe and someone like you to help me, I’d pay for it. Seriously. Come talk to me in five years! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![sturmhauke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@sturmhauke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sturmhauke)\ **Post date:** [June 20, 2005, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/54 "2005-06-20T22:37:23Z")
Pleated clothes are a pain in the ass to iron. Ironing stuff is enough of a pain in the ass as it is, I don’t need the extra serving of pain. ---
**Author:** ![Licentious\_Ectomorph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/5e9695/32.png) [@Licentious\_Ectomorph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Licentious_Ectomorph)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2005, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/55 "2005-06-21T13:18:04Z")
> [@Ashes](#): > > Have you not read the thread? (I would put a smiley here, but I don’t like them)Many times it’s been stated that _most_ people look poofy or fat, when they wear pleated pants. Poofy or fat is not usually a desired look. Wearing clothes that are wrong for your body type, like pleated pants, can make you feel like crap (or be treated poorly, denied a promotion, never get a date, uncomfortable, etc). Feeling like crap is not good. So be aware of yourself and you could avoid these problems. > > Now, if you look good (or \*think \* you look good) in pleated pants you go right ahead. I’m still five credits short in the coursework necessary to get my Fashion Police badge and can only make a citizen’s arrest. Dammit. So much ugly, so little time. I feel just fine, thanks – even in pleated pants. :eek: But your concern over my career, love life and general well-being is deeply touching. Those of you who say self-confidence is the most important thing sure seem awfully intent on tearing down the self-confidence of anyone who doesn’t conform to your ridiculous, arbitrary notions of what’s acceptable. Fortunately for me, I left junior high school behind 20 years ago, so anyone who would think less of me for such an asinine reason is, ipso facto, not someone whose favor is worth having. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2005, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/56 "2005-06-21T13:37:12Z")
> [@sturmhauke](#): > > Pleated clothes are a pain in the ass to iron. Ironing stuff is enough of a pain in the ass as it is, I don’t need the extra serving of pain. :shrug: Nah, it’s a cinch – iron around the pleat. The pleat need not be reinforced by ironing. Better yet, remove your pants from the dryer promptly, then put 'em on hangers and stuff 'em in the closet. Presto! No need to iron (unless you want a sharp crease in the front). ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2005, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/57 "2005-06-21T13:45:04Z")
> [@hillbilly queen](#): > > Definately non-pleated. If you’re average or above, in weight, pleats will give you an unflattering poofy look. People keep talking about “poofy”. Pleated men’s pants aren’t supposed to “poof”. This only happens if the pleated pants fit improperly. Too short of a crotch? Too small of a waist size? Both? Then the pants’ waistline will probably have sit below your natural waistline, thus artificially flaring out the pleats. This is twice as bad if you’ve got a beer gut and you’re wearing pants a size too small set _under_ the gut. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2005, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/58 "2005-06-21T14:10:52Z")
> [@Licentious Ectomorph](#): > > I feel just fine, thanks – even in pleated pants. :eek: But your concern over my career, love life and general well-being is deeply touching. > > Those of you who say self-confidence is the most important thing sure seem awfully intent on tearing down the self-confidence of anyone who doesn’t conform to your ridiculous, arbitrary notions of what’s acceptable. Fortunately for me, I left junior high school behind 20 years ago, so anyone who would think less of me for such an asinine reason is, ipso facto, not someone whose favor is worth having. Eeeezzzy! 😃 I think a majority of the fashionistas around here are just having a little harmless fun with a subject we happen to have some healthy interest in. Most of the comment, certainly all of mine, are tongue in cheek and not to be taken seriously. Please don’t get offended. ---
**Author:** ![bordelond](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bordelond/32/150_2.png) [@bordelond](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bordelond)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2005, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/59 "2005-06-21T14:26:06Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Most of the comment, certainly all of mine, are tongue in cheek and not to be taken seriously. Please don’t get offended. I have to ask – in all seriousness, do you really believe pleated pants never, ever look good … no way, no how? I always thought one of the tenets of fashion was that any “rule” can be broken? No such thing as “one size fits all” style? Is there at least a general understanding out there about the right way and the wrong way to wear pleated pants? ---
**Author:** ![Licentious\_Ectomorph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/5e9695/32.png) [@Licentious\_Ectomorph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Licentious_Ectomorph)\ **Post date:** [June 21, 2005, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928/60 "2005-06-21T14:44:00Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Eeeezzzy! 😃 > > I think a majority of the fashionistas around here are just having a little harmless fun with a subject we happen to have some healthy interest in. Most of the comment, certainly all of mine, are tongue in cheek and not to be taken seriously. Please don’t get offended. **QuickSilver** , I guess I’ll hesitantly accept that - from _you._ But here are some of the other gems in this thread with regard to pleated pants: Pleats are awful on nearly everyone. Pleated pants are never “in.” I hate pleats, I think they look really bad. When I see pleated, I always assume the guy is hiding a colostomy bad. The pleated pant gives a man a gunt. When I see someone wearing something horrible, and I know how easy it would be to dress in something more flattering, I feel, not sadness or pity exactly, but sort of regretful for them. Wearing clothes that are wrong for your body type, like pleated pants, make you feel like crap. You can’t seriously tell me those statements aren’t meant to be offensive. **Ashes, Ashes** in particular can keep his/her pity/sadness/regret. I can count the number of times I’ve cursed on the SDMB on one hand, and I generally avoid being nasty to other Dopers, so I’ll just say: be glad you can’t read my mind. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mens-pants-pleated-or-non-pleated/308928.md?page=4)