# Pleated pants a gross fashion faux-pas: why? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [May 8, 2009, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741 "2009-05-08T12:48:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/21 "2009-05-11T18:22:54Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > How is adding a giant poof of fabric deemphisizing anything? Here’s the trick all fat people need to remember (and I say this as a fat broad myself who regularly says this to other fat girls): no amount of extra fabric is going to make anyone think you’re skinny. Sorry. I’m still a fat ass regardless of whether I wear a mumu or a miniskirt. > > Sure, your clothes should certainly FIT and a well tailored pair of pants will do that nicely. Pleated pants will do nothing but say “O HAI! LOOK AT MY BELLY ROLL I’M TRYING UNSUCCESSFULLY TO HIDE BECAUSE I’M UNCOMFORTABLE WITH MY FAT BODY.” Go ahead and do it if you want, but realize that no body is fooled. Again, I’m not sure why you think pleat = giant poof. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/22 "2009-05-11T18:26:49Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > Again, I’m not sure why you think pleat = giant poof. Maybe I exaggerated a bit, but the point still stands: regardless of size, you’re adding unnecessary volume to your chunk. Again, a well-tailored pair of slacks will look better without adding volume. ---
**Author:** ![Fiddle\_Peghead](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiddle_peghead/32/3506_2.png) [@Fiddle\_Peghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiddle_Peghead)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/23 "2009-05-11T18:30:38Z")
> [@trudi\_fermelli](#): > > In reality, they **haven’t** been ‘around’ for decades…but perhaps you fell into a time warp. I agree the poofing out thing is just not flattering at all and pressing them to keep those pleats…not worth the trouble. Wait a minute. Pleats haven’t been around for decades? What, they were just invented yesterday? That’s ridiculous. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/24 "2009-05-11T19:02:09Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > Maybe I exaggerated a bit, but the point still stands: regardless of size, you’re adding unnecessary volume to your chunk. Again, a well-tailored pair of slacks will look better without adding volume. The added volume, in many cases, is anything but unnecessary. The aforementioned GQ columnist wears pleated pants with most of his suits to reduce the risk of torn material. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/25 "2009-05-11T19:29:16Z")
> [@JRDelirious](#): > > Y’know people, sometimes I believe I must have known the only woman who likes pleated pants. I know, I should have sought to show her the error of her ways but… well, a man has his priorities, OK? I like pleats in pants on occasion - very Katherine Hepburn, who never looked fat. Most of my pants currently are flat front. But I have some very classic pleated trousers that I will still wear. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/26 "2009-05-11T19:53:46Z")
The problem I have with many flat-front pants is two-fold. Most of them tend to “print” in front, either stuff in pockets (yes, ladies, I know I shouldn’t put keys and money in my pockets; I should just walk around with stuff in my hands all the time) and the anatomically poorly placed wedding tackle. And the other problem is that only many flat-front trousers the rise is insufficient and I end up either uncomfortably bunched up down there, accentuating the above printing problem, or the belt line rides down on the hips instead of at the waist. (On the other hand, I’ve found that some makes of pleated trousers have too much rise and force you to pull them up high-waisted, which is equally if not more annoying, although this at least can be addressed by tailoring). I also think that flat front pants tend to look cheap on business suits, and they have no place on tuxedo pants or other formal wear. I have a couple pairs of casual pants that are flat front which look better with a t-shirt or casual shirt, but anything worn with a tie or jacket has pleats, albeit more subtle pleats than the 'Eighties fashions people keep citing. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Fight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/90ced4/32.png) [@Cat\_Fight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Fight)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/27 "2009-05-11T20:05:30Z")
Pleated plants on a guy + sitting down = [awkward](http://www.awkwardboners.com/) (NSFWish) ---
**Author:** ![Zsofia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/7bcc69/32.png) [@Zsofia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zsofia)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/28 "2009-05-11T20:53:10Z")
Ah, yes. On women that’s called the “polterwang”. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/29 "2009-05-11T20:57:19Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > The problem I have with many flat-front pants is two-fold. Most of them tend to “print” in front, either stuff in pockets (yes, ladies, I know I shouldn’t put keys and money in my pockets; I should just walk around with stuff in my hands all the time) and the anatomically poorly placed wedding tackle. And the other problem is that only many flat-front trousers the rise is insufficient and I end up either uncomfortably bunched up down there, accentuating the above printing problem, or the belt line rides down on the hips instead of at the waist. (On the other hand, I’ve found that some makes of pleated trousers have too much rise and force you to pull them up high-waisted, which is equally if not more annoying, although this at least can be addressed by tailoring). I also think that flat front pants tend to look cheap on business suits, and they have no place on tuxedo pants or other formal wear. I have a couple pairs of casual pants that are flat front which look better with a t-shirt or casual shirt, but anything worn with a tie or jacket has pleats, albeit more subtle pleats than the 'Eighties fashions people keep citing. > > Stranger _shrug_ I don’t know. It sounds like your pants don’t fit, though. Buy a bigger size and take them to a tailor if this is a problem that regularly occurs. This would be like me, a female, saying, “All of these new, tight, bootcut jeans give me camel toe and muffin top.” No, all the tight, bootcut jeans that don’t fit me give me camel toe and muffin top. A properly fitting pair of tailored bootcut jeans could make me look like a rockstar, so long as they actually fit. ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/30 "2009-05-11T21:00:34Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > The added volume, in many cases, is anything but unnecessary. The aforementioned GQ columnist wears pleated pants with most of his suits to reduce the risk of torn material. If you have to worry about torn material, maybe you should buy bigger pants. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/31 "2009-05-11T21:01:39Z")
> [@zweisamkeit](#): > > If you have to worry about torn material, maybe you should buy bigger pants. Seriously- sure, I’m female, but I’ve never had any of my flat front slacks rip or even get worn down over my gut. Is his giant dong stressing the material all day or something? ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/32 "2009-05-11T21:38:45Z")
> [@zweisamkeit](#): > > If you have to worry about torn material, maybe you should buy bigger pants. Yeah, the guy that works at GQ doesn’t know how to buy pants. :rolleyes: Splitting the seat in a pair of slacks doesn’t happen often, but it sometimes does. Comfort is another reason people wear pleats. They most certainly have functional uses and aren’t unnecessary fabric. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/33 "2009-05-11T21:40:13Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > Seriously- sure, I’m female, but I’ve never had any of my flat front slacks rip or even get worn down over my gut. Is his giant dong stressing the material all day or something? They rip in the seat. Your gut has nothing to do with it. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/34 "2009-05-11T21:48:28Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > They rip in the seat. Your gut has nothing to do with it. If you’re ripping the ass out of your pants, it sounds like you need bigger pants. Just because the guy works for GQ, doesn’t mean he’s not making the same mistake that many Americans are. Or are you suggesting one simply can’t have pants that ever fit? It’s not rocket science. If your pants fit your ass- big or small, they aren’t going to rip to shreds. Even cheap pants. Trust me, I’m no delicate flower myself and I’ve managed to get through life without ripping out the ass of any pair of pants I own. And I say this as a person who likes to wear tight pants and is too cheap to buy “nice” expensive stuff. :rolleyes: Right back at ya’. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/35 "2009-05-11T21:51:16Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > _shrug_ I don’t know. It sounds like your pants don’t fit, though. Buy a bigger size and take them to a tailor if this is a problem that regularly occurs. No, the pants _fit_ fine (except for the aforementioned rise problem, which is more a current style that has inadvisably attempted to emulate women’s fashions of a low-rise waist). It’s just that “the equipment” is outlined in front with any flat front pant 'cause guys have gear there. I guess I could buy a much larger size of flat front pants, have the waist taken in, and then let them poof out in front so that they don’t print, but then this seems like it would be even worse that pleats from an appearance standpoint. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/36 "2009-05-11T21:56:11Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > Yeah, the guy that works at GQ doesn’t know how to buy pants. :rolleyes: > > Splitting the seat in a pair of slacks doesn’t happen often, but it sometimes does. Comfort is another reason people wear pleats. They most certainly have functional uses and aren’t unnecessary fabric. :rolleyes: right back atcha. GQ and other men’s fashion things have been playing up [Skinny Suits](http://hisfashioneye.buy.co.uk/files/2008/11/skinny-suit-ralph-lauren.jpg) for (thin) guys for a bit now. Skinny Suit is another phrase for “suit that is really tight and too small”. So no, it wouldn’t surprise me if he split his pants if he’s wearing a skinny suit that’s too small for him. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/37 "2009-05-11T22:18:37Z")
> [@zweisamkeit](#): > > :rolleyes: right back atcha. GQ and other men’s fashion things have been playing up [Skinny Suits](http://hisfashioneye.buy.co.uk/files/2008/11/skinny-suit-ralph-lauren.jpg) for (thin) guys for a bit now. Skinny Suit is another phrase for “suit that is really tight and too small”. So no, it wouldn’t surprise me if he split his pants if he’s wearing a skinny suit that’s too small for him. He wrote about this as long ago as 2000 or 2001, which was about 7 or 8 years before the skinny suit trend hit. His columns are all archived on their site. ---
**Author:** ![DiosaBellissima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a8b319/32.png) [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/38 "2009-05-11T22:21:13Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > He wrote about this as long ago as 2000 or 2001, which was about 7 or 8 years before the skinny suit trend hit. His columns are all archived on their site. Ok, so let me get this straight: you are geniunely contending that if a person repeatedly rips the ass out of their pants, it’s because he’s wearing flat fronted, non pleated pants, not because his pants don’t fit? ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/39 "2009-05-11T22:22:25Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > If you’re ripping the ass out of your pants, it sounds like you need bigger pants. Just because the guy works for GQ, doesn’t mean he’s not making the same mistake that many Americans are. Or are you suggesting one simply can’t have pants that ever fit? > > It’s not rocket science. If your pants fit your ass- big or small, they aren’t going to rip to shreds. Even cheap pants. Trust me, I’m no delicate flower myself and I’ve managed to get through life without ripping out the ass of any pair of pants I own. And I say this as a person who likes to wear tight pants and is too cheap to buy “nice” expensive stuff. > > :rolleyes: Right back at ya’. I’m suggesting that pants are sized by the waist, which often has little to do with how much stress your ass puts on the relatively delicate fabric that is common in suit material. The whole point of the column was to show that certain flat fronted pants don’t fit certain body types particularly well, which is why pleated pants are more commonly sold with suits than flat fronted ones. ---
**Author:** ![Labrador\_Deceiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7c8e57/32.png) [@Labrador\_Deceiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labrador_Deceiver)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2009, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741/40 "2009-05-11T22:23:25Z")
> [@DiosaBellissima](#): > > Ok, so let me get this straight: you are geniunely contending that if a person repeatedly rips the ass out of their pants, it’s because he’s wearing flat fronted, non pleated pants, not because his pants don’t fit? Can you even fucking read? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleated-pants-a-gross-fashion-faux-pas-why/495741.md?page=3)