Pleated Pants
If you look up the fashion trends diary over centuries and look up the different trends with regards to trousers and pants, you will observe that pleated pants have been a favorite for many years now. While earlier, these pants were sewed in such a manner that the pleats were created inwards and tucked inside the pants, over years the lack of elegance associated with outward pleats came to a stop. Pleated pants were a huge fashion trend for a long time till in the 50s and 60s preferences changed and more and more people started opting for flat front pants. In the eighties though, the pleated pants, out of style till then, came back with a bang and today they have been revived once again. This only goes to prove how cyclical fashion trends are. In this article, we tell you more about these pants and which body type these pants suit the most.
What are Pleated Pants?
Firstly it is important to know that pleated pants can be worn by both men and women, provided that they fit well. It is possible to buy pleated pants for both casual and formal occasions but it is generally more suited to formal wear. So, if you are looking for business formal attire, then it may be a good idea to opt for a pair of pleated pants. If you are looking for a pair of casual pleated trousers, then opt for khaki pants.
Pleated pants are stitched in such a manner that they have either single folds or double folds. If your pair have double folds, then rest assured that the pleat that is located next to the zipper will be deep and long. The pleats are folded in such a manner that they face outwards, situated facing the pockets. If you prefer though, you can also opt for a pair of pants that have inverted pleats. Generally pleats are added to pants or any other apparel to give it a slight design detail but it also has a functional utility that it adds room and width to the silhouette of the pant. This helps because when the folds of the pleat open up, it allows for an expansion of the width of the hip. If you want to avoid allowing this expansion to be visible to the naked eye, then you can easily add a straight stitch along the line of the fold. This causes the width to seem much lesser than it actually is.
Pleated pants are perfect for people who are on the heavier side, as it makes one's front look much flatter, especially when compared to flat front trousers that generally tend to draw focus to the waist area. Pleated pants are also great for men and women who have larger rears, legs or thighs as with pleats in the pants, there is more width that the pant allows for when the folds are opened. Also the pleats allow for a waistband that can open up and create room for you. With a job that involves a lot of physical activity, it may be a good idea to opt for clothing, especially a pair of pants with pleats that will allow you to move well. With thinner and more petite people, these pants add bulk which can be ungainly in many ways. While trying ironing pleated pants, remember to always turn them inside out and then iron the waist band first, before ironing the pleats towards the pockets.
It is a fashion trend that keeps coming back and refuses to go away completely. If you do opt to wear these pants, if you are sure that they suit you, then choose a silhouette that suits you well. For men, the best style are straight cut pleated pants but for women, depending on your body type you can choose between slouchy, loose pants with pleats, and tapered skinny pleated pants that hit your ankle. Choose the style that suits you the most, and wear it with panache.
