Nov 19, 2019

Are Pleated Suit Pants in Style for 2024?

When you think about classic men’s style, what do you imagine? Chances are your mind goes to a previous era when wearing suits was far more common. And, in those days, there was only one way to wear a suit—with pleated suit pants. They’ve been the favorites of style icons like Sean Connery’s James Bond, and they’re making a comeback with the icons of today. That’s why it helps to know how to pull this look off in a classic way without losing any of your modernity. See why pleated suit pants are back in style in 2024!

Making the Pleated Pants the Star

When it was more common for men to wear pleated pants in their suits, they often had a high waist. Why is that?

For one reason, a higher waist allows the pants to become the star of the show. The rise of the pants (that is, the distance from the bottom of the crotch fold to the top of the waist) becomes more prominent.

That isn’t to say that you have to order your pants with a higher rise than usual. The main point here is that pleated pants can become the star of your suit.

One modern way to do this is to wear pleated suit pants that are a different color than the rest of your outfit. Try our Super 100’s Gabardine Pleated pants in Medium Gray along with a color like navy on top. Or, even just wear them with a casual button-down for a nice contrast in textures.

How to Pull off Pleated Pants

Given what you know, what are the best ways to pull off pleated pants? Let’s take a look:

Body Shape

Pleated pants are great for men with thicker body shapes, particularly in the torso. If you never like how “skinny suit pants” look on you—particularly if they throw off the balance of your silhouette because of a thicker torso—pleated pants are for you. They’ll give your legs a wider, more robust appearance even when they fit well, thanks to the folding present in the creases.

Their Fit

When it comes to fit, treat them like any other pants. You’ll want to know your inseam, your rise, and your waist specifically. You’ll also want the hem of the pants to fall neatly at the top of your shoe.

If your pleated pants are “blousing” (with too much fabric) or hanging off the end of your shoes, that means you’ve gotten them too long and too big. And it’s not difficult to tell when they’re too tight, because they’ll be difficult to move around in.

Pick your Shoe

Dress up your pleated pants with a good pair of oxford shoes. Match greys with blacks and browns with greys and navy, but don’t be afraid to experiment with some colors, either.

Shop Berle

Want more ways to show off the fact that pleated suit pants are back in style? Browse our tailored trousers for well-cut, pleated pants that can serve as the star of your next suit!