Journal ·
Pleated vs flat-front trousers: the difference, and which to choose
Pleated trousers have one or two folds of cloth sewn at the front of the waistband; flat-front trousers have none. The pleats add room over the hips and thighs, so pleated trousers sit higher, move more easily and fall in a straighter, cleaner line. Flat fronts look slimmer and more casual.
How they fit
| Pleated | Flat front | |
|---|---|---|
| Rise | Usually high, at the natural waist | Usually mid or low, at the hips |
| Room | Extra cloth over hips and thighs | Close to the body |
| Leg | Straight or wide, falls from the pleat | Often slim or tapered |
| Look | Dressed up with little effort | Casual, modern-slim |
| Best in heat | Yes: air moves around the leg | Can feel tight and warm |
Who pleats suit
Pleats suit almost everyone, and they are especially kind to anyone with stronger thighs or seat, who finds slim trousers pull across the front. Because the waist is high and the leg falls straight, pleated trousers also make legs look longer.
Single or double pleats?
A single pleat on each side is the easiest to wear and the most versatile. Double pleats add more volume and read more formal or more fashion-forward. Our Drop 001 trousers use front pleats with a pressed crease on a straight leg for men and a wide leg for women.
How to wear them today
Tuck the top in so the pleats show, keep the top closer to the body than the trousers, and let the hem touch the shoe with little or no break. More ideas in how to wear pleated trousers.