[eHaberdasher]

We recently sent out a survey regarding our own line of suits, and for what it's worth, 39.8% (191 respondents) prefer flat front trousers, whereas 22.3% (107) preferred a single reverse pleat, followed by 17.5% (84) preferring a double reverse pleat. Our suits will come mostly with flat front trousers, but we will be offering a line of solid suit separates that will have the option of flat front and/or single reverse pleated trousers (will also have an optional vest!)

 

[eHaberdasher]

Esquire: "A Compendium of Pants." April 1962

Pleats Trouser fronts are either plain-fronted or single- or double-pleated; the double-pleat is, for the most part, limited to tradition preserving custom tailors. While the single-pleat is still, by far, the most popular, the trimmer look of pleatless trousers is continually gaining favor and is de rigueur for the younger man and the natural shoulder enthusiast. Sport slacks, especially are going the way of no pleats (though the less-confining pleated models are preferred by many active sportsmen: e.g. golfers). While pleats - contrary to popular conceptions- will not hide a pot, they will give a heavier-set man more room through the front. The choice, therefore, depends on comfort and the look a man wishes to achieve.

Great quote RTW and I do find that it still applies 46 years later today. I personally prefer a trim flat front pant as I have oddly wide hips for a 40R/34W. Pleats merely accentuate my wider hips (although I can get away with a single reverse pleat without looking like I have the capability to deliver twins). I also tend to believe that, in general, larger waisted men look better in flat front trousers as pleats merely balloon at the thighs and accentuate the girth of the mid-section - again - my humble opinion. Of utmost importance is wearing the trousers correctly at the natural waistline - far too many men, especially heavier men, wear their trousers too low, which looks terrible regardless of whether the trousers or plain front or pleated.