Cheerleading uniforms underwent significant changes in the mid-20th century, transitioning from megaphone-inspired attire to more stylish skirts and shorter skirts. Modern times saw a variety of uniform designs available, such as fitted sweaters, shell tops, plaid patterns, and pleats. Sandals were replaced by tennis shoes, and cheerleaders wore hightop reebok tennis shoes with matching socks.
Tallman introduced body-hugging shell tops, pleated skirts, and color blocking to cheerleaders. The growth of cheerleading has placed demands on the look and fit of cheerleading uniforms, moving from bulky sweaters and long pleated skirts to shell tops, patch lettering, tighter sweater fits, one to three pleat designs, box pleats, and plaid patterns.
Cherelleader uniforms have evolved over time, reflecting changes in fashion, attitudes towards athletics, gender roles, and team spirit. In the 1990s, skirts transitioned from pleated to A-line styles, reflecting a shift towards sleeker, more athletic designs. Tops also changed, with cotton becoming more comfortable than wool. This breakaway from pleated skirts and modest tops ignited a fire, making cheerleading uniforms more comfortable and user-friendly. Button-down shirts under sweaters were done away, and cheerleaders now wear a variety of styles, including turtleneck sweaters, pleated skirts, and pirate-style outfits.
📹 Why Did Men Stop Wearing Pleated Pants (Trousers)?
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How did Cheerdance evolve?
Cheerleading, originating in Great Britain in the 1860s, entered the US in the 1880s. It was initially initiated by men at Princeton University in 1884, who believed that crowd chanting at football games would boost school spirit. The University of Minnesota later introduced the idea of chanting to spectators in 1898, with Johnny Campbell leading an organized cheer at a football game between Minnesota and Princeton University. Although not changing the team’s outcome, it created a lasting trend and a sport in its own right. Today, women currently dominate the field of cheerleading.
How have cheer uniforms evolved?
Modern cheerleading has evolved with shorter skirts, various uniform designs, and the use of tennis shoes for easier stunts and dance routines. The use of polyester and spandex fabrics for costumes has evolved, with new materials like metallic spandex and animal-print textiles being introduced. These materials are still used in competitive cheerleading, and the designs of uniforms have become more creative, with trends like rhinestones and dye-sublimated fabrics becoming popular.
Am I too fat to be a cheerleader?
In the context of cheerleading, the paramount consideration is not merely the weight of the athletes, but rather the safety of all involved. It is of the utmost importance that athletes adhere to the correct techniques and engage in appropriate training in order to prevent accidents. Regardless of size, proper training encompasses the acquisition of the ability to fall safely, the performance of stunts in an appropriate manner, and the capacity to communicate effectively with teammates. The primary objective should be the prevention of injury, rather than the reduction of weight.
What is a cheerleader’s skirt called?
The rah-rah skirt, originating from cheerleading, became a popular fashion trend among teenage girls in the early 1980s. It marked the first successful attempt to revive the miniskirt, which had been introduced in the mid-1960s. Created by Angela Stone and Gifi Fields, it was based on creating a tutu out of heavier fabric. The mini regained popularity in the 1990s, largely eschewing the rah-rah’s frills. The rah-rah made a comeback in Britain in 2008, claiming that the “Eighties look is all the ra-rave”. Examples of the rah-rah can be seen on music album covers.
Why is it called a pencil skirt?
A pencil skirt is a slim, narrow skirt with a straight cut, typically falling to or below the knee. Named for its long, slim shape, it can be worn separately or as part of a suit. It typically has a vent at the back or sides to restrict movement. Sometimes, a kick pleat is used instead. Pencil skirts made from stretchy knitted fabrics do not require vents or pleats. Shoes for wearing pencil skirts include pumps, high heels, sheer stockings, or tights.
Back-seamed hosiery recalls the classic pencil-skirt era of the 1950s. Pencil skirts can also be worn with flats for a more casual, youthful appearance. Pencil skirts and loafers are classic preppy wear.
What are cheer clothes called?
Cheerleading and dance outfits have evolved over time, with cheerleading uniforms consisting of skirts, leotards, bows, shorts, bloomers, and pom poms. Dancers’ attire varies based on their dance form and requirements, such as ballet, jazz, and flamenco. Common dancewear pieces include leotards, skirts, tights, skirts, ballet shoes, and tutus. Cheerleading uniforms have evolved with the team’s official colors and mascots, making the wearer proud of representing their school or college team. The evolution of cheerleading uniforms mirrors the evolution of dancewear over time.
What fabric are cheer uniforms made of?
Cheerleading uniforms are typically made from polyester blended fabric, often containing spandex. Shiny foiled covered stretch fabric is common in competitive cheerleading uniforms. Dye-sublimated uniforms have gained popularity in recent years, offering a more individual look at a lower cost. Shells are tops without sleeves, while liners have sleeves. American school squads typically wear a sleeveless top with a sports bra or athletic tank top underneath.
If shells lack sleeves, turtle neck bodysuits can be worn, either leotard-like or covering only the bottom of the ribcage. High school squads must have a top that covers their midriff with arms by their sides, but raising arms may show a small section of midriff. Most school-sanctioned squads have modest-looking tops that cover the whole frontal upper body except at the shoulders and arms when worn sleeveless.
The back construction covers the full upper body, but skin in the lower back area is often left uncovered when the cheerleader is sitting or bending. These requirements do not apply to all-star cheerleading organizations, so many tops stop at or just below the bottom of the bra line.
Can you be a tall cheerleader?
The text does not specify the height and weight requirements for cheerleaders; however, it suggests that they should appear well-proportioned when wearing dance attire. Additionally, the text notes that the majority of cheerleaders are employed in part-time or full-time positions or are pursuing higher education, with many mothers having successfully fulfilled all DCC obligations.
What is the weight limit to be a cheerleader?
There are no explicit weight or height restrictions for the Auburn Cheerleaders; however, candidates must possess an appropriate physique for the safe execution of their duties, which may entail lifting, throwing, holding, and catching. While scholarships are not provided, a stipend is offered to cover tuition and fees, which currently amount to $900 for the fall and spring semesters. The cheerleaders do not engage in competitive activities and have no intention of doing so in the near future.
What are cheer floors made of?
Cheer mats are made of durable closed cross-linked polyethylene sports foam and a carpet top, making them easy to clean and maintain. They can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth or vacuum, and should be spot cleaned and vacuumed at least once a week if used daily. The built-in flex rolling system allows for quick roll-out and storage, and Velcro strips are included for joining multiple mats. These portable and lightweight mats can be easily installed in any room or practice space, making them suitable for any room or practice space. To ensure a clean and organized cheer mat, it is recommended to spot clean and vacuum the mat at least once a week.
Who invented cheer outfits?
In 1948, Lawrence Russell Herkimer founded the first cheer camp, allowing men and women to practice complex routines with creative freedom. This led to the need for more comfortable clothing, such as tank tops and shorts, embroidery, and accessories to make cheerleaders stand out. In the 80s, ESPN hosted the first televised cheerleading competition in 1982, prompting teams to create unique outfits and fashion designs that designated cheerleading as its own sport, complete with uniforms. This event marked a significant shift in cheerleading’s evolution.
📹 Why I Wear Old Man Pants | Why You Should Wear Pleated Pants
I should probably tell you why I wear old man pants, and by that I mean why I wear high rise pleated pants. I’m not only going to …
I still wear them, in fact, I never stopped wearing them. I could never understand why anyone stopped. I wear what I like, not what other people like, and it has always worked well for me. Though, to the points in the article, I am a giant nerd, only wear pleats in the workplace, and am super in shape so don’t have a problem with how they fit.
In Argentina we got our ‘cowboys’ called Gauchos, still to this day is common to see them wear the old fashioned “bombachas” a very confortable pair of trousers that look pretty much like these 3:52 pair of 1811 pants, clearly they come from that period but they are still very very popular in my country as you go to the Pampas region. not only gauchos wear them, in the past decades they had a revival and its easy to find not so old people wearing our national pleated pants. you can google ‘bombacha de campo’ or ‘bombacha de gaucho’ .
Can’t help but feel that a lot was missed here. First and foremost, pleated trousers are part of a draped and tailored look. They require more attention to detail such as steam pressing or poping into a trouser press to keep them looking sharp. And sorry chaps but pleated trousers have to be the right length such that they integrate into the lines of your shoes and waist and not stop short. Pleated trousers need high rise fronts to work and todays trend is the opposite of this. They must be in fabric that takes a crease and keeps it. Most of the pleated trousers worn in this show looked as though they came out of a bag and not off a hanger. Today’s looks are not draped so much as forced into shape by the shape of your body. Tight suits and shirts might look sexy to some but on an older man are simply uncomfortable and fail to hide the truths that come with maturity. And tight non stretch fabrics as found in formal shirts and suits are uncomfortable as they pull and gape. We seem to be heading into ridiculous territory now as mainstream UK gents clothes makers like Charles Tyrwhitt and Brooke Taverner sell clothes that simply look too small, too short and too tight to be comfortable. So my sense of where things will go next is back to draped clothing with pleats because tightness has got as tight as it can go. And from what I have seen, the Savill Row and other quality London tailors seem to agree.
I wore pleated pants for years, but then I stopped wearing them in the early 1990’s for two reasons: 1) the flat front, non-pleated pants looked nice, trim and tailored and 2) because the pleated pants (especially if the pleats faced inwards) tended to balloon open and make me look larger/heavier than I was. And then there’s the pleated corduroy slacks … OMG … talk about ballooning and making someone look large! 😳
This article completely misses the point that modern fabrics are stretchier. Thus the original purpose of pleats, to make clothes roomier, is being achieved in a completely different way. We are more likely to see men move to lightweight knitted stretch fabrics, than heavier pleated ones. Until improvements in artificial intelligence and automation allow a return to bespoke tailoring, a significant move to well cut pleated clothes is unlikely!
I have always worn pleats as it has an amazingly classy and retro classic look…However I also wear flat fronts for a cleaner look…if I’m wearing a sweater or overcoat that has a vintage look then definitely pleats are my choice…however if my ensemble for that day is more up to date then I go with the flat fronts…as you can see it all depends on the total ensemble for me…I change up accordingly…
Hm- I am going to disagree a little on one point. Lightweight summer trousers can also have pleats. I don’t think the two are mutually exclusive. The bad drape of modern pleats is more because the rise is too short. Those trousers between the 30s and 50s were up at the bellybutton or higher. When the trousers are up at the waist the pleats drape properly-when they are hanging off the hips they open in an unsightly way. I say this as someone who loves heavy fabrics.
I have always preferred pleated trousers and wear them almost exclusively over a flat front. Double pleats of course either forward or backwards depending on what I’m pairing them with. Many sartorial focused brands have pleated trousers in their line ups. My favorite trousers that I’ve worn most often here recently are ghurka trousers I purchased from Scavini. I will say that it’s a lot harder to find good pleated trousers. Most I own I’ve often had to resort to custom just because of my body, getting the right fit, which is harder to nail when involving pleats. My thighs and rear are bigger so pleats naturally help me with comfort as well as style.
One reason why pleats have gone out of fashion is that men have gotten significantly fatter than the early 1980s when the style became popular. When a man has a slim flat belly, pleats can look flattering, but when a man has a typical rounded protruding belly (as is so common these days) and then below his waist the pleats bulge out again, then the look is not so attractive. The double budge effect just draws attention to the fact that he is not slim.
The emphasis on skinny and slim styles in modern day says a lot about how un prosperous we are at textile and clothing industry, and how bad it is even though bolts of polyester demons are being woven every single second that make abundance of fabric, stills me with a disappointment in modern day clothing industry.
I think they’re elegant and classy. Although I will say I like a tapered look more than the “skinny” look as that fits my shape best. They may be out of fashion but that doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish. I recently ordered a custom pair of high waisted pleated wool trousers and can’t wait to incorporate them into everyday wear!
Like most aspects of classic men’s fashion, pleated pants can most certainly be a part of any man’s wardrobe but require attention to detail and an honest approach to one’s body type so the right choices are made in pleat type, fabric, and cuff width and break. As exemplified by that parachute Preston is wearing, modern designs often get it wrong, particularly in fabric weight. Maybe a heavier-set gentleman would wear those trousers better, but doubtful.
I would like to see a you make a article on all the little things a tailor can do if you ask or aware of them so you can ask, like the loop that goes around your belt buckle pron or lining your inside jacket pocket with velvet so when you clean your glasses every time you put them in or take them out or a “secret pocket” on the inside of your pants for item safety. I didn’t know these things existed till i had my first suit made years ago, I could go you but you get the idea. I also still wear pleated pants. Keep up the good work
I’m 64, so I’ve seen pleats, and flats come back around, and to be honest I’m currently a fan of both seeing that I love the Vintage, and the Retro styles with the exception of Skinny. I love them because they both remind men of when men dressed up, plus at my age sweats just doesn’t look mature, also the right material will always be comfortable.
My dad used to wear pleated pants sometime (he doesn’t anymore). They bought me pleated pants on a couple of occasions, but since as long as I can remember, I absolutely disliked the look. I think the folds look untidy and very middle-aged boring. I don’t know what influenced me to think that way, but years later I still hold that opinion.
I was the boss of a service company in Florida often outdoors, so no jacket just Van Heusen white long sleeve shirt always pressed. I always wore pleated pants to work to separate me from my employees (dressed casual) soit was about the business look, I don’t know about nerdy? Because I got a lot of compliments from women : )
I wish you guys had focused a little more on how to ‘get into’ pleated pants, on a budget. In the past I have heard that basically the only way to get them is to have them tailored for you, which is outside my budget (I’m also looking at you French-Cuffs). I would have liked a list of places to shop, or a little bit about finding pleated pants second hand. Great article!
Pleat front trousers are even harder to find in natural fibres and nice colours, unfortunately. I wish I could still find them in the shops (and without those awful creases too). The last tme I found a really nice pair was as part of a wool suit a bought in the late 80s. The suit still looks as good as new. Unfortunately, however, I no longer have the trim 26inch waist I had back in my early 20s, so can’t wear it any more.
I took up pleated plants simultaneously with putting down jeans (forever.) That was in the later 1970s when Patagonia first started making climbing pants. My first pair of pleated pants were canvas, from Patagonia. I continued to buy them until that style went out of production, then switched to regular chinos (khakis) that were pleated. In the late 1990s I switched to BDUs, with some detours into “tactical” pants, and have never looked back. The colors are all there, the seasonal fabric choices are more numerous, and production is stable. Not exactly couture, but I have a light gray pair and you can dress them up. I can, I’m a scientist… and I’m addicted to the cargo pockets.
I was waiting on the suit in the bag I’m female and have to mention this I had a pair of pleated pants that looked like my dad’s pants and it was in the clean laundry and he had a dr’s appointment and he got them by mistake and wore them all day and if a neighbor who noticed it he would have never had known it, and after they were washed again I put them away and made sure it didn’t happen again.
I find pleated pants are likable in a suit with a vest… but depends very much on the figure of the man. If not slim&tall with a bigger head the man looks automatically chubby and short….. Richard Gere is a perfect example who can wear this, also Fred Astaire…. Danny DeVito NOT! 😁 As to see in the old photos most of them look very outdated and unfavorable
I’m 50, and I grew up wearing pleated pants. I started noticing pleated pants being harder to find in the mid-1990s, and I have been waiting for them to come back into style for 25 years. I finally gave in and purchased my first set of flat-front trousers two years ago. Of course, as one would expect, I’m now seeing a resurgence in pleated pants. One of the benefits I like about pleats is that they mask a man’s natural bulge. Some flat front pants can be downright obscene.
Fast fashion, to begin with. The problem starts and develops at early age (school and onwards) groups and of course the parents. Jeans, hoodies, sneakers. It is like formal attires are only left for the last day of school, if at all. And when that comes most parents get the kids to wear not the nicest garments or the kids pick something just to make a statement like horrible shirts and ties. They are not to blame though. After all it is a “wear one day” type of thing. Less fashion weeks with unwearable items and more elegance please. You can tweak a bit the wheel but cannot reinvent it. Elegant apparel has been already designed years ago and it works! A shout out to the Gentleman’s Gazette Team for the invaluable contribution to today’s folk.
I completely disagree about skinny pleated pants. If the pleats are cut right and the pants aren’t skin tight, but just tight enough to not look like a regular or straight cut, then they look wonderful. I think it’s just clear you guys do not like skinny or slim clothing at all. You’ve even gone as far as rating some suit brands in the c-f category simply because they are slimmer or “fashion forward” rather than focusing on the quality of the construction. You guys need to lay off on the slim fit hate!
I have to throw in with the pleated-pants-lovers out there. A quality pair won’t “balloon” out much, especially if one takes care them. And the range of motion combined with structural integrity work for me. Frankly, I just don’t like the way most flat-fronted pants look–unless we’re talking about jeans.
Back in the day, when pleated pants made a huge run, it was a welcome change from the non-pleated very boring look. They looked much classier, not like cheap plain pants or jeans. It’s the fashion cycle, I’ve seen the preferred look flip-flop over the last few decades. Every generation wants a different look than the last.
Pleated pants were still completelly mainstream af in the late 90s (oversize era). I think the real reason they are not longer used is basically…. just trends. People started using awful skinny trousers both in informal and formal clothing (and short) around 2007. Thank God this is already ending and we are seeing wide trousers again. Hopefully pleated pants will make a comeback. I think the “nerd” stereotype has to do more with the super high waisted pants (that were basically only fashionable in the 50s) rather than if they are pleated or not (pleats were fashionable pretty much all XX century long).
I love my pleated trousers. I never stopped wearig them. I love the classical style pleated trousers and the quality drape of the pants. You stand out in an elegant way in style and visual interest in your pants much more than many around you. Good quality trousers are the anchor in my wardrobe and in a range of the basic colors. Most of my trousers are pleated and wool or a HQ blend fabric, properly hemmed and cuffed. Take personal attention and care with my trousers as they were all custom ordered online and then taken to a tailor. It’s very hard to shop at a local store for the quality and trousers i want. Good menswear stores are very hard to find and with the range of sizes you personally need.
I cycle everyday to work and there’s no way I would wear a slim fit. I had bought a few “Straight Fit”s a few years back and even they are too tight when I’m on a 2 degree climb, reducing my blood flow and constricting my thighs. Nowadays, I’m just wearing my 10 year old school trousers which were tailored and of a high enough quality to remain intact all these years. Kudos to the tailor for keeping 4 extra inches for lengthening.
Fashion trends come and go. While not as ubiquitous as they once were, if you look almost every large retailer will have pleated pants. I wear them because I find them more stylish, regardless of what the trends may be, and because they give me a bigger range of motion. That skinny cut that seems so trendy now is akin to a full-body straight-jacket and looks bad on nearly everybody. Clothes should drape, not cling.
I learned about pleated pants when I started perusal Miami Vice as a kid during the 80’s. I love those baggy pants with pleated lines all the way down & thought it was cool thing to wear. Now, men wear skinny tight pants which I thought look funny. I don’t like today’s style at all. Please bring back those pleated baggy pants again!
Yes! on pleats and higher waists. The skinny look just looks horrible on everyone, and most adults today tend toward plump. It is a blight on modern society, and because the woven pants are too tight to be comfortable, men are resorting to skinny cut sweats. Just not a good look….ever. The only thing worse is my own sex’s insistence on leggings as street wear (and I don’t care what shape someone is in.) Thanks guys, for gently reminding people it is past time to try to do a little better.
Pleated slacks are a healthy choice when it comes to mens slacks. When seating you forget that men usually will raise their slacks so as to not cause discomfort to the jewels and pleated slacks will allow you to sit and not necessarily raise the pant legs to be comfortable. This is the reason pleated slacks were invented to eliminate public embarrassment while providing easy access. Tight fitting clothing will over time do more harm to men reproductive organs. Pleated slacks still say gentleman to the masses as they’re more recognized through out the world than some fashion clothing.
With looser fits starting to make a comeback, I think pleated trousers will also make a comeback. I bought a pair of D4 Dockers recently and I think they look pretty good. Definitely an 80’s style, but that’s what I’ve been into lately. I also think a lot of styles that were considered nerdy back in the late 90’s-2000’s are no longer viewed that way today, like tucking your t-shirt. Back then it was seen as one of the most uncool things you could do, but skaters and indie kids suddenly started doing it again around 2017 and I feel like it’s become more accepted by wider society in the years since. As someone who grew up in in the 2000’s, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it at first, but now I prefer it over the untucked look. I think it could be because I’m getting older, so my tastes are maturing a bit.
As someone who lives in a very warm climate, I feel generally that when I wear pleated pants they provide more room to breathe and don’t hug your legs in the middle of summer as you do with modern slim fitting pans. For that reason I love wearing them when its hot outside and feel like they do need a comeback.
I think explanation number 2 is really the most significant one to the point where the other reasons aren’t necesasry. Unless pleated pants are extremely well made and well tailored, it makes the wearer look like they are wearing a diaper under there. Even in some of the photos show in this article of pleated pants from the early 20th century, they have that unflattering look.
They look awful. Especially if one is skinny. All that extra material bunches up and is easily blown against the legs exaggerating ones thin legs even more. Low BMI individuals stay away or get a very tapered pair. Oh my god… that clip at the end really drives home the point. Those straight legs are a nightmare lol.
Here’s a question that’s been bugging me for years…When I was a teen in the 70s and early 80s, both guys and girls tried to dress nice for going out for a night on the town. But today, it seems to me that while girls still try to look pleasing and well turned out, today’s guys more often look like they just crawled out of a dumpster. What gives?
The ‘sporty’ sight spotted on fit models (& some celebs) brings up the popularity of flat front trousers. Consequently, a lot of lazy / me-too / trend wannabes follow. Pleat depth doesn’t matter as long as you have good clothing fit (look at Pini Parma for example) & (this is the most important) good athletic balanced physique. But then, how many of people out there have such physique? At least, you must take care of your physique like Giullaume Bo. Personally, I wear both, and I opt for natural fabrics unless I’m going cycling, running, boxing, etc (and, yes, real food rather than fast food) 👌
BECASUE IT USED TOO MUCH FABRIC AND THEREFORE COSTS MONEY its about saving fabric and saving production steps and in today’s world of fast fashion prices – quite literally EVERY PENNY COUNTS I have a friend in the textile industry, one of the problems they have is the garment designer will provide the pattern cutting layout and the manufacturer will alter it to be more efficient in the fabric use, but to do so they will have to cut pieces slightly “off-grain” this is why the legs of your jeans twist, or your T Shirts/shirts miss shape after a few washings. But they can save 5cm of fabric – times that by 1,000,000 garments a year its 50,000m of fabric at $5 a metre – its 1/4 million $ pure profit. Turnups / cuffs on trousers use a HUGE amount of fabric, so they are no longer fashionable. Pleats, they are out. skinny legs – In. Anything that reduces the fabric in a garment is IN big style.
Popular culture fashion has outmoded them, but I still own some pleated trowsers. Not every man can pull off the skinny pants, jeans look. Men like me have always had large thighs & calves, and I’m not a fatty. Call me old and old fashioned, but skinny suits, pants, etc. are not attractive. Most people look like they are trying to fit in clothes they wore when they were 14 years old, and the sleeves are too short, they are wearing pants to a flood zone as they are three inches too short. My opinion and you’re welcome to it.
I wore pleated pants throughout the 80’s. I completely forgot about dockers till you showed them i had quite a few pairs. Its a shame how sloppy men dress today. T-shirts backwards baseball caps and jeans are the mainstay. Sad. I noticed you were wearing your pants above the ankle. I cant do that. I have to have my pants have a slight buckle at the bottom that allows them to always cover the top of the shoes.
I wear tunics. There’s no point in me wearing pleats. They would never be seen. Knickerbockers are baddass. The only reason I don’t wear a tunic is when I’m wearing knickerbockers. +2’s, not +4’s. +4’s look goofy. Also, as you said, pleats were just a 30-year fad. Wear the classics that never go out of style, and avoid the fads that fade away quickly.
Its because its cheaper to produce flat fronted pants. Pleats require more processes to produce in the factory – That means more machines and more workers to pay. Shops will tell you that “its the style now” to wear flat fronted pants – but thats bull. Pleats are vastly more comfortable and roomy to wear. Its just companies being cheap.
It’s the dumbing down of culture. The “cool” CEO’s wear a T shirt, to show they don’t serve “The Man”. You have to be really high up to qualify to wear junk clothes as a professional. What that does is make it clear the way to show you are a serious ladder climber is to meet the bare minimum on dress. The person who cares about their appearance does not understand post modern culture & business. A MLB team had to ban tank tops & flip flops for journalists. They would not need a ban if journalists had not been wearing tank tops & flip flops. People are making it as clear as possible about clothing, “I don’t care”, because that’s what the top people say about their clothing.
America’s waistlines and size of cars are getting bigger. parking spaces are smaller (cant stand trucks – sorry not sorry, I am not a handy man). Unless one has a 32 – 34 inch waistline, flat front pants look hideous. I know several over weight men who wear tight clothes and it is comical and pathetic. Classic men’s clothing really has not changed much. flat front and teddy styles – including slim ties were popular in the 60’s and they should have faded away as the 60’s did. Suits are the uniform of wall street, classic is best, zero polyester & nicely tailored clothes are appreciated along with clean shoes (no rubber soles). you are welcome to dress as you chose, wear sneakers with a jacket and tie – no surprise if people give you stares and perhaps laugh at you. Do allow people like me to buy pleated pants off the rack. As for SUV’s get rid of them and invest in high speed trains. I am thinking of launching my own line of classic clothing, custom tailored at a reasonable price.
I hate flat front trousers. If I’m going to wear pants without pleats, I’ll just wear jeans. After all, pants without pleats look extremely casual anyhow. Not only do pleats make the pants look ‘dressier’, but I carry a wallet in my front pants pocket, along with keys in the other and, because I perform magic, occasionally a coin purse containing silver dollars. If I’m going to use pockets as they were designed- to carry things in – then pleated pants hide that I have anything in my pockets at all, while flat-fronted pants tend to telegraph full pockets, which looks dumpy. I just can’t jump on board with the flat front style that is currently so popular. I think it looks cheap, is unattractive, and it isn’t practical for me, personally. No thanks. The only flat front pants you’ll see me in are jeans. My ‘office attire’ trousers are, and will remain, pleated.
I always have and shall always wear pleated pants in my dress pants or suit pants. My casual cargo pants are of course flat front as they should be. I blame the hipsters with their too tight lowrise high watered skinny pants on the disappearance of pleats….damm hipsters. BTW you look like John Boy from the 70’s TV show “The Waltons”.
Men didn’t stop wearing pleated trousers — well tailored men have always worn them and still do. The real question is why have retailers stopped offering them? My guess is (a) eliminating the style saves on inventory, (b) pleated pants are more expensive to make, and (c) the world went casual in the 1990s and tailored suits and the pleated look went out with it. In truth, pleated pants are more comfortable to wear and drape much better, especially on men who are thick around the middle — the majority of American men over 30. These days, men who wear pleated trousers pay extra for them, so they’ve become a status symbol. In better men’s shops, even the casual trousers are pleated.
I have never stopped wearing them. I don’t like how the flat front displays my bulge. And I’ve never had a problem finding pleated pants even today, though the lack of variation in dark colors (honest to god fashion people are supposed to be creative…can they not come up with a color option other than black, navy, brown or charcoal?)
Pleated pants are back in. However the trend looks more like loose fit pleated pants or pleated pants geared more toward high end street wear fashion. It’s difficult for short men or heavy set men to wear pleated pants. Make them look shorter. Pleated pants gives a thin man more bulk to their over all look. Pleated are perfect for tall men but it also makes a tall man look taller. I suppose slim fit tapered pleated pants could work but as of now they are difficult to find. I would need to get some of my old clothes from 1987-1990 High school days Chicago
I moved to flat front pants when pleated pants were said to be out of style. Who said they were out of style? The fashion industry. I listened and did what I was told (along with my peers), same as I did throughout my business career. Today, I don’t particularly listen to the fashion industry, as I don’t have to in order to conform to my peers. Flat front pants are markedly simpler and less expensive to make than pleated pants. Yet, costs don’t reflect the reduced amount of fabric or labor. So is there a functional reason for pleated pants? Any rational explanation depends on arbitrary rationale and is dubious at best. It’s simply manipulation of the consumer’s spending, and their sales figures by the fashion industry.
1) They will come back when the fashion changes 2) Flat front pants effectively shifts the leg part of the pants towards the rear compared to the belt part of the pants. If you have a muscular physique flat fronts do not have enough room – they tend to pull on the front of your legs. Therefore the kind of physique that can wear flat fronts are men with very skinny legs, or slightly overweight men where the belt needs to expand towards the front. 3) You can make very elegant and slim fitting pants with pleats.
I have a literal box of pleated trousers. Bought it from Goodwill to learn hemming with – fits me because the pleats expand at the hips. The look isn’t great. I like a smooth front. But it’s definitely more easy a fit. I never did successfully learn to machine hem. I can hand hem but that’s about it.
Great presentation, just to humor me I would like to suggest this I know the weather has gotten beautiful well in some places, could you review Halloween costumes I know it’s early but a relative of mine says they would like another person’s opinion on them especially mens wear and why not mens costumes in movies as only Gentlemen’s Gazette should present it, their tired of a bratty millennial ranting about it.
I generally fit the bill of a nerd and don’t care much about my fashion. A lot of modern pleated pants don’t fit well, and in turn they don’t look good, nor are they comfortable. On comfort, I have never understood the desire to change out of formal ware. I don’t care much for the tie, otherwise my suits are some of the most comfortable clothing I own. They cost enough to be made of higher quality fabrics and are custom tailored. I wish it was more socially acceptable to wear them in more casual settings.
I do like pleated pants if the pleats are long and the trouser legs are wide and not too short. I wish men still wore hats, and not baseball hats Off the baseball field. Everything “skinny” needs to go. Very unflattering. When I watch the movies of the 40s and see those men in the in the suits of the time with a hat I think They just look great.
I actaully bought some lightweight pleated pants earlier this summer and I wore them almost dialy. I was only 18 at the time but I like dressing buisness casaul and more elegent. I think its also unique to see since no one really wears them anymore. So I will continue to use them and I will continue to enjoy it.
my theory is because it makes mens guts look bigger and I bet women didn’t like buying the pants that needed more careful ironing combined with sloppy industrialization of clothing pleats means more work for factory workers . Personally I think pleated pants are hideous along with the center crease in the pants . If one must wear pleats out ward facing pleats don’t draw attention to the crotch area and only one pleat is better drape for most men. I think the reason Preston doesn’t favor his khaki pants is because they are to baggy and need tailoring to fit his frame beter as he is a very slim gentleman.
I love them. However I could never figure I stoped seeing them on the shelf. ( because buyers stop buying them for the stores. ) it always happens that way. Just when I like something, they do not make them anymore. When I asked, I was told. Men do not buy a lot. Men are happy with a favorite pair of jeans and a couple pairs of dress pants. So retail stores think they are unpopular and try something else.
“Men with bodies that don’t lend themselves to the skinny/slim fit like Rafael…” …heck, like the majority of us Americans, Preston 😅. Alas and as you and other commenters have touched on, the pleated style got demeaned by how mass-produced off the rack (as opposed to properly individually tailored) pants would wind up with all the disadvantages and none of the advantages.
Basic body shape changes over the decades has also had a major impact. As there has been a rise in obesity over the last couple of decades, it is hard to sell pleated trousers when stretched out pleats emphasize the belly. Like the female fashion for hip hugger jeans has faded, as women want to hide their stomachs and hips rather than draw attention to them.
These days no fashion style is gone for good. No one seems to be able to come out with anything new….it’s all been done so we have to recycle….same with music, we used to have all sorts of music and fashion movements in and out for youngsters with expression to release…now…it’s all so samey…😞