We can say with some certainty, that the vast majority of the trousers you've ever owned are of the flat-fronted variety. It makes perfect sense - flat-fronted trousers are easy to wear and style, and make up the vast majority of the trouser market. But maybe we've all been blue-pilled into accepting the hegemony of the flat-fronted trouser? What if there is an alternative? Enter the pleated trouser...
But first of all, let's just be clear... we love flat-fronted trousers just as much as anyone else, and we make tonnes of different styles every year. But if all you've ever worn is flat-fronted trousers, maybe you're missing out on the sartorial treat that is the pleated trouser?
What Exactly Are Pleats?
Pleats, or vertical folds in the fabric, originally served a practical purpose when they were first introduced to trousers, allowing for greater ease of movement for physical labourers due to the roomier shape around the hips, but eventually that evolved from utilitarian necessity to a hallmark of elegance and sophistication, most notably popularised by the Duke of Windsor in the early 20th century.
Pleats are generally described as having two main types: forward and reverse. Forward pleats are typically regarded as being English, opening inwards towards the fly seam, while reverse pleats open outwards and are often called Italian pleats. Single pleats are the norm but double pleats have also become increasingly popular in sartorial circles since they look quite dramatic and flamboyant.
