QWhy do thin, athletic men wear front-pleated pants that make them look like their fathers? And 20 pounds heavier? Aren't there other business-casual options?
Peeved at Pleats, Washington
| The Post's new section offers entertainment listings, advice, local travel guides, home, food and shopping news and other practical information. • More in Sunday Source
| | |
_____Previous Columns_____
•
Stripes: Chic or Eek? (The Washington Post, Sep 26, 2004)
•
Choosing Men's Sandals (The Washington Post, Aug 29, 2004)
•
Big Office-Ready Bags (The Washington Post, Aug 15, 2004)
•
Wedding vs. Work Wear (The Washington Post, Aug 1, 2004)
•
Mini Matters (The Washington Post, Jul 25, 2004)
•
More Columns
|
| |
|
AGive the guys a break, Peeved. Of course there's a workday alternative to pleats -- flat-front pants, namely -- but a lot of guys just aren't there yet. Though women take on sartorial challenges daily (heels, pencil skirts, the capri pants craze), too many men look at flat-fronts, see discomfort and scurry back to the baggier, more forgiving model they're used to. The thing to do is disabuse them of their assumptions. Fact is, most men can wear a flat-front pant, as long as the fit is right; they look best, though, on trim bodies. Just a couple of things to watch: In general, men buy their pants a size or two too small. This looks bad in a pleat but disastrous in a flat-front. To get it perfect, you might want to buy your pants a little big and have a good tailor fit them. Second, make sure the fabric has a little stretch. Then you'll both feel and look comfortable. Sara Switzer
Wondering how to wear it? E-mail styleq@washpost.com.
