robbreport.com Open in urlscan Pro
192.0.66.24  Public Scan

Submitted URL: https://click.mlsend.com/link/c/YT0xODMxMDE4MDY2NTMyNjM2OTQ3JmM9bjB5OSZlPTAmYj04MTY3ODg0MTQmZD1jM2YzZzJ2.zmi7FtXr3ArCSwI0...
Effective URL: https://robbreport.com/style/menswear/pleated-pants-comeback-1234650660/
Submission: On December 02 via api from CA — Scanned from CA

Form analysis 2 forms found in the DOM

https://robbreport.com

<form action="https://robbreport.com" class="mega-menu__search">
  <input class="input input--inverse input--large js-bound" type="text" id="search" name="s" placeholder="Search Robb Report">
  <span class="mega-menu__search-icon">
    <svg viewBox="0 0 20 19" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
      <title>Search</title>
      <g transform="translate(.7)" stroke-width="1.58" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd">
        <circle cx="7" cy="7" r="5.71"></circle>
        <path d="M14 14l3 3" stroke-linecap="square"></path>
      </g>
    </svg>
  </span>
</form>

Name: newsletter-module-formPOST https://pages.email.robbreport.com/signup

<form method="post" action="https://pages.email.robbreport.com/signup" id="newsletter-module-form" name="newsletter-module-form" class="cta-form mega-menu__sign-up-form" target="_blank">
  <input type="email" name="EmailAddress" class="toolkitEmail cta-form__email js-bound" placeholder="Email address">
  <input type="hidden" name="InsiderDaily_Opted_In" value="Yes">
  <input type="hidden" name="InsiderWeekly_Opted_In" value="Yes">
  <input type="hidden" name="__contextName" id="__contextName" value="FormPost">
  <input type="hidden" name="__executionContext" id="__executionContext" value="Post">
  <input name="Travel_Opted_In" value="Yes" type="hidden">
  <input name="SpecialOffers_Opted_In" value="Yes" type="hidden">
  <input name="Promotions_Opted_In" value="Yes" type="hidden">
  <input type="hidden" name="__successPage" id="__successPage" value="https://pages.email.robbreport.com/signup/?signup=success&amp;email=">
  <button class="cta-form__submit" type="submit">Sign Up</button>
</form>

Text Content

×

Robb Report
Search
Close
 * Motors
   * Aviation
   * Cars
   * Marine
   * Motorcycles
   * Car of the Month

 * Travel
   * Destinations
   * Hotels
   * Resorts
   * Spas

 * Style
   * Men’s Fashion
   * Footwear
   * Jewelry
   * Watch Collector
   * Grooming

 * Shelter
   * Art & Collectibles
   * Vacation Homes
   * Celebrity Homes
   * New Construction
   * Spaces
   * Home Design

 * Gear
   * Audio
   * Phones
   * Cameras
   * TVs
   * Gadgets
   * Apps
   * Electronics

 * Food & Drink
   * Fine Dining
   * Wine
   * Spirits
   * Cigars

 * Partners
   * Accutron
   * Alys Beach
   * Il Bisonte
   * Interactive Brokers
   * LG Electronics
   * The Macallan
   * Mount Gay Rum
   * Muraba
   * Scribe Media
   * The Watford

 * More
   * RR1
   * Videos
   * Galleries
   * Sports & Leisure
   * Health & Wellness
   * Lifestyle
   * Best of the Best
   * Subscribe

 * Muse
   * Beauty + Wellness
   * Fashion + Jewelry
   * Entertaining
   * Thought Leaders
   * Investing + Finance
   * Journeys
   * Discoveries




Follow Us
 * Facebook
 * Twitter
 * Instagram
 * Pinterest
 * YouTube

Alerts & Newsletters
Sign Up
 * Company Profile

PMC Robb Report is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2021 Robb Report Media,
LLC. All Rights Reserved.
RR One Robb Report


SUBSCRIBE

Menu Close Robb Report
 * Cars
 * Yachts
 * Aviation
 * Watches
 * Style
 * Home
 * Food & Drink
 * Travel


Subscribe
RR One
Search Close
Articles
 * Facebook
 * Twitter
 * Instagram
 * Pinterest
 * YouTube


GET THE MAGAZINE

Subscribe Today at Huge Savings! Save up to 63% off the cover price and get free
access to the digital edition.

Plus, get the exclusive Robb Report tote bag FREE.

SUBSCRIBE

Give the Gift of Luxury


ACCESS EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ALL YEAR

Subscribe to RR1 Live+ for exclusive virtual events all year long (at least 1
per month), conversations with Robb Report editors, special perks, and more.

RR One
Subscribe
 * Style
 * Menswear

November 30, 2021


YES, PLEATED PANTS ARE REALLY BACK—AND THEY’RE MORE STYLISH THAN EVER


THE MENSWEAR WORLD HAS LEARNED TO LOVE THE ONCE-MALIGNED TROUSERS ALL OVER
AGAIN.

By Eric Twardzik

ERIC TWARDZIK

ERIC TWARDZIK'S MOST RECENT STORIES

 * Yes, Pleated Pants Are Really Back—and They’re More Stylish Than Ever
 * J. Press and Todd Snyder’s New Collaboration Give Ivy Style a Modern Jolt
 * How Dainite Soles Add Durability to the Most Stylish Dress Shoes

 * 
 * 
 * 
 * 
 * 

 * Share This Article
 * Pin It
 * Reddit
 * WhatsApp
 * Tumblr
 * Print
 * Talk

Scott Fraser Collection

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on
our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission.

For over a decade, the menswear community treated pleats like a social scourge,
whose temptation had to be resisted with a single, familiar phrase: “Just say
no.” But in the last year, the once-loathed feature has begun to crop up
everywhere from the trousers of workwear-style suits from Drake’s to J. Crew
cords to stretch cotton pants at Todd Snyder.




RELATED STORIES

 * Rimowa’s Newest Case Is a Traveling Safe House for Your Champagne
 * Robb Recommends: The Only Cashmere Sweater You’ll Need This Fall and Winter
 * How Dubai Watch Week Is Changing the Watch Trade Show Game



In a cyclical moment, Ralph Lauren—whose baggy pleated pants were once
considered to be helplessly uncool—has revived its double-pleat chino in a
distinctly ’90s fit. And in the surest sign yet that the pleat has beat its bad
rap, Noah has introduced what would have been a punchline just a few seasons
ago: pleated jeans.







So, how did we go from flat-front-or-bust to re-embracing pleats in such a short
time? In search of an answer, we spoke to Sid Mashburn, himself a recent
convert.



“Back then, pleated pants were pretty prevalent, and most of what was worn I
would consider ‘your father’s plated pants’—big and billowy,” he says of what
inspired the backlash in the first place. “In the decade since, plain-front
pants have become the norm, so now it almost feels punk rock to wear pleats.”



Sid Mashburn wearing his pleated sport trousers ($295).  Sid Mashburn



True to form, Sid has brought back pleats his way: the pleated sport trousers
introduced by his brand are marked by a single, forward-facing pleat that’s
notably shallow at just 3/8ths of an inch and drops straight from the waistband,
minimizing fabric. They also feature button side-tabs rather than belt loops and
taper from the knee down.

“The hope was to give the pleat an understated elegance, and give the pants a
slim look overall,” Mashburn says.

While Mashburn can be seen sporting his pleated trousers with a shirt and tie,
he believes they play well with more casual outfits, too. In particular, he
points to the wardrobe of professional golfer Keith Mitchell, who wore
Mashburn’s pleated trousers with polo shirts while on the PGA Tour earlier this
year.

Scott Fraser Simpson, the London-based designer behind the Scott Fraser
Collection, is another proponent of casually worn pleated pants, albeit in a
more vintage cut. His label’s made-to-order classic wide-leg trousers, which
draw inspiration from 1940s Hollywood and are available in more than 35 fabrics,
are often styled with polos and knits.







“The sharpness of the pleats paired with something more casual can create a
great contrast and also add versatility to your look,” Simpson says. “Let’s not
forget, pleats are there to give volume and extra room to the cut of the trouser
leg, so naturally it can lend itself to be a little more relaxed.”



Drake’s pleated corduroys ($495) and a variety of pleated trousers from Scott
Fraser Collection (£280).  Drake's, Scott Fraser Collection



Drake’s takes a similarly casual approach to the detail, but via a
workwear-inspired chino with a single forward pleat. “While I see the Games
chino as being a comfortable style that lends itself to being worn in a casual
way, it is equally adept when worn with a shirt and tie and smarter shoes,” says
Drake’s creative director Michael Hill. “By having the option of a single pleat,
we’ve created a silhouette that is adaptable, comfortable and, I feel,
particularly Drake’s in the way that it’s presented.”

Paolo Martorano, the founder of the eponymous bespoke tailoring firm in New York
City, is a staunch defender of the traditional double-pleat, which he values for
reasons practical and visual.

“When wearing a fuller, higher-waisted trouser, pleats allow a man to sit more
comfortably, without the trouser pulling; something that a flat-front trouser
just can’t achieve,” he tells Robb Report. “In purely aesthetic terms, and
assuming of course that the trouser has been cut competently, pleats create a
vertical line that will make the man wearing them look tall and trimmer. The
fabric will move and drape and provide a longer wear life—not at all a bad
thing.”

Martorano acknowledges that the feature fell out of favor, which he ascribes to
poorly designed pleats that pulled open either because the pants were not cut
wide enough or did not have a sufficiently high rise. “That is a very bad thing
because it makes even a slender guy look fat; exactly what proper pleats help to
avoid,” he says.



Sharply tailored forward pleats from Paolo Martorano.  Paolo Martorano



He also expresses a bias for the forward pleat, which opens towards the trouser
fly rather than the pocket, as is the case with the more commonly observed
reverse pleat. “The forward is generally something you only find in bespoke
tailoring—and some better ready-to-wear such as Ralph Lauren. It creates a
clean, flattering line and frankly distinguishes the custom trouser from the
commercially ready-made.”







For all his pleat advocacy, Martorano realizes that not every guy might be ready
to take the plunge. However, he does have some words of encouragement for
staunch flat-fronters.

“Even if you elect to maintain a non-pleated trouser, by all means, make the
rise higher and the front fuller, even if it means adding a dart. Maybe that’s
the gateway drug to pleats,” he says.


RELATED STORIES

 * Rimowa’s Newest Case Is a Traveling Safe House for Your Champagne
 * Robb Recommends: The Only Cashmere Sweater You’ll Need This Fall and Winter
 * How Dubai Watch Week Is Changing the Watch Trade Show Game


READ MORE ON:

 * Menswear
 * NoVid
 * Robb Recommends
 * Tailored Clothing

Like this article? Get the Robb Report newsletter for similar stories delivered
straight to your inbox. sign up



MORE MENSWEAR


ROBB RECOMMENDS: THE ONLY CASHMERE SWEATER YOU’LL NEED THIS FALL AND WINTER


LOUIS VUITTON IS DEDICATING ITS UPCOMING RUNWAY SHOW TO THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF
VIRGIL ABLOH


A BRIEF HISTORY OF VIRGIL ABLOH’S INDELIBLE IMPACT ON FASHION, CULTURE AND
BEYOND


ROBB RECOMMENDS: A REFINED M-65 FIELD JACKET THAT’S IDEAL FOR FALL LAYERING


GET THE MAGAZINE!

Subscribe today & save up to 63%! Plus, get digital edition access and a free
tote bag.

Subscribe Today!

Give the Gift of Luxury


LATEST GALLERIES IN MENSWEAR


Suits 10 Casual Cotton Suits You Can Wear Long After Summer Ends

Menswear 8 Stylish Waxed Jackets to Keep You Dry and Warm This Fall





MORE FROM OUR BRANDS

WWD

INSIDE THE GRAND OPENING PARTY FOR ‘HALL OF VISIONS’ BY PILAR ZETA AT FAENA

Sportico

DRAFTKINGS CEO TALKS NEW YORK TAX AND THE ‘KIND OF PLAYERS WE WANT’

Variety

‘NIGHTMARE ALLEY’ BITES OFF MORE CHICKEN HEADS THAN IT CAN CHEW, BUT GUILLERMO
DEL TORO’S NOIR IS TOO LUSCIOUS FOR OSCARS TO IGNORE

ArtNews

5 GREAT CAMERAS TO GIVE AN ARTIST FOR THE HOLIDAYS (OR GET FOR YOURSELF)

Dirt

FLEA RIFFS INTO FORMER PARAMOUNT CHIEF’S $14 MILLION 90210 COMPOUND


ROBB REPORT DOWN CARET

 * About Us
 * Accessibility
 * Advertise
 * Careers
 * Contact Us
 * International
 * PMC Fashion & Luxury


LEGAL DOWN CARET

 * Privacy Policy
 * AdChoices
 * Terms of Use
 * Reprints / Permissions
 * FAQ


SUBSCRIBE/PURCHASE DOWN CARET

 * Subscribe to Robb Report
 * Purchase Back Issues
 * Give a Gift


SUBSCRIBER SERVICES DOWN CARET

 * Renew
 * Change Your Address
 * Pay your Invoice
 * Additional Services
 * Digital Subscription FAQ
 * Email Us


CONNECT DOWN CARET

 * Facebook
 * Twitter
 * Instagram
 * YouTube

Robb Report

ROBB REPORT IS A PART OF PENSKE MEDIA CORPORATION. © 2021 ROBB REPORT MEDIA,
LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

POWERED BY WORDPRESS.COM VIP

ad





PRIVACY PREFERENCE CENTER

When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your
browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you,
your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you
expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can
give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to
privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the
different category headings to find out more and change our default settings.
However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site
and the services we are able to offer. More information
Allow All


MANAGE CONSENT PREFERENCES

PERFORMANCE COOKIES

Performance Cookies

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and
improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the
most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All
information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you
do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and
will not be able to monitor its performance.

TARGETING COOKIES

Targeting Cookies

These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may
be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you
relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal
information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet
device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted
advertising.

STRICTLY NECESSARY COOKIES

Always Active

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched
off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you
which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy
preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block
or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work.
These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

FUNCTIONAL COOKIES

Functional Cookies

These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and
personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose
services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some
or all of these services may not function properly.


BACK BUTTON PERFORMANCE COOKIES

Vendor Search Search Icon
Filter Icon

Clear
checkbox label label
Apply Cancel
Consent Leg.Interest
checkbox label label
checkbox label label
checkbox label label

Confirm My Choices