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Question
As I was reading your image tips I couldn't help but notice that you recommended that men "ditch the pleated pants." Do you really mean all pleated pants? I have heard this from others and read it in a few magazines but it seems very difficult to find pants with no pleats at all. Also, does the quantity of pleats make any difference? I have noticed that some pants have five or six pleats while others simply have one. I am assuming that it is ok to wear pleated pants when it is part of a suit. Is that a fair assumption?

Thanks,
Bill

Answer
Bill, I must admit that I am pretty strict about the pleated pants rule and think that all pants, on men of any shape or size, simply look better without pleats. While many would argue that the flat front pant is just a flash pan trend, it would be remiss not to point out that icons such as Fred Astaire and Cary Grant where sporting this look in the 1930's. This rule also holds true when the pants are part of a suit. That said, if you must where pleats, there are a few designers such as Michael Kors and Calvin Klein who are now making a simple, single pleat pant that still has a fashionable, sleek look. If you are having a hard time finding flat front pants you are probably shopping at the wrong stores. Stores as common as Banana Republic and Kenneth Cole carry reasonably priced flat front pants so they should not be too hard to find. As for suits, Brooks Brothers makes an affordable two piece with flat front pants and you can't go wrong with Hugo Boss Red Label is you are looking for a little more upscale, stylish suit.

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