Choosing Formal Pants that Fit and Flatter: A Style Guide for you

Finding the perfect combination of pants and jackets is no easy feat for the LGBTIQ community. The myriad options for pants can easily be overwhelming, especially when you want to find a style and cut that flatters your unique body type.

Let’s take a closer look at what you should look for when choosing pants for your formal wear:

Styles

Fashion trends come and go, but a well-fitted pair of trousers should be able to withstand the ups and downs of the fashion world.

Leg Styles

When shopping for custom formal wear, leg style has a lot to do with the overall look of the suit.

Options include the following:

• Straight leg – pants remain the same width from the thigh down
• Tapered leg – start at a certain width at the thigh, then gradually taper toward the ankle
• Skinny – Form fitting all the way down
• Wide – loose leg all the way down (usually flowy and dress-like)
• Cropped – slim fit that doesn’t reach below the ankle

Choose a leg style that flatters your form and will look good for any occasion.

Pleated vs. Plain Front

Pleats are ever-present creases that add a little formality to the pants. They bring a little more flexibility and movement to the wearer, but they also require a little extra care to maintain.

Plain front pants are associated with casual wear, but they can also be worn in formal settings. This style is ideal for tall or slender individuals because extra fabric (like with pleated pants) can make the pants appear loose fitting or bulky.

Pockets

Choosing tailor-made pants gives you the flexibility to customize your pockets. You can opt to go pocketless, add faux pockets, or select from a number of pocket styles.

A few options you might want to consider:

• Pockets with flaps (button or no button)
• Back patch pockets (sewn onto the outside of pants)
• Welt pockets (pocket is attached to inside of the pants)

When choosing pockets, it’s important to consider what you might need to place in your pockets. The right size and style of pockets can reduce bulge and look more polished.

Cuffs

To cuff or not to cuff – it’s a common question we hear at Shane Ave. Most modern trousers have a small band or “cuff” at the bottom of each leg, but it’s not a requirement in any scenario. Cuffs can add a heightened level of fashion or elegance to the pants and are usually seen in formal affairs.

Cuffs can help lengthen the lifespan of your trousers by preventing fraying and damage. They also add a little extra weight to the pants to keep fabric straight and prevent billowing.

As a general rule, pleated pants usually have cuffs, while plain-front pants do not.

Need a little inspiration? Book a consultation with one of our expert stylists today and start creating the look you deserve.