Make it stand out.
Ottobelli’s guide on styling the perfect pants.
pleats
Pant pleats are intentional folds of fabric at the front of trousers, below the waistband, adding fullness and room for comfort and movement.
From a fashion perspective, they introduce a classic or even vintage element to an outfit, offering a more structured silhouette compared to flat fronts. While providing ease and a touch of traditional style, the choice of pleats depends on personal taste and the desired overall aesthetic, as they can influence the perceived shape and formality of the trousers.
Flat-front trousers provide a modern, streamlined, and slimmer fit. The choice depends on personal preference, body type, and desired formality.
the modern flat-front
The traditional pleats
Pant pleats are front folds adding room in the seat and thigh, offering a more traditional, fuller silhouette for comfort and classic style.
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Single pleats provide a subtle increase in volume and a softer drape through the thigh, often appearing more streamlined
Variations: Standard, Inward
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Double pleated pants introduce a more pronounced fullness and a distinctly traditional look, often associated with Savile Row tailoring. They create a more generous silhouette and can emphasize the waistline, lending a sense of formality and sartorial flair.
Variations: Standard, Inward
THE WAISTBAND
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STANDARD BUTTON
A classic, straightforward waistband with an exposed button.
Variations: Belt Loops, No Belt Loops
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Extended Straight
A sleek, waistband with a hidden button and single belt loop for securing the extended closure.
Variations: Belt Loops, No Belt Loops
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SIDE CLOSURES
This military-inspired style features a distinct adjustable buckles and a full extension across the front.
Variations: Single, Double
suspenders
Suspenders are straps worn over the shoulders, attaching to pants via buttons or clips to hold them up. Fashion-wise, they offer a classic, often more formal, and sometimes vintage alternative to belts. They can visually lengthen the torso and allow trousers to hang naturally for a better fit, serving as a stylish statement that adds personality.
POCKETS
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Slanted
The most common style, slanted pockets are versatile enough for casual and more formal occasions.
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JETTED
Formal & exclusively aesthetic, jetted pockets are defined by a fine trimmed slit cut into the fabric.
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SEAM
The pocket is built into the side seams. They provide a clean, streamlined silhouette.
BACK POCKETS
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JETTED NO BUTTON
The jetted rear pocket, crafted without buttons, offers a sleek, elegant look ideal for black-tie styles.
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JETTED WITH BUTTON
A timeless trouser feature granting a classic, tailored look.
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FLAP WITH BUTTON
A sportier take on the rear pocket, providing a more relaxed appeal.
THE COIN POCKET
A coin pocket is a small, often welted pocket on the right front waistband or inside the front pocket. Fashionably, it's a subtle detail and historical nod to classic tailoring, adding visual interest and a sense of heritage. While less functionally necessary today, it elevates the sophistication and character of dress pants, especially those with a traditional or bespoke feel.
Variations: Hidden
hem finishing
The hem finishing drastically affects the silhouette and formality of dress pants. The break (or lack thereof) over the shoe influences perceived leg length and neatness. A full break is traditional and relaxed; minimal or no break is modern and clean. The hem choice impacts fabric drape and overall outfit balance, ensuring the trousers complement the wearer, the outfit's style, and the occasion, contributing to a polished and deliberate look.
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Unfinished hems offer 11 extra centimeters of fabric, allowing you to finish the trousers your way.
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Hemmed trousers feature the bottom fabric folded up inside the pant leg for a clean finish.
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cuffs show more of the sock, grants the illusion of height and adds weight for a nicer drape.
Variations: 4cm, 5cm
