In general, men are stuck wearing pants most of the time they are outside of the house. Until an alternative can be found, it’s essential that the pants you wear are as flattering as possible. Use these tips to make sure that your jeans and trousers look good with every outfit.
No Pleats
Pleats or creases in the front of a pair of pants simply aren’t flattering on most men. These little folds that extend down a few inches from the waist band almost always make a person look bigger than they actually are. Even skinny guys can fall prey to the illusion that they’ve packed on a few extra pounds.
Slim Rather than Skinny
Some men can pull off skinny jeans, but unless you’re certain you’re one of them it’s usually better to stick to slim fit pants. Slim fit pants by Dickies skim the body when you wear them but don’t cling to it.
Mid-Rise
Mid-rise pants are usually the most flattering and should be the fit you look for when you shop for a new pair. The waist of your pants should sit about two to for inches below your navel, around the upper part of your hips. If you’re on the short side, opt for a pair that sits a little higher to create the illusion of longer legs.
Dark Denim
Light-wash denim is hopelessly out of style. It makes the wearer look old, and like he doesn’t care about what he looks like. Opt for jeans in a darker shade. They’re slimming and they go with more things.
Fitted Legs
Just as a pair of pants can be too skinny, they can also be too roomy. Avoid pants - especially jeans - that gape around your legs. Get your pants tailored if you have to in order to get a better fit. The process is cheap and only takes a day or so.
No Pre-Distressed Jeans
Distressed jeans look great, when the wear and tear is allowed to happen naturally. Jeans that come with holes, fading, and raw patches are more likely to wear out quicker. Plus, distressing that is done in the factory never looks as natural as distressing that happens on its own.
Be Careful with Cuffs
Cuffing your pants is fine, especially on more casual pants, but cuffs almost never look sleek and tailored. Shorter men should be very cautious with cuffs, though taller guys can usually get away with them.
The Right Length
Pants legs that are too long are almost as awkward as ones that are too short. The bottom hems of your pants cuffs should end right at on the point of your ankle bone. This allows them to reach to your shoes without revealing an ugly strip of sock without pooling on top of your foot and making you look shorter than you are.
Wear a Belt
Belts aren’t necessary as long as your pants fit right. However, empty belt loops look sloppy. Wear a belt whenever you tuck your shirt in, whether you strictly need it or not.
