The way clothes fall on you and fit you is the most important thing in fashion. Most, if not all stylists and designers agree that the number one thing when it comes to style is fit. You can get around color, patterns and even materials, but if the fit is not right, it’s going to be hard to look great.
One of the main questions men have when it comes to fashion is how long their pants should be.
Lengths and folds
Two-fold pants
The old custom was that your pants are supposed to fold about two times at the bottom; at least this is what our dads and granddads used to wear their pants. However, in recent years, it seems that shorter pants are the norm. So which one is it?
The two-fold pants were indeed the norm back in the day, but back then, men’s suits and menswear at large were less fitted and looser. Sometimes, pants were so wide that they were almost what we today would consider clown pants.
One-fold pants
After 2000, pants with only one fold at the bottom started to appear. The idea was that they were supposed to fold once and that the lowest line of the pants was supposed to meet with the upper line of the shoes. And that is still not a bad way to go. If you want to have a more conservative look or work in a traditional environment, that is a good way to look good and still keep it conservative. However, you should bear in mind that even if your pants fold once at the bottom and meet with your shoes, they should still be tapered and fitted.
No-fold pants
Another option are the no-pleat pants. These pants are usually designed in such a way that they end right about the half of your ankle, not featuring any pleats and showing a bit of your socks. These are very popular among younger men: they look dynamic, fresh and youthful and allow you to add a new very visible part to your outfit: your socks.
Above-the-ankle pants
The last type of length is the shorter version. This one ends above the ankle and gives a very naïve vibe to the pants, as it is a reference to children’s ill-fitting pants. This is something you can definitely pull off, but if you want to take this route, you should make sure that the pants are tailored in an impeccable way, otherwise you risk looking like your pants shrunk in water. This pants length is more casual and should be used in very informal settings. This type can go well with a pair of higher boots. It is not very appropriate for most office contexts.
These days, there are many types of pants lengths you can opt for: from the conservative one-fold shoe touching one to the no-fold length and the shorter version, you can opt for a different type depending on the setting for which you are dressing up.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
Further reading:
Style checklist: What to look for when buying pants
The guide to men’s business shirt and pants combinations
Matching your shirt and pants: A guide
P.S. We want to hear from you! Which pants length do you prefer? Why? Do you wear the shorter version? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!