How to choose and wear the right trousers for men

Many people do not know how to choose the right trousers. They simply go to the shop and buy the first or second pair of trousers they find, trusting the salesman’s flattery: “These trousers fit you perfectly! This is why we have prepared this article which will explain, in a very detailed way, how to choose and wear the right trousers for men. 

Trousers are one of the most important elements of your style. Simply replace one pair of trousers with another and you will completely change your dress code. That’s why it’s important to know how your trousers should fit in order to look 100% right.

• What you need to know about trousers
• Suit trousers or classic trousers
• Suit trousers or classic trousers
• Chinos, khakis and corduroy trousers
• Jeans

What you need to know about trousers

Trousers can be worn for both formal and casual occasions. They help to make your appearance more harmonious in terms of size. If you are short, straight trousers without bottom pleats are a good idea. If you are very tall and want to make your waist look shorter, choose trousers with pleats or cuffs.

Before we talk about the fit of the trousers, we would like to draw your attention to the pleats at the bottom of the trousers. In fact, there is no one correct length of trousers. It all depends on the style of trousers you wear, the shoes you choose, as well as the characteristics of your body. Stylists suggest four varieties of pleats: full pleat, half pleat, quarter pleat and no pleat. The difference is visible if you look at the back of the selected shoes. Full pleat – only part of the sole of the shoe is visible, the trousers almost completely cover the heel.

If you have no creases, during movement your trousers will ride up slightly and your socks will be visible. This will be the case even when you sit on a chair. Moreover, in this case, the socks must necessarily be long. The bare part of the leg between the trousers and the socks is not recommended! If you choose trousers with pleats, the pleat will only be straightened during movement and when you squat.

Suit trousers or classic trousers

Suit trousers, also called classic trousers, should be above the hip bone, just below the navel (the distance in centimetres is meaningless, everyone is different). The width of the trousers should be such that they are not tight in the back, but not sagging in all places either. The pockets should not bulge. Everything should be flat without restricting your movement. 

The size of the trousers should be chosen individually, there are just a few tips:

• As with shirts, there should not be much space between you and the buttoned trousers. Two fingers go through, that’s enough ! Otherwise, tightening the waistband will cause creases and distortions in the waistband of the trousers.
• If you have trouble choosing the length of your trousers, take trousers with a slight crease at the bottom so that the back of your shoes are half covered.
• If you are doing squats and feel too tight or too wide, it is not your size.
• If you can’t find your size, look for another brand. The pattern and fit is different for everyone. You may have better luck with another tailor.
• Avoid pleats at the waist if possible, they make people look too big.

Chinos, khakis and corduroy trousers

More casual trousers, such as chinos, khakis or corduroy trousers, should be slightly more fitted than regular trousers. In addition, they can be worn 3 to 4 centimetres below the waist. However, here’s what you need to watch out for. If you wear chinos to work and fit the Business casual or Smart casual style, then the length and width of the trousers should be closer to the classic style. If you are going for a casual look, choose slim-fit trousers with a slight opening at the ankle.

The size of the trousers must be chosen individually, there are just a few tips:

As with shirts, there should not be much space between you and the buttoned trousers. Two fingers go through, that’s enough! Otherwise, tightening the waistband will cause creases and distortions in the waistband of the trousers.

If you have trouble choosing the length of your trousers, take trousers with a slight crease at the bottom so that the back of your shoes are half covered.

If you are doing squats and feel too tight or too wide, it is not your size.

If you can’t find your size, look for another brand. The pattern and fit is different for everyone. You may have better luck with another tailor.

Avoid pleats at the waist if possible, they make people look too big.

Chinos, khakis and corduroy trousers

More casual trousers, such as chinos, khakis or corduroy trousers, should be slightly more fitted than regular trousers. In addition, they can be worn 3 to 4 centimetres below the waist. However, here’s what you need to watch out for. If you wear chinos to work and fit the Business casual or Smart casual style, then the length and width of the trousers should be closer to the classic style. If you are going for a casual look, choose slim-fit trousers with a slight opening at the ankle.

The size of the trousers should also be chosen individually, here are some tips:

When choosing the length of the trousers, the dress code should be the starting point. The more pleated the bottom, the more informal the dress code.

Trousers should fit well. Don’t worry if you feel your trousers are too tight when you squat. This is normal.

Don’t worry if your pockets stick out a little when you squat. This is normal for chinos, khakis or corduroys.

Avoid pleats at the waist!

The two-finger rule applies here too.

Jeans

Perhaps the most casual of all trousers (shorts are not included). There are many variations on how jeans should fit. In general, jeans are worn even lower than chinos. Most people wear jeans that are slightly tapered at the bottom. 

Classic men’s jeans should not have large folds or hang straight at all. It is best to leave some length when sitting at the table so that the edges of the trousers do not ride up too high, exposing the legs.

Jeans should be loose in the waist and not too tight. But without leaving a lot of room to spare (many solve this problem with the waistband, but this leaves a crease in the jeans).

If you have short legs, opt for high-waisted jeans – they add length to your legs. Conversely, if you have long legs, you can visually shorten them by buying skinny jeans with a lower waist.

There are so many different ways to fit your jeans these days that each type is good in its own way. A general tip is to get a pair of jeans with a crease at the bottom so that you can roll them up if you wish.

Be careful!

When buying trousers, remember that the manufacturers allow the possibility to adjust the trousers in any workshop. You can make the trousers shorter or narrower if you really like the model or if you have the last size available in the shop.

When you are in the shop, don’t be lazy and try on different models from different manufacturers. Everyone is different, not to mention that we can gain or lose weight from month to month.