Pleats are one of the major variations in the design of trousers for men’s suits; the pleats run down the leg from the waistband, providing extra room in the lower part of the torso for the trousers to hang correctly and cope with the stresses and strains of normal wear – sitting, twisting, standing, walking, perhaps running.
Pleated trousers can also provide a dignified and formal air to your attire.
In a single pleated trouser, there is a single pleat on each side; with a British-made suit the fold of the pleat normally face inwards, towards from the fly. In other countries the pleat fold may face outwards and away from the fly.
People carrying a little extra around the waist may prefer the extra room and consequently the extra comfort that pleated trousers provide; and when the trousers are worn high on the waist, it makes the wearer look slimmer when the shirt is tucked in correctly.
To add proper shape to a pleated trouser, consider adding trouser cuffs – they narrow down the ankle area and also helps add some weight.