12 Pleated Pants That'll Instantly Elevate Your Look

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While compiling the best pleated pants below, I was scrolling through customer reviews and stumbled upon one which, in my opinion, very nicely encapsulates the sentiment that I'm about to share. "Going outside without pleated pants is like going outside without underwear," the reviewer wrote. "Ridiculous."

Indeed, pleated pants are a menswear staple—I wouldn't go so far as to say that not wearing them renders one as "ridiculous," but I can definitely understand why pleated pants, being fashionable and functional by nature, have the capability to push people to such extremes. They're the versatile, chic, comfortable iteration of pants that are just better than the rest, due both to the roominess and structure allowed by the pleats.

If you're unfamiliar with pleated pants, let me give you a brief crash course. Pleated pants are pants with vertical folds in them, starting just under the waistband and running down the front legs. Most pants either have single or double pleats, which are designed to add extra room to the thighs and hips, offering extra stretchiness, breathability, and movement. At the same time, the pleats offer a little bit of extra volume and structure to otherwise smooth-fronted pants—a win-win.

The best pleated pants below offer style, comfort, and an easy elegance that every man's closet should have. Keep scrolling for picks from Polo Ralph Lauren, J.Crew, and more.

Classic-Fit Wrinkle-Resistant Pleated Chino Pants

Amazon Essentials has just about everything, so its no surprise that the brand carries a damn good pair of pleated pants—and for under 25 bucks, too. This chino style features double pleats for some extra roominess and volume, and whether you're wearing it with sneakers or loafers, it can handle any fit.

Wool-Blend Pleated Cargo Pants

J.Crew, as the proprietor of all things chic and classy when it comes to menswear, makes a great pleated pant. Actually, it makes many great pleated pants, but the one we love most is this elevated take on a cargo pant, with double pleats, a timeless look, and undeniable elegance.

Lago Italian Linen Suit Pants

Banana Republic channels an easy, everyday vibe with these relaxed-fit linen pants. Breathable and chic, these are tailored at the waistband like traditional dress pants, but the legs extend into a puddle-like, wider fit for all-day comfort.

Pleated Front Casual Pants

Wrangler makes some of our favorite jeans, and some of our favorite pleated pants, too. At a price like this, you won't find this level of durability anywhere else.

Italian Brushed Cotton Gurkha Trousers

Todd Snyder brings a British-inspired military style to the modern day, adding a brushed cotton fabric, double-pleated front, and self-belted cummerbund-style high waist. Simultaneously tailored and relaxed, this is a pant that looks fantastic whether you wear it with a plain old tee or your best dress shirt.

Wide-Fit Pleated Pants

You know that you need a pair of pleated pants when Uniqlo, the master of all things basics, has a dope pair like this. With a relaxed, wide-leg fit, these straight-leg pants are comfortable, versatile, and chic as hell.

Tapered Pleated Cotton and Cashmere-Blend Corduroy Trousers

With a soft, plush corduroy and cashmere blend, these pleated pants are as luxurious as they are stylish. Pair with your best black loafers for an instantly chic vibe.

Slim-Fit Pleated Stretch-Cotton Gabardine Trousers

Incotex makes some of the most comfortable pants on the market, and its stretchy pleated pants take the cake in terms of fashion and function. Made from lightweight cotton, these are breathable and stylish, as easy to dress up as they are to dress down.

Roebling Pleated Trousers

Timeless yet contemporary, Madewell's pinstripe pants with pleated fronts are a wardrobe staple. The relaxed silhouette offset by the tailored waistband with a hook-and-bar closure, and even with a white tee, this style is effortlessly elevated.

Slim Tapered Fit Pleated Twill Pants

PRL has a durable, stylish take on pleated pants, constructed from a soft twill fabric and designed with a slim silhouette. Dress 'em down with a polo and sneakers, or dress 'em up with Oxfords and a blazer.

Pleated Pull-On Pants

No pleated pants list would be complete without the icon itself: Homme Plissé Issey Miyake. The Japanese design company—eponymously named for its designer—is known for its expertise in plissé-style pleats that are simultaneously bold and subtle, elegant and understated. When one or two pleats just isn't enough for you, turn to Issey Miyake.

Slim-Fit Pleated Linen Trousers

If you're the kind of man who likes to stick to classics, Brunello Cucinelli makes a no-nonsense pair of elegant pleated pants. With a slim-cut, high-rise silhouette and lightweight linen fabric, these make any fit look...well, better.

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