trouser pleats

[Vampyre Master]

hi all, got a couple a pairs of vintage trousers, one has outward facing front pleats one has inward facing ?? whats that all about?
VM

 

[Fastuni]

Inward facing pleats are also called "British" pleats and are most commonly found on British and Continental European trousers. Of course also in other places where tailoring was oriented towards European style.

Outward facing are "American" pleats. But not exclusively found on American pants (especially in more recent decades).

Maybe photos of the garments in question can help us date them.

 

[herringbonekid]

as above (i was writing the same thing but FASTuni got there first.)

 

[Rudie]

To me British pleats seem to give a nicer drape. They also make the hips look narrow, while outward pleats tend to give the impression of wide hips.

 

[herringbonekid]

couldn't agree more Rudie.

also, when viewed from dead-on-profile inward pleats give a cleaner appearance as the open side is hidden.

 

[Vampyre Master]

British sounds good to me, just tried them on and yes the profile is sweet, also bought a pair of oversize waist, going to take off waistband and take up the excess with pleats
thanks guys
VM