The essential guide to buying pants.

Unless you are me, the majority of men hate trying on pants and shopping. Well I am going to try and make it a bit easier for you.

    Ready? Ok. Pants are a pain in the ass to shop for because you need to try them on and see how they fit, are they too tight, too loose too long too short. You get the gist of it.  So. To make things a tad easier, READ THE DESCRIPTION!!!!!!!  Companies that sell a wide variety of pants are getting very good at explaining how each set of pants fit. Whether they are using the words Modern, Classic, Straight, Relaxed, Slim, Bootcut, Pleated, Plain front.  You can figure out what they mean by just looking at these words. But if not then I will help you out.

It does vary from company to company but for the most part they all mean the same thing.

Plain front-This means the front of the pants are flat.  Dress pants and slacks have creases down the leg but they usually start at mid thigh.  This is a modern style and creates a nice straight line.  Should not be worn by guys who are bit heavier set or have huge thighs.  But if flat front is what you like and you are heavier set or have big thighs go with a relaxed fit.  It does not look good when your pockets are flaring out like elephant ears and we can see the outline front of your thighs. Also when wearing flat front pants, make sure there is no cuff at the hem. It is pointless and looks bad, but in the end is a matter of preference.

Pleat front- This means that instead of the pants being flat on the thighs, there is a few folds of fabric.  This allows for more room for heavier set men or men with bigger thighs.  Because of that, pleat front pants tend to have a bit more room in them and have a more classic or relaxed look to them.  The main pleat on the pants also give a very clean and straight line down the leg.  If you buy pleated pants they are usually cuffed at the hem.  This is fashion as well as function.  The cuff weighs down the pants and helps create that clean straight line. 98% of the time pleated pants will have cuffs, the exception is on khakis such as Dockers, St Johns Bay, and Hagger.

Modern (plain or pleat)-A up to date cut which is usually related to whatever the current fashion trend is but with modesty. Right now its all about slim fitting pants. Currently Modern fit is slim, but not skinny by any means.  Usually straight through the hips and thighs and with a modest slim line.

Classic (pleat or plain)- Usually classic fit is a generous fit.  Meaning relaxed in the thighs and straight through the knees.  Classic is timeless.  No matter what the trend of fashion is at the time, you can never really go wrong with classic fit, but be warned, because it is timeless they are a bit baggy on skinnier men and really don't flatter any part of you.  So this is a good go to pair of pants for a guy who doesn't want to try on pants all day.  Just know your size, and if it fits....voila! Pants shopping done.

Straight (plain or pleat front)-This and Modern fit pretty much go hand in hand, or in this case leg in leg (insert drum and cymbal sound followed by crickets). Straight fit is pretty much another name for Modern fit. So not much explanation is needed for straight fit.

Relaxed (pleat or plain front)-I don't think much explanation is needed for this.  It means what it  says.  Relaxed in the thighs and legs.  Perfect for the bigger guys out there.  Also a favorite of the older gentlemen of the world.

Slim (plain front)-Well this sort of explains itself.  This is popular with today's younger generation of men.  Do yourself and other people around you though, if you are a bigger guy or have big thighs or huge feet, don't wear I repeat DON'T wear slim of skinny fit jeans.  It just looks absolutely ridiculous.  Slim fit is for Slim guys.

Bootcut (plain front)-Typically only a style you see on jeans, but have been known to pop up and slacks and khakis from time to time.  It is not a recommended style for those however.  But these kind of pants are great for guys who like to wear Cowboy boots or riding boots etc.  Basically the fit is straight through the thigh and flare out (get wider) at the knees. Not like bell bottoms. 

    Well I hope this helped some men out today. If not, well sorry.  Rule of thumb, if you are ever not sure of the length, try them on.  If after you try them on and are still not sure, buy a little long and take them to a tailor to have them hemmed. Best 10 bucks you will spend on fixing your pants.  A good tailor will know exactly what to to do.  Just make sure you tell him what you absolutely don't want.  Thanks for reading.

Keep the class, kill the swag.