They are as much a part of a suit as the jacket, but they are often neglected: suit trousers. Yet the right fit of trousers completes the effect of an elegant suit. When buying off the rack, you often get pants and a jacket in one package, but there are very few body types that the standard fit suits really well. As with a good jacket, it is advisable to have tailored suit pants made that take your needs into account. We'll show you what's important when it comes to finding the right pants.
The right cut for your suit pants
Similar to jackets, suit pants also come in different fits, each with their own characteristics. Which fit you should choose depends on both your body type and your personal preferences. You should also consider the occasion for which you are buying the suit.
Slim Fit – Modern and trend-conscious
The very figure-hugging fit has become increasingly popular in recent years. The cut is very narrow and features tapered legs, meaning they become narrower towards the bottom. This cut looks particularly elegant on athletic, slim men.
Contrary to expectations, the slim fit offers a great deal of freedom of movement, making it ideal for everyday wear. The pant legs can be cut a little shorter than usual, which emphasizes a youthful, sporty style. This allows socks to peek out and be used as a fashion statement in their own right.
Regular Fit – Classic and timeless
If you value timelessness and professionalism, we recommend the regular fit. It is considered an all-rounder because it suits every body type and is suitable for all occasions. The legs are straight cut and the pants have more room than the slim fit, but the overall silhouette remains quite form-fitting. The pants sit on the hips and should fit like a glove, especially on the thighs. The rule here is that the length of the pant legs should end halfway down the heel of the shoe.
Whether you need a suit for a very elegant occasion such as a wedding or a reception, or want to be dressed appropriately for the office or client meetings, with the regular fit you can rely on a popular classic that exudes elegance and competence.
Comfort Fit – comfortable and perfectly fitting
With this cut, you are choosing the most comfortable style of pants. The simple cut offers maximum comfort, as the legs are cut quite wide and the pants sit on the hips rather than the waist. However, even with a comfort fit, the pants must be chosen to fit perfectly, meaning they should not be too wide or too loose. Particular attention should be paid to the pant leg, which may form a small crease at the shoe, also known as a nose.
This cut is particularly suitable for men with a strong build. Many men prefer this very comfortable cut, especially for everyday office wear.
Determining the correct pants size for men
Of course, we take your measurements before making any custom-made trousers. To ensure a good fit, we determine the inseam and waist size. Only when both are cut to the right length for you will the suit trousers fit perfectly.
For the waist size, we measure the circumference of the waist. To ensure maximum comfort when walking, we measure the inseam from the crotch to the floor.
We recommend writing down your measurements and carrying them with you, for example in your wallet or as a digital note on your phone. This way, you can choose the right size and fit even when making spontaneous purchases, and you can also track whether and how your measurements have changed over time.
Size chart for men's pants (suit pants, jeans, chinos)
You can find your correct pants size in the following table. Choose between regular sizes, extra-long sizes, and short sizes.
Standard sizesIf your inseam is between 76 and 86 cm, you should choose a regular size. Your waist circumference should be between 70 and 117.5 cm.
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Extra-long sizesIf you are very tall and slim, you should choose an extra-long size. In this case, the pant legs are tailored to be significantly longer while the waist size remains the same.
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short sizes
If you are on the shorter side, we recommend a short size. Men with a slight build will also benefit from this choice. The pant legs are tailored to be shorter than average.
| Size |
Waist circumference1 | Step length2 |
|---|---|---|
| 33/30 | 82.5-84.5 | 76 |
| 34/30 | 85-87 | 76 |
| 36/32 | 90-92 | 81 |
| 38/32 | 95.5–97.5 | 81 |
| 40/32 | 100.5-102.5 | 81 |
| 42/32 | 105.5-107.5 | 81 |
When do suit pants fit well?
As you may know from jeans, suit trousers also specify the combination of length and width to determine the correct size, for example W32/L34. However, in addition to the correct size, there are other factors that contribute to a good fit.
The pants should fit snugly around the buttocks without being too tight. This also means that there should be no unwanted creases and the pants should not ride down. The bottom of the pant leg—the so-called pant crease—should just touch the shoe; with some cuts, it can even be a few centimeters shorter. If the suit pants are too long, the suit as a whole will look inelegant and too big.
5 mistakes to avoid when wearing suit pants
The suit pants are too long.
Current fashion trends forgive a slightly too short cut, but if your trousers are too long, creases on the seat and legs will quickly catch the eye. This looks inelegant and a little as if you have borrowed the suit from someone else. Therefore, have your trousers shortened by a tailor you trust.
Wearing white socks with suit pants.
Wearing brightly colored socks with a suit can be a bold fashion statement. However, white socks or stockings are a definite faux pas. They look very sporty and ruin the elegance of a suit. Therefore, it is better to only wear white socks with sneakers and opt for color-coordinated knee-high socks.
Baggy pants pockets.
A high-quality suit deserves a little care and attention. This includes not storing sharp objects such as keys or wallets in your trouser pockets. They can ruin delicate fabrics and even cause holes. Worn-out trouser pockets are almost impossible to repair, so you should find another place to store them.
Combine belts and suspenders.
Many men want to make sure that their pants stay in place and therefore use both a belt and suspenders. However, both of these make the pants look overloaded and are not necessary if you make sure you choose the right fit in advance.
Too sporty accessories
You can combine jewelry and watches with an elegant suit, and a pocket square or a color-coordinated tie will also enhance your style. However, you should refrain from wearing a sporty backpack or sports bag. Sports shoes also don't usually look good with a full suit. Play it safe by opting for classics such as leather shoes and a discreet shoulder bag, or do without accessories altogether.
Would you like help finding the right suit pants? We would be happy to advise you, take your measurements, and determine the right cut for you. Just ask us!