Maybe it’s just seeing the trend over social media or Pitti, but I recently converted to the single pleat high-rise pant with side adjusters after years considering it “old man pants”, and I can’t go back to belts and low rise. I think if you have a trim fitted suit, and keep yourself in above average shape the clean line that goes from shirt to trouser looks impeccable. I also love how a quality threefold tie contrasts against pants without the distracting flash of a belt line. Oh...and no more trying to spend hundreds on matching shell belts.
I think what’s throwing a lot of people off with the no belt and pleats look is we’re used to seeing those styles in media with some of the more trad and fuller-cut suit designs that you’ll typically see in a Drake’s look book that seem a bit frumpy or like some expensive Mr. Bean cosplay.
I made it a point to keep these slim (but not spray-painted tight) with a proportioned taper, and I think it’s a way cleaner look than the lower rise, belt loop flat-fronts GQ’s been pushing for the past 10 years.
I wish Spier made every trouser with side tabs.
Agree with every point, especially on the matching belt with shoes part. With side tabs, you open up more options in terms of shoes that you don't have a matching belt. Belts are, IMO, redundant. They are not that comfortable either.
From a weight fluctuation standpoint, you can go with a fuller waist pants and use suspenders, which provide both elegance and comfort.
