How high are you supposed to wear suit pants?

Cayne-Abel · Oct 15, 2010

I saw a two-year-old thread on this, but it didn't really have any definitive answers.

Can someone explain where - in relation to the navel, hip bones, or hollow of the lower back - you are supposed to wear suit pants?

Let's assume that we are talking about a relatively thin person.

I also wonder if there is going to be a different answer depending on suit styles. So I'm specifically talking about Corneliani and Versace.

MinnMD · Oct 15, 2010

On each side, feel the top of the pelvic bone just below the ribs. Suit trousers should sit at the top of this bone which would then be just below the navel.

Low-rider pants, as in jeans, usually sit lower, just above the buttocks. Low-rider pants are best reserved for slim guys.

MinnMD

Vintage Gent · Oct 15, 2010

To a certain degree, it's a matter of personal preference. I prefer that my suit trousers be high-waisted (about an inch above the navel) for a few reasons: (1) high-waisted trousers work better with suspenders; (2) a higher waist tends to elongate your legs, which, in my opinion, is a more elegant look; (3) I prefer my suit jackets with open quarters (a lower rise trouser would run the risk of exposing shirt); (4) if you wear a three-piece suit, a higher-sitting trouser helps prevent a gap between trouser and vest and (5) lower-waist trousers can, although not always, look a little "slouchy."

detroiter · Oct 15, 2010

inch above the navel? jesus, you msut have the shortest legs on earth.

Chillax · Oct 15, 2010

Depends of how old you are.
As you age, your pants should gradually creep upwards
By your seventies, the beltline should be approaching your nipples

Vintage Gent · Oct 15, 2010

Originally Posted by detroiter

inch above the navel? jesus, you msut have the shortest legs on earth.

Not really. They're a bit shorter in relation to my torso than average, but I prefer the aesthetics of a higher waist.

MalfordOfLondon · Oct 15, 2010

I'm patiently waiting for that photo that always creeps into pant height threads...

detroiter · Oct 15, 2010

Originally Posted by Vintage Gent

Not really. They're a bit shorter in relation to my torso than average, but I prefer the aesthetics of a higher waist.

I mean I agree with you, I am not a low rise fan, but my pants go up to right below my belly button, and I feel that is so high. Then again when I swear jeans, or sweats, or shorts, i usually wear my pants right above where ******* is.

patrickBOOTH · Oct 15, 2010

No break.

patrickBOOTH · Oct 15, 2010

Originally Posted by detroiter

I mean I agree with you, I am not a low rise fan, but my pants go up to right below my belly button, and I feel that is so high. Then again when I swear jeans, or sweats, or shorts, i usually wear my pants right above where ******* is.

Even when you have your sport coat on?

detroiter · Oct 15, 2010

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

Even when you have your sport coat on?

Jeans worn with anything but a t shirt, polo, or hoody=the gay.

patrickBOOTH · Oct 15, 2010

Or maybe "I'm in middle school."

detroiter · Oct 15, 2010

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

Or maybe "I'm in middle school."

Maybe you lived in the village to long?

patrickBOOTH · Oct 15, 2010

No, kids in the village dress better. They wear sport coats to school.

detroiter · Oct 15, 2010

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

No, kids in the village dress better. They wear sport coats to school.

My point exactly.

How high are you supposed to wear suit pants?

Senior Member

Active Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Well-Known Member

Distinguished Member

Distinguished Member

Senior Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Stylish Dinosaur

Senior Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Senior Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Senior Member

Classic Menswear Featured products

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Plain hem

Cuffed (1.5 inches or less)

Cuffed (more than 1.5 inches)

No preference, as long as the proportions work

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: