What a pleat is doing for you
What a pleat is doing for you
Pleats add room where you sit down. Folded fabric at the waistband releases across the hip and thigh when you bend, so a pleated trouser gives you the room of a much wider cut while keeping a clean line standing up.
Direction matters. A forward pleat opens toward the pockets and reads traditional. A reverse pleat opens toward the hip and sits flatter under a shirt.
From hakama to cargo
Most of the pleated pairs here come from the hakama, which makes them Japanese pleated pants first. The Kendo Hakama, Seven Pleats has the full traditional set, five at the front and two at the back, in 70% polyester and 30% cotton, XXS to XXL. The Pleated Samurai Hakama Pants wrap the same way in polyester, XS to XL. The Wide Pleated Japanese Hakama Pants are one size in 80% polyester and 20% cotton, and the widest pair we make.
The Balloon Pleated High-Waisted Pants gather deep pleats at a high waist, one size. Two pairs carry ordinary trouser pleats: the Double Pleated Trousers in polyester, XXS to L, and the Pleated Cotton Cargo Pants, 100% cotton with front pleats over a wide leg, S to XL.
Fit and care for a pleated trouser
Pleats should lie flat when you stand. If they pull open, the waist or hip is too small, so size up. Take your usual size otherwise. Sizes run XXS to XL across the group. Most pairs wash cold and hang dry. Hang them by the hem to keep the pleat.
For the same volume without pleats see wide-leg pants and harem pants. The full range is in Japanese pants.
Measurements come from each garment's own flat size table, converted to centimetres and mapped onto one size ladder. Available for 7 of the 9 garments here, last checked 2026-11-13. How we measure.
Pleated Pants at a glance
| Piece | Fabric | Fit | Sizes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men's Kendo Hakama, Seven Pleats | 70% polyester, 30% cotton | Wide | XXS–XXL | £47.00 |
| Men's Pleated Samurai Hakama Pants | Polyester | Wide | XS–XL | £43.00 |
| Men's Wide Pleated Japanese Hakama Pants | 80% polyester, 20% cotton | Wide | One Size | £69.00 |
| Men's Japanese-Style Balloon Pants, High Waisted | Cotton-polyester blend, mostly polyester | Wide | One Size | £37.00 |
| Men's Double Pleated Trousers | Polyester | XXS–L | £33.00 | |
| Linen Hakama Pants, Pleated Wide Leg with Buckle Belt | 100% Linen | XS–XL | £39.00 | |
| Men's Pleated Cargo Pants, Japan Style Wide Leg | 100% cotton | Relaxed fit | S–XL | £42.00 |
| Men's Pleated Loose Trousers, Curved Wide Leg | 100% polyester | Wide | XXS–XL | £31.00 |
| Men's Japanese-Style Barrel Pants, Carbon Washed Cotton | 100% cotton | Loose Fit | XS–S | £23.00 |
Read the guide: Masculine Wide-Leg Trousers: Cut, Fit and How to Wear Them
Frequently asked questions
What do pleats do?
They release fabric across the hip and thigh when you sit, giving the room of a wider cut while keeping a clean line when you stand.
Forward or reverse pleats?
Forward pleats open toward the pockets and read traditional. Reverse pleats open toward the hip and sit flatter under a shirt.
Why do my pleats pull open?
The waist or hip is too tight. Pleats should hang closed when you stand, so go up a size.
Are hakama pleats the same as trouser pleats?
No. Trouser pleats are short folds at the waistband that open over the hip. A hakama's pleats run the full length of the leg, seven on a traditional hakama: five at the front and two at the back.