Should You Wear Cuffed Pants?

SHOP THE VIDEO:

OTHER GUIDES MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO:

First of all, what are trouser cuffs?

Basically, it is a folded edge at the hem at the bottom and it looks like a turned-up edge that it's added to the pant leg. Traditionally, a cuff is not cut but simply folded from excess fabric at the bottom hem. Because of that, if you will let out the cuffs, you could always create a longer pair of pants or trousers.

On the formality scale, cuffed trousers are always less formal than pants without cuffs.

So when and where do you typically see cuffs on trouser hems?

You definitely see them in suits and in Italy, I'd say the majority of suits will have the cuff. They're also popular in white-collar professions. Cuffs can help to make a suit silhouette to look more grounded especially when you have vertical stripes such as a pinstripe or a rope stripe.

Cuffs are also often a feature on odd trousers or slacks that are worn to the office.

When it comes to traditional workwear such as denim or jeans, you will not find a cuff because that would simply be impractical. In this day and age, a cuff on a pair of jeans would simply look weird.

So to cuff or not to cuff your pants, that is the question!

The bottom line is cuffs or turn-ups are optional and it's a personal style choice.

The big advantage of cuffs is that it adds a bit more weight to the bottom part of your pants thus creating a nicer drape or hang of the trouser especially if you have pleated pants.

Cuffs definitely give you a slightly more traditional look and if you want a contemporary look with a slim fit, oftentimes, it's better to forego the cuff for a cleaner silhouette.

That being said, there's one area where cuffs and turn-ups are always unacceptable from a historical point of view and that is formal wear.

So if you're buying trousers that are not for a formal occasion, should you add cuffs or not?

At the end of the day, if you're undecided, I always argue in favor of cuffs because you can always have them very easily removed at the alterations tailor. Think of it as an additional fabric that allows you to be creative with the size of your cuff but if you don't like it, you can always get rid of it.

On the flip side, if you decide against cuffs from the get-go and you later realize that the fabric is too flimsy and you would like to have a cuff in there, it's very difficult to add one back on because most of the time, there's not enough fabric left even for a faux cuff.

In terms of cuff size, there is again no right or wrong. Historically, there has been anything from under one inch to all the way up to two and a half even three inches. As with most things in menswear, it pays to stay in the middle which is typically between one and a half inches or two inches.

Of course, you can also pay attention to other aspects in your suit. Let's say you have very wide lapels, you should not have a very slim cuff because it simply looks not proportional. Also, you can look at the height of your collar in the back of your neck of your jacket and try to match that to the size of your trouser cuff.

So what are some good ways to get started with cuffs?

I suggest you maybe start with a pair of chinos because you can wear them a little more casually and otherwise, you can also wear them with a suit. If you don't wear suits a lot, you could experiment with cuffs on slightly more casual pants such as flannel pants, tweed slacks, or linen pants.

#cuffedtrousers #turnups #cuffedpants
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Gentleman's Gazette

[edf]

Very informative video. I didn’t know it is appropriate to maintain a couple pair of cuffed pants in my wardrobe. I always thought that cuffs or no cuffs were dependent upon whether they are in or out of style at the moment. Good advice! The pictures in the video show you wearing two pair of double monk strap shoes; one brown and one black pair. I’m looking to add a pair of double monk straps to my wardrobe. Do you have a ‘go to’ brand to purchase your double monks? Any advice for me as to where to look? Thanks much.

[charlesware]

If cuffs are good enough for the great Italian suit makers they are certainly good enough for me.

[nacionalista]

Cuffed pants is always a good idea, classics never die!

[Phreestyle]

All my bespoke suits have cuffs and a tiny break. Glad to see a reference to Alan Flusser. "Dressing the Man " is my bible.

[killianmackenzie]

Thank you so much for the information in your videos. Where’s my wife and daughter have just recently started dressing me in a more gentleman’s wardrobe as opposed to the jeans and T-shirts I used to wear. And I’m finding that dressing as such has given me more confidence in myself and has overall helped to improve my attitude. And it all started with your videos. Thank you so much!

[lawr]

Always prefer cuffs when I can have them. "In style" or not, I like what I like.

[sandraa]

This video has changed my opinion on cuffed dress pants. I think I like them now 😉

[Harrypotterxx]

A few days ago, I went to a different tailor than my usual one, and she said "Why would you want cuffs? They're for old men!" and I just stared at her before going on a speel about classic menswear.

[rs]

Old enough to have grown up with slacks and suits without cuffs. After cuffs became the norm I adopted the style, today I prefer cuffs and will continue to wear them. I believe they look more stylish with the exception of formal wear.

[MultiMrMiles]

80% of my trousers are cuffed, cuffs are cool.

[steamgent]

All my trousers are cuffed except those for formalwear ie funeral, tuxedo, and uniform.

[williamkazak]

I wear cuffs and pleats and long rise trousers! I win again! So grateful for Lands End.

[waltski]

My wardrobe goes 2:1 non-cuffed:cuffed. I really like cuffs on my tweed trousers. The onyx cufflinks look great!

[Loukbots]

I own numerous black lounge ensembles, also known as stresemann suits, and some odd cashmere striped trousers, all from the 1920s, 30s and 40s, and one or two of them have turn ups. This may be because of the informal nature of the black lounge ensemble compared to morning dress, and it would thus add a distinction of the difference in formality.

[robertyates]

Your always a pleasure to watch 🙂 very informative and to the point. Thank you 😊

[CastilhodeAlmeida]

I do prefer pants without cuffs, but I enjoy to see it when it is well done.
Congrates from Portugal!

[briang]

Agree to disagree on cuffs with jeans. They look great with a good pair of boots.

[simontuffen]

Turnups on jeans have been very popular recently.

[adrielrowley]

I am both, depends on the look.
For example, one suit has a very nipped waist, no pleats, already sans cuffs so left, and to add to the clean appearance, removed the belt loops after adjusting the waist perfectly.
Now knowing from previous Rafael presentations cuffs add weight to improve drape, I wear them comfortably and see the difference.

[AndreMonz]

I love cuffs! The size of mine are the same as the hight of the flaps on the jacket.