Listen, I've never really been a "trouser" person, but there's one trend out there that's been swaying me recently. Two words: pleated pants. The tailored, menswear-inspired look is really having a moment, and the pants come in all sorts of silhouettes, so you can find exactly what speaks to you. There are breezy wide-leg ones for summer or fall-ready corduroy designs, and even if you're more of a denim fan, there are stylish pleated jeans in the mix too. The best part about them is that although they might seem dressy because of the tailored details, they can be super casual too, especially in materials like cotton and linen. Basically, they look just as good with a T-shirt and sandals as they do with a blazer and high heels.
Here, I rounded up 31 of the best pleated pants in a wide range of styles to give you plenty of options. Like me, you might be pleasantly surprised to find how versatile they can be. Add any of the below to your wardrobe to channel a whole new effortlessly chic aesthetic.
Favorite Daughter
The Favorite Pant Pleat Pants
Add a sleek belt to take this pair to a whole new level.
Reformation
Mason Pant Es
Available in sizes 0-24, these stylish pants come in so many other shades.
Nili Lotan
Cotton Dillon Pants
This shade of brown works for both summer and fall.
Mother
The Big-League Prep Cuff Heel Pants
And to fully get ahead on your autumnal shopping, just casually dropping this pleated corduroy pair here.
Mara Hoffman
Monte Pants
This shade of blue is absolute perfection.
A.W.A.K.E. Mode
Wide Leg Pants With See Through Bottom
These will definitely make a statement when you walk into the room.
Denimist
Blair Double Pleated Pants
A pair of jeans with a faded, already worn-in look can be hard to come by.
Eloquii
Pleated Wide Leg Satin Trouser
A dressier occasion calls for pleated satin pants—and a matching triangle bralette and blazer, obviously.
Everlane
The Linen Way-High Drape Pant
Don't miss out on this lightweight linen pair while it's on sale!
Don't Think Twice
Sultan Paper Bag Waist Jeans
A paper-bag waist with the pleats in the front is a classic look, but the light wash and cuffed hems keeps these looking casual.
Other Stories
Wide Pleated High Waist Trousers
The contrasting white button makes these pleated pants feel more special.
Banana Republic
Wide-Leg Linen Pant
Proof that linen can be fancy! A pinstriped blazer with coordinating pleated pants is a powerful look.
Alex Mill
Cotton Twill Boy Pants
Alex Mill makes some of the best pleated pants out there. These have a slight crop and a loose fit for an effortless vibe.
Eloquii
Belted Trouser With Side Slit
The extra side slit at the hem combined with the matching belt make these a stunning pair.
Reformation
Genevieve Linen Pant
You can never go wrong with cropped wide-leg pants in the summertime.
Zara
Full Length Satin Effect Pants
Pools of fabric by your feet are trending! Say hello to these satin pleated puddle pants.
Mother
Snacks! the Pleated Fun Dip Puddle Straight Leg Jeans
And here are some pleated puddle jeans if you prefer to stick to denim.
Mango
Darts Lyocell Trousers
The placement of these belt loops on this vivid green pair are *chef's kiss.*
River Island
Beige Wide-Leg Pleated Trousers
A neutral pair of pleated trousers will be the most versatile piece in your closet, trust me.
Free People
Calla Pleated Trousers
Take a cue from this whole look to style your next summer outfit with pleated pants.
Uniqlo
Wide-Fit Pleated Pants
Opt for a dark gray pair with a belt and sneakers for a menswear-inspired ensemble.
J. Crew
Tie-Waist Ripstop Cotton Pant
An ideal shade of yellow.
Madewell
Superwide-Leg Jeans
The pleats on these jeans are more subtle because of the super-light wash, but they're there—promise.
Free People
Addy Chino Pants
Consider this your official sign that you need to add a pair of pleated chino pants to your wardrobe.
Veronica Beard
Maliyah Pant
The matching wide belt adds a sophisticated touch.
Agolde
Fold Waistband Jean
At almost 50% off, don't sleep on this light-wash style from editor-favorite brand Agolde.
Frankie Shop
Maesa Pleated Woven Wide-Leg Cargo Pants
Cargo and pleated pants? It's two trends in one!
Khaite
Rico Pleated Cotton-Twill Wide-Leg Pants
If you're willing to invest, you should definitely consider this Khaite pair.
Lioness
La Mesa Pants
For the low-rise aficionados out there.
Rachel Comey
Coxsone Pants
You'll need all the extra airflow you can get in these temperatures.
Lauren Adhav is a freelance fashion editor based in Los Angeles. Originally from Orlando, Florida, she got her start as the beauty and fashion editorial assistant at Cosmopolitan and worked her way up to fashion editor. She contributed to both the website and print issues, pitching new ideas, forecasting trends, covering red carpet events, and informing the overall coverage and brand voice.
After five years in NYC, she moved to Los Angeles. As a freelance fashion editor, she contributes to Cosmo, The Cut, and nowBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing
. She also spends an unhealthy amount of time online shopping for the perfect piece, and now that she's in L.A., she's rediscovering her soft spot for malls.