Summer style is all about finding that elusive balance between looking sharp and staying comfortable. Enter the linen-blend pull-on pleated pants, the modern man's secret weapon for effortless warm-weather sophistication.
As style contributor Daniel Baraka aptly puts it, these pants are a sartorial paradox, marrying the comfort and ease of sweatpants with the elegance of dress pants. “They're kind of like very formal sweatpants,” Daniel notes. “They're just as comfortable and very light, which gives them a huge edge over sweatpants. And they look a lot more stylish.”
Get the look:
Pleated linen blend drawstring pants: Abercrombie & Fitch / Linen blazer (alts): Buck Mason Irish Linen Jacket ($$$) – Proper Cloth Linen Jacket ($$) – Simons Pure Linen Jacket ($) / Linen shirt: Luca Filoni – J.Crew – H&M / Lion Pin Brooch: Gucci / Silk scarf: Amazon
The key to their elevated aesthetic lies in the pleats, which add a touch of refinement and create a sleek vertical line that elongates the silhouette. Baraka emphasizes their importance: “To me the most important part of these pants are the pleats and that they're ironed in a way that pleated pants are. They walk the line between the very formal and the abysmally informal.”
But the true value of these pants is their unrivaled versatility. “When thinking about taking them from their natural habitat, which is lounging, to a cocktail party, brunch with friends, or any smart casual or dressed-up event that doesn't require a super formal outfit – maybe even say a beach wedding, I can pull this off. They’re perfect for any party where adults are gathering and you have to look good and stylish,” Baraka shares.
In the beat down of summer heat, comfort, of course, is paramount. Shown here from Abercombie, the pull-on waistband with interior drawcords ensures a custom fit, while practical details abound, from multiple pockets to a hidden cellphone zip pocket – because fumbling to catch your phone falling out of your dress pants is a struggle we can all relate to. And with three inseam lengths available, you can opt for a contemporary ankle-length look or a classic full-length style, depending on your preference and the occasion.
More Drawstring Pant Options:
- Bonobos – Pleated ($$)
- Perry Ellis – No Pleat ($)
- Banana Republic – Flat Front ($$)
- Todd Snyder – Pleated ($$$)
- Faherty – Flat Front ($$)
- Vineyard Vines ($$)
Styling these pants is an exercise in nuance. “When you're trying to walk that line of making them a little bit more formal, it's important that the rest of the outfit speaks the same language as the pants. That means picking fabrics that essentially are more informal and more loung-y,” Daniel advises.
Tote bag: Abercrombie / Suede slippers (similar): Stubbs and Wooton
Think linen shirts, linen jackets, and the sheen from Daniel’s signature silk neckerchief for a pop of color and a dash of studied elegance. “The neckerchief for me is a personal choice, of course, but it always adds a certain layer of stylishness and so it looks at home in less formal outfits as well. It looks great with just an open weave cardigan and a t-shirt too.”
Suede loafers (similar): Amazon
Footwear is the final piece of the puzzle. Leather loafers elevate the style for dressier occasions, while refined sneakers keep things casual for a day out in the city or a laid-back gathering with friends.
“I recommend you go with slippers like I did or some sandals.” Daniel reassures. “When it comes to styling these pants, it's hard to mess up.”
