No Butts About It!

If you have this problem, you are not alone. Six out of ten men suffer with the "lose my pants syndrome." Basically, their bellies are larger than their rear ends, making it almost impossible to keep their pants up where they belong. One man describes himself as the "ice cream cone-shaped Ralph Kramden from The Honeymooners," wide in the middle, smaller in the hips, even smaller in the thighs... Hmm...Sound familiar?

Where Have All the Bottoms Gone?

As the waistline increases, the bottom appears smaller. Age and gravity also have a cruel, ravaging effect on once-plump derrieres. When the hips are smaller than the waist, there is nothing to anchor the pants, so they slowly work their way south. Men try to accommodate this by ratcheting up their belts. Some even resort to suspenders.

Men who have trouble keeping their pants up fear sitting, squatting, and moving about too freely. Their mind is always on keeping their pants up, as you see them walking around, constantly pulling and lifting, hoisting and tugging, in a vain effort to defy gravity. This is not only uncomfortable and unnerving, but gives a sloppy appearance.

Stock Men's Pants Miss the Mark

Off-the-rack men's dress pants are not designed with this build in mind. Manufacturers mistakenly miss the mark and cut for the so-called "ideal standard men's shape." Traditional men's pants are cut with a seven-inch ratio between the waist and seat. In other words, a size 36 pants would have a 36″ waist and a 43″ hip. This leaves many men who find pants that fit their waist with the "droopy drawers, parachute syndrome." Or if they find a pair of pants that fits their rear, they can't zip their fly. There has to be a better way.

The "Bottom Line" Solution

The real solution is to have pants custom made to fit and flatter your shape. Buying pants made to your waist and inseam measurements is not enough to address your fit challenges. Your pants should be designed to fit your waist, hip and thigh, as well as inseam and outseam measurements.

What Fabric Is Best?

Casual pants should be made of a good quality cotton twill, chino or poplin. Many pants today have 3% Lycra for added comfort and stretch. For dress slacks, choose high-quality wool fabrics such as gabardines or sturdy file weaves. Look for a high yarn count such as Super 100's to Super 130's so that they hold their crease, shape and wrinkle less. Wool blends are okay if they are made of quality yarns.

What Should the Style of the Pants Be?

The style should be a simple, flat front or single-pleated to eliminate bulk. The pants should not be tight, but should be a trim cut, especially in the thigh area, continuing down to the knee.

There should be a rubberized strip in the waistband for friction and to keep your shirt from pulling out of your pants. Suspender buttons should be included for braces (suspenders), if desired. Cuffs can be optional, as well as preferred pocket details.

So now you know! There is no need to struggle with dress pants that won't stay in place and just don't fit your frame. Have your pants custom designed for your build and they will look nicer on you, stay in place and feel much more comfortable.


Copyright (c) 2008 Janine Giorgenti