Trousers are an essential component of a suit. While a two-piece suit consists of trousers with a matching jacket, a three-piece suit goes one step further by adding a vest. Nonetheless, all men's suits require the use of matching trousers. There are different styles of trousers, however, including and cuffed and no-cuffed. So, what's the difference between these two, and which style is right for you?
Overview of Trousers Cuffs
In case this is your first time hearing about cuffed trousers, let me explain. Cuffs are folds of fabric at the bottom of trousers that's turned up and sewn into the leg. To make cuffed trousers, extra fabric is added to the bottom of the legs, which is then folded up several inches and sewn into place. It's a subtle element that's become a popular style among fashion-conscious men. In comparison, non-cuffed trousers lack this feature. Rather than having a flap of extra fabric at the bottom, they simply stop at the bottom. Some reports suggest that cuffs originating in the late 1800s, during which Kind Edward VII pioneered the style. Although it was originally designed for royalty, the style has since made its way into mainstream fashion. Today, you'll find countless brands of men's trousers featuring this otherwise subtle feature. The truth is that most people won't notice the difference between cuffed and non-cuffed trousers. Since cuffs are at the bottom of the trousers, they aren't very noticeable. With that said, cuffs still serve a purpose, and it's important that you understand how they will affect your trousers. Otherwise, you may end up choosing the wrong style of trousers.
Benefits of Cuffed Trousers
Cuffs offer both aesthetic and functional benefits. As previously mentioned, most people won't look at the bottom of your trousers, so they won't know whether your trousers are cuffed or not. However, cuffs can still enhance your appearance by breaking up the appearance of your trousers. Again, it's a subtle element when compared to other features, but cuffs can still improve the aesthetics of your trousers. Cuffs can also protect your trousers from ripping at the seams. If your trousers have a pleated front, for instance, cuffs will hold the pleats to prevent them from ripping. Without cuffs, sitting down will stress the seams of your pleats. In some cases, this stress may cause them to tear, causing costly damage to the trousers. These are just a few reasons to consider cuffs when choosing trousers.
Body Size
When choosing between cuffed and non-cuffed trousers, consider your body size. Generally speaking, cuffed trousers look better when worn by men with a tall, slim build. Cuffs create the perception of a shorter appearance, which can benefit men of this body type. On the other hand, men with a shorter body build will probably benefit most from non-cuffed trousers, as this style helps to elongate their appearance.
Quality
Not all cuffed trousers are made equal. The cuffs of low-quality trousers may feature poor craftsmanship that makes them susceptible to damage. If they aren't properly sewn into the legs, for instance, they may come out. And if the cuffs are too long, they could drag on the ground, which can also cause damage. So, if you're going to choose cuffed trousers, make sure the cuffs are properly made with an emphasis on quality craftsmanship.
Pleated or Flat-Front Trousers
You should also consider whether you want pleated or flat-front trousers. A good rule of thumb is to choose cuffed trousers if they are pleated trousers if they have a flat front. Cuffs help to protect pleated trousers from ripping by securing the seams in place. For flat-front trousers, you can choose either cuffed or non-cuffed; the decision is up to you. But if your trousers are pleated, it's recommended that you stick with a cuffed design so that they won't rip at the seams when you sit.
Price
So, what's the price difference between a pair of cuffed trousers and non-cuffed trousers? Although there are a few exceptions, the presence of cuffs typically doesn't affect the price of trousers. You'll usually find that cuffed trousers cost the same as non-cuffed trousers, so don't worry about price differences. Rather, think about which style will serve you best. For some men, cuffed trousers are the best choice. For others, non-cuffed trousers are ideal. You must think about your specific needs and choose the style that best fits.
You Can Remove Cuffs, But You Can't Easily Add Them
Here's something else to consider when choosing between cuffed and non-cuffed trousers: a professional tailor can easily remove cuffs, but they cannot easily add them. If you choose a pair of cuffed trousers and decide later that you prefer the non-cuffed style, you can take them to a professional tailor to have the cuffs removed. The tailor will simply cut out the cuffs, turning your trousers into the non-cuffed style. A tailor can't, however, easily add cuffs to a pair of non-cuffed trousers.
Cuffed Trousers are Stylish
Finally, it's worth mentioning that cuffed trousers are stylish. In fact, many people would agree that cuffs provide a higher level of formality than non-cuffed trousers. If you're getting dressed for a formal event like a wedding or important business meeting, perhaps you should choose cuffed trousers for this reason.
The Bottom Line
Cuffs are just one feature to consider when choosing a pair of suit trousers. Size is arguably even more important. If your trousers are too big, they'll look baggy and awkward. If they are too small, they'll restrict your movement and possibly rip or tear. The good news is that you can order a pair of custom-fitted trousers from
StudioSuits. We offer
custom sizing on all suits, including jackets and trousers, at no additional charge. You tell us your measurements, and we'll create a pair of cuffed or non-cuffed trousers specifically for you.
