To pleat or not to pleat...
 

Came home from college, put on the trousers, plate pants don't fit well. Now, when I first bought these pants, I didn't know a lot of the things I know now. First impressions, uniform, shine your damn shoes, etc.

But I still don't have an answer to pleat, or no pleat. Seems like everybody in the association has something different.

Used the search feature and did not find anything definitive.

Should be some quick answers, thanks ya'll.

All the new pants I bought in the last few years have been pleated. I like the fit.

Peace

Tuss,

Umpire fashion etiquette is (so far) an eternally elusive subject to me.

Some knowledgeable on the subject suggest that pleats "just aren't done". Others find them preferable.

Personally, I believe it depends on one's build and posture.

All of my umpire pants have pleats. My build is to the "taller, thinner" side, and my posture is impeccable.

Go with what looks best on you.

JMO.

JM

Isn't that an oxymoron? :D

I think that sums it up best. I have both pleated and flat front dress trousers for work and they all seem to fit well. For umpiring, I prefer a flat front trouser as they seem more appropriate to ME as a uniform.

Ay, there's the rub.

The good news is that it's a judgment call.

[QUOTE=Welpe]Isn't that an oxymoron? :D

May just be however, I have seen the dress of some officials that just made them look like, well lets just say "oxy" did not preceed the word.

My recommendation, just BE NEAT all the time because first impressions do mean something.

(Just dont ruin it by blowing the first pitch)

Grimace!
 

There is a vast difference between "fashion" and "umpire fashion."

Never will they meet.

Pleated pants are the disdain of the fashion aware experts.

They really don't work for anyone (as JM said "tall and thin" might work).

But this isn't the real world.

We are dictated to style as shown by a group of MLB umpires that have forced us through Red Blazers (with MAROON belts), button up shirts with long collars OUTSIDE the lapels of the jacket (think NL umpires headed to the disco), and other styles that WOULD NEVER be considered passable in real fashion situations.

What occurs that is concerning is that suppliers (Davis & Honigs) have ONLY pleated pants in poly wool.

That is a shame.

In closing:

I do not have one item of umpire wear that could be worn in ANY real world situation.

Regards,

My personal choice is the "zoot suit with the reat pleat," :D .


But seriously as been previously stated whether you choice to pleat or not pleat is a personal choice. I first pleated with my basketball officiating pants and then my umpiring pants went pleated too. I didn't think I would like pleated pants but I think they look better that anything I have ever worn.

MTD, Sr.

I don't know Tim. I think I have seen some colorful stuff in the 70s and 80s that umpires could have worn to many social events. ;)

Peace

Come, on Tim! You mean to tell me that those blazers with the big wide collars sticking out like John Travolta weren't a chick magnet? :eek:

..and judgment calls cannot be appealed ;)

Oh come on, you've gotta go for help on that one!

points to the BU "Did he pleat???"

Don't wear pleats with high heels.

Does that help?:)

I'll go one better: Don't wear pleats if you have a fat midsection. They look hideous on big guys.

As JM said, tall and thin seems to work okay for the pleated pant.

Again, if you're thin. If not, your pants should all be plain front.

It might be a personal choice, but if Honigs only has pleats on thier high end pants, you don't have much of a consumer choice if you're going to use that vendor.

Personally, I don't like pleats but my Assoc. encourages them. States they look more professional. Must be a call for non pleated since Gerry Davis offered up a special this year of non-pleated on special order.

In the last fourteen years the only thing I have bought from Honig's is IAABO products because Honig's is the sole IAABO distributor. Other than that, I do not buy anything from Honig's.

MTD, Sr.

I buy and wear Honig's....
 

heavyweight poly/wool pants for bases and plate. I also have the 100% poly plates with pleats from Honig's. I also have a pair of Fechheimer 100% poly plain front base slacks. I prefer the Honig's poly/wool pants over all. They are worth the money to me. Yes, they should be drycleaned but they are a superior product. Their weight and drape and comfort level surpasses the polyester in every aspect. They can be washed and air-dried in a pinch. I just cannot bring myself to wear anything made by a company called Smitty. I have to work with enough of them. Just my opinion.

My first choice is: Torch's Referee & Umpire Supplies (http://www.OfficialsSupplies.com), which is the Florida distributer of my second choice: Purchase Officials Supplies (http://www.PurchaseOfficials.com) in Akron, Ohio.

MTD, Sr.

Do you also drive a '36 Cord with a rumble seat ? :D

I wish I did, :D .

MTD, Sr.

Another example of a post getting too much air time. Just because YOU (whoever YOU are) dont wear pleated pants, or dont like the style, doesnt mean its wrong. Or someone else is wrong for wearing them. Tall, thin, large, big, average, whatever, pleated are fine. Or, not, if thats your choice.
Just like the "Great Indicator Debate" its a tool to use, or not, and doesnt make you a better or worse umpire which ever you want to wear.

I would agree that pleats or no pleats is a personal choice issue, so long as they're ironed and you look neat and clean.

I would argue though, that pants are more than "a tool to use" such as an indicator.

My reasoning : I will call a game without an indicator. :cool:

Yes but would you call a game without your pants? :eek:

Honigs has high end plain front pants

hmmm....what do I get paid? :D

Hit it, Maestro!

"Zoot suit riot, throw back a bottle of beer..." :D

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

ohoh
 

Pleated shorts or not pleated shorts....

http://store.linedrive.com/linedrive...ire-short.html

And that's where they must stay!