Pleated or flat front pants?
 

I'm a first year official and need to purchase some pants for officiating bball. I personally prefer flat front but have read that most wear pleated now. I would love any advice on that question along with brand and vendor suggestions. Thank you!

Most officials wear pleated. Check your local association.

Have your even ran for two hours in a pair of dress slacks?

That's why pleated is preferred. More room, more freedom to move.

It is a personal preference of course, but I do not see why anyone would want to wear flat front. I know some that do, but not the most preferred pair of pants for sure. Flat fronts are so rare that when I see them I notice.

Peace

It should also be added for anyone buying pants that while belted pants may be ok in some areas, beltless pants are usually the advisable way to go.

Beltless pleated.

MTD, Sr.

With Apologies To Moses ...
 

I will give up my black belt when they peel my cold dead fingers from around it.

How is that working out for you? ;)

Peace

Thanks for all the great advice. Where do you all get your Sansabelt's from?

Sansabelt Pants
 

Only place that still carries them that I know of is Officially Sports in Pittsburgh.... www.officiallysports.com

They cost a few more $$$ than the "Smitty" pants but well worth the price

differential.......imo :):):)

Gerry Davis Sports and Purchase Officials Supplies both sell Sansabelt pants. I am sure there are others, but these are the two I have used over the years.

Gerry Davis Sports

Purchase Officials Supplies

Peace

Just because no one has said flat fronts, that is what I wear. I see it as more of a fashion thing. I haven't worn a pair of pleated pants to my regular job in probably 8 years. So I'm definitely not going to wear them on the court. Whatever pants you wear, just make sure they fit you properly. Anything overly baggy looks awful, throw in pleats and it doubles the effect.

That's where I am on this. I only have pleated pants - and they've been tailored to fit. Even so, they feel "blousey", if not sloppy, in the front.

I've been wanting to switch to flat front primarily because they would look better. Seems like they wouldn't restrict movement either if made with the same type of fabric my pleated Smitty's are made from.

What brand of flat fronts do you wear, bg99?

Here is where I order mine from...

REFEREE PANT

I personally wear pleats and think they generally look nicer, however, I work with a couple shorter officials who wear flat front pants and I think they look much better on them than the pleats due to their height. Just to give reference, both of these guys are shorter than 5'10" and in decent shape. If this is you then you may want to at least try on a pair of the flat front pants just to take a look.......