Let’s be real about the "dad fashion" trend for a second. We’ve all seen the shift toward bigger, flowier silhouettes, but trying to pull off pleats without looking like you’re wearing a costume from a 1994 catalog is surprisingly hard. That’s exactly why 7 For All Mankind pleated shorts have basically taken over the premium denim space lately. They’ve managed to take a design that used to be considered "stuffy" and turned it into something that actually looks sharp with a simple tee or a linen button-down.
Shorts are usually an afterthought. You grab whatever is on the top of the drawer and head out. But when you start looking at the construction of a pleated pair from a heritage brand like 7FAM, you realize how much the tiny details actually matter for your silhouette.
The Weird Truth About Why Pleats Came Back
For years, flat-front shorts were the law. If you wore pleats, you were either golfing or you hadn't updated your wardrobe since the Clinton administration. But fashion is cyclical, and honestly, we all just got tired of tight, restrictive clothing. The return of the 7 For All Mankind pleated shorts isn't just a nostalgia trip; it's a response to the "quiet luxury" movement where comfort and fabric quality are king.
Pleats serve a functional purpose that most people forget. They aren't just decorative folds of fabric. They provide extra room in the hip and thigh area. This is a lifesaver if you actually have an athletic build or if you just hate the feeling of fabric clinging to your legs on a 90-degree day. When 7 For All Mankind designers sit down to sketch these out, they aren't just making "loose shorts." They’re engineering a drape.
You’ve probably noticed that cheaper brands try to do pleats and they end up looking puffy. It’s a mess. The reason 7FAM gets away with it is the weight of their textile. Whether it's their signature denim blends or their lightweight twills, the fabric has enough "heft" to pull the pleat downward. This keeps the line vertical and slimming rather than horizontal and widening.
How to Spot the Real Deal in the 7FAM Collection
Don't just buy the first pair you see on a resale site. There are nuances. The brand often cycles through different names for these styles—sometimes they're labeled under "Luxe Performance" and other times they're part of a specific seasonal drop like the "Chino Short with Pleats."
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Look at the hardware. Real 7 For All Mankind pleated shorts use high-quality zippers and buttons that don't feel like flimsy plastic. The stitching should be consistent. If you see a "Made in China" tag, don't panic—while the brand started in Los Angeles and still does premium runs there, they have global manufacturing now. What matters more is the material composition. You’re looking for that hint of elastane. Just 1% or 2% makes the difference between a short that moves with you and one that digs into your waist when you sit down for lunch.
I’ve seen people complain that the sizing runs a bit large. Honestly? That’s intentional. These aren't meant to be painted on. If you want that crisp, editorial look, stay true to size and let the pleats do their job. If you try to size down to get a "slim" fit, you’ll pull the pleats open, and it’ll look like the shorts are screaming for help.
Styling Without Looking Like a Car Salesman
This is where most guys get stuck. How do you wear 7 For All Mankind pleated shorts without looking like you’re about to try and sell someone a mid-sized sedan? It's all about the contrast.
- The Casual Pivot: Throw on a heavyweight pocket tee. Tuck it in just a little bit—the "French tuck"—to show off the pleated detail at the waist. Add some clean white leather sneakers. Done.
- The Elevated Vibe: A short-sleeve knit polo is the best partner for these shorts. The texture of the knit balances the smoothness of the shorts. It feels very "summer in Italy," even if you're just at a backyard BBQ in Ohio.
- Footwear Matters: Avoid bulky basketball shoes. It throws off the proportions. Go for loafers, boat shoes (the cool ones, not the beat-up ones from college), or minimalist trainers.
People worry that pleats add "bulk." In reality, the vertical lines created by the folds actually draw the eye up and down. It can make you look taller. It’s a visual trick that tailors have used for centuries, and 7 For All Mankind has just modernized it for the casual market.
The Longevity Factor: Is it Worth the Price?
Let's talk money. You can go to a fast-fashion retailer and get "pleated shorts" for thirty bucks. So why spend significantly more on 7 For All Mankind?
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It comes down to the recovery of the fabric. Cheap shorts lose their shape after three washes. The pleats disappear or, worse, they become permanently wrinkled in weird directions. 7FAM uses high-twist yarns and specific finishing processes that help the garment "remember" its shape. You can pull these out of a suitcase, give them a quick shake, and they look decent.
Also, consider the pocket bags. It sounds boring, but cheap shorts have thin pocket lining that holes easily. 7FAM uses reinforced cotton pockets. You won't lose your keys through a hole in your leg two months into owning them.
Technical Breakdown of the Modern Pleat
In the past, pleats were deep and often doubled up. Today's 7 For All Mankind pleated shorts usually feature a single, shallow pleat. This is the "sweet spot" for modern style. It gives you the volume you need for comfort but keeps the silhouette relatively narrow.
The rise is also crucial. These shorts usually sit a bit higher on the waist than your standard low-rise denim. This is great because it creates a cleaner line from your torso to your legs. It hides the "muffin top" better than low-slung shorts ever could. If you’re worried about looking dated, just ensure the hem hits about two inches above the knee. Anything longer and you’re back in 1998. Anything shorter and you’re in a different fashion subculture entirely.
Caring for Your Investment
Don't just toss these in a hot dryer. That’s the fastest way to kill the elasticity and dull the color.
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- Wash them inside out in cold water. This protects the outer finish of the fabric.
- Skip the fabric softener. It actually coats the fibers and can make them lose their "snap."
- Air dry if you can. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and pull them out while they’re still a tiny bit damp.
- If the pleats start to look lazy, a quick hit with a garment steamer will bring them back to life. You don't necessarily need a crisp iron line unless you're going for a very formal look.
Real-World Limitations
Look, I’m an expert, but I’m also a realist. 7 For All Mankind pleated shorts aren't for every single occasion. If you're doing heavy yard work or going on a rugged hike, leave these in the closet. The fabric is premium, which means it’s not designed to be dragged through the mud or snagged on briars. These are "lifestyle" shorts. They’re for the brewery, the date night, the casual office, or the beach club.
Also, be aware of the color choices. Navy and Olive are the safest bets and will last you for years. The lighter "sand" or "off-white" colors look incredible but they are magnets for red wine and grass stains. If you’re a messy eater, stick to the darker washes.
The Final Word on the 7FAM Fit
The "7" in the brand name originally referred to the idea that everyone should own seven pairs of their jeans—one for every day of the week. While you probably don't need seven pairs of pleated shorts, having one or two solid pairs changes the way you approach summer dressing. It moves you away from the "standard guy" look into something that feels intentional and curated.
The biggest mistake people make is overthinking the "boldness" of the pleat. Once you put them on and see how they move, you realize they’re actually more low-key than a pair of cargo shorts or super-distressed denim. They represent a return to "grown-up" clothing that doesn't feel boring.
Immediate Next Steps for Your Wardrobe
If you're ready to pull the trigger, start by checking your current belt situation. Pleated shorts look best with a clean, simple leather or braided belt; avoid anything too "tactical" or oversized. Next, take a look at your t-shirt collection. You'll want high-quality, solid-colored basics to let the shorts be the star of the outfit. Finally, check the specific measurements on the 7 For All Mankind website or a trusted retailer like Nordstrom or Saks. Pay close attention to the "Inseam" and "Leg Opening" measurements. A wider leg opening is standard for pleats, so don't be alarmed if it's an inch or two wider than your slim-fit chinos—that's exactly where the comfort comes from. Match these with a pair of clean, no-show socks and you're basically set for the entire season.