Pleated trousers are so much more than just officewear, ticking off comfort and style in a few neatly placed tucks.

First worn after the first world war, the pleated trouser was most popular in the 40s and 50s, then in favour again during the 70s and 80s. Now, in place of the skinny fits of the mid-noughties, men are dressing for comfort with looser fits and shapes – and the pleated trouser fits the bill.

The pleats add extra room, boosting comfort for whatever you’ve got going on. More space is also handy if you’ve got bigger legs or don’t want to feel restricted when you sit down.

Lean into the tonal look and style yours with a summer-hued top like a boxy white t-shirt to straddle the comfy/stylish line, adding a light cardigan if it gets a bit windy. And, if the weather isn’t quite there for t-shirts but a sweatshirt’s going to make you, well, sweat, add a lightweight jacket or overshirt. If you’re not quite sure which is which, check out our handy guide on jackets vs overshirts to learn about the differences between the two.

As the weather gets warmer, a pair of wool-linen trousers like this khaki pair will do the trick. Lightweight and airy, they’ll see you through work, weekends and even trips abroad. These ones have a matching jacket, but can easily be styled with a crisp white tee or a Cuban collar shirt to relax things a bit.

When the invitation calls for something a little sharper, a single or double-breasted jacket is a good vintage-inspired partner to pleated trousers. Style yours open over a t-shirt for a more relaxed take, or try a denim shirt to add a bit of contrast. This look works well for more casual settings, but still keeps you looking like you’ve made an effort. If it’s too warm for another layer, try a linen shirt with a subtle pattern.