Below the belt

CEBU, Philippines - Searching for the well-fit pants-and the enemies of good taste.

Purchase pants that fit right the first time around, or at least come as close to fitting right as possible. The key is to minimize adjustments of any sort because the less work your tailor does on your new trousers, the less likely he is to slip up and ruin your new pants altogether.

Keep in mind that your pant size is equal to your waist size; therefore, if you have a 34 waist, then you should wear size 34 pants. Sizes sometimes vary from one pant maker to another. You should also know that many European sizes are smaller than those found in the United States

You should always choose pants by whatever cut and style looks best with your build. While a boot cut and straight cut works well for most guys, others prefer or look better in completely different styles

The most important facets of your pants, in terms of fit, are the way your rear looks when you're wearing them and their length-hence, how they fall on your shoes.

Length and looks

Steer clear of baggy pants, as they tend to give men a saggy-looking backside. As well, overly tight pants are discouraged, as they tend to give guys a wedgy-along-the-butt-crack look.

Take all the time you need to try on pants and look at yourself at the mirror before you actually buy a pair. Try them on with a belt and shoes, preferably the ones you'll be wearing your pants with, and make sure your body looks good in them.

The key to looking good in your pants is the cut and fabric's tightness. A man is better off donning pants that are slightly too long than pants that are too short-although neither is encourages. Your socks should not show when you're walking around. And when you're standing, your pants should fall more or less halfway past your shoe sole in the back and just slightly higher in the front.

Men should try to wear their pants slightly above or under their hips. Wearing pants lower normally conveys a younger and more modern feel while wearing them around your belly button is a fashion blunder.  (FREEMAN)