Everything You Need to Know About Baseball Pants

When the big game rolls around, you’ll want to look good for the cameras (or mom and dad). You can start with a slick pair of baseball pants.

Ask any baseball player and he’ll tell you that there’s no better feeling than snagging the last out or hitting a walk-off homerun to win the game. These are the moments that players live for and strive for in a career … all while wearing baseball pants that make their own statement on the field.

Javier Flores, a DICK'S Sporting Goods Pro who gained experience working for two Major League Baseball teams, talks about the importance of baseball pants, stating that, "baseball pants offer a perfect blend of old-time style and modern tech that can help you look and play your best."

FEATURES

Since the game’s humble beginnings, baseball pants have been undergoing constant change. Today, there’s a variety of features to take advantage of that will allow you to play a more comfortable, confident game.

Reinforcement

Whether you’re sliding into home plate or making a diving stop at second base, you could get a little nicked up from the coarse infield dirt. For added protection, most baseball pants have been outfitted with reinforced fabric at the knees and rear. This can help absorb some of the impact when hitting the ground while also preventing any wear and tear to the materials.

Hems

When it comes to hems, you’ll have two options to choose from: closed and open. The closed-hem style, which is made from elastic materials, is preferred by those who like to keep their pants at a certain length. Many baseball players tend to wear their pants right below their knees, which is easier to achieve with a closed hem. This style is also a good option if your pants run long.

The open-hem style is meant to sit over your cleats, which can be more comfortable and casual to a ballplayer. If your pants happen to have an open hem, but you want to hike them up, you’ll have to learn how to roll them. We’ll go over this method later.

Moisture-Wicking

“When the competition gets heated, moisture-wicking technology is another feature you’ll be happy to have,” says Flores.

This technology is built right into the fabric of the pants and helps keep you dry when you perspire.

STYLES

There are a number of style options to consider when buying baseball pants, including different designs and accessories.

Designs

There are three main pant designs to choose from: pinstripe, piped and solid.

Pinstriped baseball pants usually have a gray or white foundation and feature multiple stripes that run from the waist to the hem.

Solid baseball pants have no stripes, which makes for a clean, modern look. Most pro/amateur teams have a pair of solid pants since they go with any type of jersey style and color, including pinstripes.

The piped style is designed with one pinstripe on either side of the pants. This streamlined design incorporates the best of the pinstriped and solid pant options. Like solid pants, these can be worn with any jersey style and come in a variety of colors.

SOCKS AND STIRRUPS

It’s common for most players to look for socks that are the same color as their jerseys. If you want striped socks, try to look for pairs in which the main color is your team’s primary color and the secondary color is either white or black.

The same goes for stirrups, which are long socks that cover only the calf. If you wear protective socks (also known as sanitaries that help fend off dirt, sand and mud) you can always wear the stirrup over them so it’s more comfortable.

PANT ROLLING

Want to rock a vintage-inspired trend? Try the old-time “exposed sock” look.

To pull off this trend, take the hem and bring it all the way up to below your kneecap. Then, take the hem and roll it inwards in a folding manner. “You want to fold it enough so that it’s snug but not too tight,” shared Flores.

This technique is called “rolling.”  If you really like this look, you may want to look for knicker-style baseball pants, which only come down past the knees.

BELTS

Most baseball belts are either elastic or leather. For youth players, elastic belts can be a great option. Because they can be worn for multiple seasons while a player continues to grow. These belts can be found in many different colors too, which makes it easier for those who are shopping for matching gear.

Leather belts have a more personal fit and are popular among the pros, which can entice many players. With the exception of the belt buckle, these belts are made completely from leather and come in a variety of colors.

Keep in mind that whether it’s an elastic or leather baseball belt you’re shopping for, both are one size fits all.

SIZING

Nobody wants to try on a million pairs of pants to find the perfect size. Luckily, most baseball apparel brands offer pants in either adult or youth sizes that range from S-XL instead of regular measurements.

In terms of length, most pants will run a little long despite the waist size. So before you hit the field, check to make sure your pants aren’t getting caught on your cleats. If they are you’ll need to hem or roll them.

Baseball pants are an essential item on your baseball checklist. Flores shares that, "baseball pants are meant to provide both style and comfort so make sure you take both into account. Outfit yourself in a pair that you’ll be proud to wear on gameday.”