Buyers Guide: Baseball Pants 101

Baseball pants come in various styles and designs, catering to different preferences, positions, and team traditions. Here’s a basic guide to baseball pants styles:

1. Long Baseball Pants:
   • Description: These are the classic, full-length baseball pants that extend down past the ankles over the shoe. Popular for taller players. They are the most common style used in baseball.
   • Features: Belt loops, brass zippers, back pockets and reinforced knees for added durability.
2. Knicker / Knee Length Baseball Pants:
   • Description: Knicker-style pants are shorter than traditional pants, usually ending just below the knee. They have a distinct, knee length old-school look.
   • Features: Elastic cuffs below the knee, similar to knickers worn in other sports. Typically worn by players who prefer a shorter style.
3. Piped Baseball Pants:
   • Description: Piped pants have a colored stripe or “piping” along the outer seam. The piping is often a contrasting color, adding a decorative element to the pants.
   • Features: Available in both traditional and knicker styles. Piping can be a single color or a combination of colors.
4. Open Bottom Baseball Pants:
   • Description: Open bottom pants have a straight cut at the bottom, without elastic cuffs or knicker-style tapering.
   • Features: A more relaxed fit at the bottom. Suitable for players who prefer a looser feel around the ankles or an over-the-shoe type design.
5. Adjustable Length Baseball Pants:
   • Description: Some pants come with a Velcro tabs that allow the player to adjust the length. These help keep the pants at the proper length to avoid the back cleats getting in the way of the back hem.
   • Features: Versatility in length. Players can customize the pants based on personal preference or desired look.
6. Fitted Baseball Pants:
   • Description: Once the rage in the 1980’s, fitted baseball pants are back! Fitted baseball pants have a tight fitting look that really shows off the athlete. Fitted pants typically stop at the shoe top.
   • Features: All the same features as classic pants but in a fitted / slimming design.
7. Baggy Baseball Pants:
   • Description: The classic styles worn by Cobb, Ruth & Gehrig all the way till Manny made them famous again. Baggy baseball pants have a loose fit from the thigh to below the knee.
   • Features: Suitable for players who prefer a looser fit and room.
8. Pinstripe Baseball Pants:
   • Description: Not really a type but more of a fabric / fashion choice. Made famous by the Bronx Bombers pinstripe baseball pants are now worn by several pro and collegiate teams. Pinstripe pants come in classic long, relaxed, open bottom and knicker cuts.
   • Features: Pinstripe pants feature knitted in or printed vertical stripes that mimic a classic suit.