Like any pair of pants, choosing the right pair of baseball pants follow the same criteria – with perhaps the exception of finding pants that give you the ability to run, slide and otherwise, take a beating through the course of a season. For baseball pants in particular, finding the right pair can help you reach your potential in the field. Pants should be form fitting to ensure comfort. Durability and fabric should also be top of mind. When choosing baseball pants always consider the field you’ll be playing on, how active you are when playing and reconcile the comfort and style when playing.
Other things to consider when choosing the right baseball pants
You’ll be wearing a belt. Belts normally come in elastic or leather so you will have to compensate for the thickness of the belt. You don’t want anything too tight to begin with. It’s important to note that baseball pants are meant to be flexible and durable but you will have to contend with the added pressure of a belt. In this regard, having a pair of pants that fits comfortably without a belt is a first start. The form fitting nature of the pants can go a long way in determining your comfort level before you step foot on the field.
Length. Some leagues may require full-length pants, which are pants to go down to the ankle. The other type you may encounter are knicker-style pants, which go down just past the knee, but gives you the ability to pull or push the pants down your calf. Some leagues may require full-length pants while other leagues do not. Learn the rules for baseball pants from your league before deciding on full-length pants or knicker style.
Materials/Fabric. Most baseball pants are made from polyester or a polyester blend that includes cotton. Polyester is a highly breathable material which leads to quicker drying and comfort. Depending on the level of play, you can be in your pants for several hours. Since baseball is primarily played outdoors and being exposed to the elements, it’s important to have pants that will not weigh you down due to the sweat or rain.
Types of Baseball Pants
Knicker-Style Pants
As referenced previously, knicker-style pants are shorter than full-length pants but they offer more flexibility. The look is a more classic look and gives you the ability to pull your pants down your calf. With these pants, players often wear longer socks to get that more modern look.
Piped Baseball Pants
Piped baseball pants have a unique feature on them. They have a one pinstripe on one side of the leg or two pinstripes that go down both sides of the leg. The look and feel of the pants are classic and can be seen in upper levels of baseball.
Training Baseball Pants
Training baseball pants are pants that are often not worn on game day. These training pants come in multiple colors and fabrics but are designed to give the player comfort in practice or warmups while not compromising the game time pants. Training pants can be casually worn but also give you the rough feel of game time pants.
Pinstripe Baseball Pants
When people think of pinstripes and baseball, the New York Yankees come to mind. The old-school look offers sophistication and a touch of history. Often found with a gray and white foundation, pinstripes run down all sides of the pants.
Solid Colored Baseball Pants
The most common one of all, solid baseball pants are common in many leagues across the country. Solid pants have no designs or stripes to keep a uniform look. Many youth leagues deploy the solid pants style but check with the league to see the pants requirements.
