I recall a fat kid or two wearing the "fat" cords, both genders. You know, where the ribbing was like 1/8"-1/4" wide? It's as if carpetbaggers repurposed remnants as clothing. My older brother had a pair of bell-bottom cords. WTF? One of my two pairs, ever, had a pleated front. That was a short-lived fashion era but I liked that pleated pair...black, boot cut, Levi's. Comfy. I WANT TO KNOW WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR DOWNFALL!
Rib = "wale". I still wear (as in right now, at the office) cords. These are fine-wale, black, and don't squeak when I walk. Dapper slacks, really.