It’s amazing just how much you can change your outfit (and thus how people perceive you) with your selection of legwear. Think about it: you show up to a business deal. Up top, you’ve got a smart business jacket, tie, and maybe a spiffy designer watch. And down below, you’ve got a matching set of formal trousers. The people across the table are thinking this guy is here to do business.
But now let’s change things up down low. Swap out those formal slacks for a set of jeans. You’re still Forbes Fortune 500 up top, but now you’re Levi & Straus from the waist down. Now those guys across the table are seeing you as a laid-back executive, with business on your mind but with a bit of playfulness in your attitude.
Don’t underestimate just how much the right set of pants can say about you. It’s a sort of advertisement telling people how you want to be welcomed at any moment in time. Casual pants tell everyone that you want them to be at ease with you. On the other hand (or leg), dress pants in a business setting say you’re here to get some work done, no fooling around.
So today, let’s round up 30 examples of legendary legwear that will put some pep in your step, some pride in your stride, and some zip… in your zipper? We’ll take a look at the overall feel of categories of pants and then dive deeper into some killer examples of each kind.
In a rush? No problem! Here’s our selection of the best pants for men available right now.
Luca FaloniLightweight Chinos
Lightweight cotton chinos with an internal waistband that keeps shirts tucked.
Axel ArigatoSweatpants
Relaxed-fit sweatpants in 100% organic cotton, tailored for lounging in comfort.
Alpha IndustriesACU Cargo Pant
Army-inspired cargo pants in cotton twill, with three button-down cargo pockets.
The best pants for men
Here are the 30 best pants for men, sorted by category.
Chino pants for men
Chino pants fall a bit more than halfway up the dressiness scale for men’s pants. They somewhat resemble khakis, but have a couple of distinct differences that make them the more dressy choice of the two. First, the stitching on chinos is visible, whereas on khakis the stitching is hidden. Second, chinos are made of a lightweight cotton or blended cotton material; khakis are made from a heavier weight of material.
Luca Faloni Lightweight Chinos
- Best for
- Lightweight luxury, smart styling.
- Colors
- Steel Blue, Camel Beige, Olive Green +More
A superb pick for your smart casual wardrobe, Luca Faloni’s Chinos boast an internal waistband which is handy for keeping your dress shirts tucked in. You can use these pants to build a more athletic look by pairing them with a spiffy polo, or go for a smart accomplished feel with a dressy casual shirt.
Our Luca Faloni brand guide covers its story and its signature pieces.
Check price: Luca Faloni Lightweight Chinos at Luca Faloniat Luca Faloni · Shop with confidence
Hugo Boss Regular Fit Chinos
- Best for
- Making tradition work for you.
- Colors
- Leight Beige, Dark Blue, Black
A classic example of the chino breed, the Hugo Boss regular-fit chinos are a textbook definition of this style of men’s pants. Featuring a regular rise at the waist and straight-cut legs, you can make these trousers the foundation of your casual dress outfit by adding white sneakers and a t-shirt for a lazy-day look. To add a dash of class, all you have to do is have a pair of luxury socks showing at the cuffs.
Check price: Hugo Boss Regular Fit Chinos at Hugo Bossat Hugo Boss · Easy, secure ordering
Goodthreads Stretched Chinos
- Best for
- Affordable tides lift all outfit boats.
- Colors
- Pine Green, Gold, Stone + More
If “Thank God It’s Friday” was a pair of pants, it would probably be these Goodthreads stretched chinos. Fantastically affordable, these chinos make it a breeze to go from work-day to playdate without having to stop and change. And since they’re so affordable, you’ll be able to treat yourself to some upscale underwear with the money you’ll save.
Check price: Goodthreads Stretched Chinos at Amazonat Amazon · Easy returns on most items
Jeans for men
Jeans have come a long way since their workwear debut in the mid-1800’s. While they’re not dress pants, the best men’s jeans have certainly climbed up the fashion ladder by being combined with a sharp set of dress shoes and a blazer. Thanks to that effortless versatility, jeans remain enduringly fashionable and are a mainstay of men’s casual wear.
Robert Graham Letcher Jeans
- Best for
- Relaxed on the inside, head-turner on the outside.
- Colors
- Indigo
If you are going to use your jeans in a dressier fashion, dark-wash jeans work the best. Take for example Robert Graham’s Letcher jeans; match them with a leather jacket and some upscale all-day shoes, and you’ve got yourself a casual outfit that still looks classy enough to impress onlookers.
Check price: Robert Graham Letcher Jeans at Robert Grahamat Robert Graham · Wide selection of styles
Rag & Bone Throop Jeans
- Best for
- Not denying yourself comfort in the denim world.
- Colors
- Throop Blue
Rag & Bone’s Throop jeans are the brand’s most popular jean fit. Presenting a slim silhouette, these jeans feature a narrow waist and thigh fit, with slender leg openings. Comfort is assured thanks to the use of 10-ounce Japanese comfort stretch denim, which allows for a soft and stretchy feel you may not find in all brands of jeans.
Check price: Rag & Bone Throop Jeans at Farfetchat Farfetch · Authenticity guaranteed
Levi’s 505 Jeans
- Best for
- Joining in with generations of jean wearers.
- Colors
- Clif, Caraway, Tin Man + More
We’d lose our license to talk about jeans if we didn’t mention the granddaddy of the jean world, Levi’s. In particular, take a look at the classic, Levi’s 505 regular fit jeans. The 505s are the jeans that all other jeans are measured by—the look, the fit, the durability of jeans, they all start here. Match some 505s with a bomber jacket and luxury sneakers and you’ll be the epitome of coolness.
Check price: Levi’s 505 Jeans at Amazonat Amazon · Great deals
Dress pants for men
Let’s put on the Ritz. Be it for business or a formal occasion, the right pair of dress pants for men can make you look like a million bucks. Happily, brands have gotten so good at tailoring dress pants that you have no need to sacrifice comfort.
One quick tip for wearing dress pants to go along with our professional dress code guide—unlike more casual wear, dress pants don’t look very good with the leg bottoms crumpled up by your shoes. The cuffs can be touching, and a tiny bit scrunched, but it’s best to have your cuffs just brushing the tops of your shoes, mostly hiding the sock.
Luca Faloni Wool Pleated Trousers
- Best for
- Immediate style, comfort for days.
- Colors
- Midnight Blue, Charcoal Gray
If you’re going to be at work all day every day, you’re going to want a set of dress pants that are ultra comfortable. Luca Faloni’s wool pleated trousers fit the bill. Made from 100% virgin wool, the tailored pleats give you room for your legs to relax in.
Check price: Luca Faloni Wool Pleated Trousers at Luca Faloniat Luca Faloni · Trusted by shoppers
Ami Paris Wool Evening Pants
- Best for
- Making friends with all your other formal wear.
- Colors
- Black
The minimalist look of Ami Paris’ wool evening pants make them an easy-to-match go-to for dressy as well as business-casual scenarios. Featuring a dropped crotch, this is another set of dress pants that has comfort tailored in along with its good looks. These pants will serve you well both in business settings and in upscale social situations.
Check price: Ami Paris Wool Evening Pants at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Free returns available
Haggar Premium Khakis
- Best for
- Sneaking a lot of comfort into a dressy scenario.
- Colors
- British Khaki, Dark Navy, Toast + More
Let’s get a little more comfortable while still maintaining our classy demeanor. Haggar’s premium khaki’s are quite affordable, and have a hidden little secret—the waistband expands. So if you know you’re heading out for a big meal with your office gang, you can eat in ease without your waistband cutting you off from having a good time.
Check price: Haggar Premium Khakis at Amazonat Amazon · Huge selection
Sweatpants for men
You’re probably going to be wearing your sweatpants for one of two reasons: lounging around your home, or working up a sweat. So you’d be correct in thinking that your main concern should be functionality; freedom of movement and moisture-wicking coming in on the top of the functionality list.
But that doesn’t mean you have to give up on looking good. We’ve pulled together examples of men’s sweatpants that combine functionality and looks into one practical package.
Axel Arigato Sweatpants
- Best for
- Lounging like it’s your job.
- Colors
- Black
Kick-back on your days off in comfort, but also in style in case you have to answer the front door and want to sport good lounge-wear looks while doing it. Axel Arigato’s sweatpants are made from 100% organic cotton, and are tailored with a relaxed fit to make you as relaxed as possible during your down-time.
Check price: Axel Arigato Sweatpants at Axel Arigatoat Axel Arigato · Great deals every day
Fear Of God Vintage Sweatpants
- Best for
- Committing to ultimate lounge-wear comfort.
- Colors
- Gray
Slip into softness with Fear of God’s vintage sweatpants. The fleece-backed jersey knit is about as soft as it gets, and the vintage appearance makes them a great match for your favorite worn-in hoodie. A word of warning though—once you put these bad boys on, you’re not going to want to take them off again.
Check price: Fear Of God Vintage Sweatpants at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Express delivery
Quince Everyday Fleece Joggers
- Best for
- Laid-back comfort that still looks put together.
- Colors
- Black, Light Heather Grey, Coastal Sage + More
For sweatpants you can live in, Quince’s Everyday Fleece Joggers are made from an extra-soft brushed fleece with a relaxed fit. An elasticated waistband and an adjustable drawcord let you set the fit, and the cuffed ankles keep them neat enough for running errands as well as lounging at home.
Check price: Quince Everyday Fleece Joggers at Quinceat Quince · Competitive prices
Cargo pants for men
Cargo pants started life with the British military in the late 1930s. Nowadays, cargo pants are generally thought of as gear for the working man. But certain designers and brands are making an effort to broaden their appeal, making them work as fashionable casual wear, and even creeping into dressier outfits. The key to integrating cargo pants into a stylish outfit? Match them up with clothes that have simple streamlined silhouettes, like a leather jacket or long-sleeve button-down.
Alpha Industries ACU Cargo Pants
- Best for
- Adding the handsome factor to your hard-working gear.
- Colors
- Black, Hickory, OG-107 Green
The most workmanlike of our picks, Alpha Industries’ ACU cargo pants take their cue from the Army Combat Uniform, especially if you pair them up with some rugged-looking boots. This version is cut for everyday wear, with a relaxed fit, a cotton twill shell and three cargo pockets that close with hidden buttons. Pull ‘em on and then move ‘em on out!
Check price: Alpha Industries ACU Cargo Pants at Alpha Industriesat Alpha Industries · Fast, reliable delivery
Prada Nylon Cargo Pants
- Best for
- Bringing in a whole new vibe to your swankiest affairs.
- Colors
- Nero Black
If Prada is making cargo pants, it’s a good sign that they’re making inroads into the fashion scene, as opposed to being looked at as purely functional. Prada’s nylon cargo pants certainly make the case; while they feature additional leg-pockets like other cargo pants, they manage the trick of having a slim silhouette like traditional dress pants. You won’t get any complaints if you match these pants with a sharp-looking dress jacket and some swank shoes.
Check price: Prada Nylon Cargo Pants at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Authentic designer pieces
Dickies Cargo Pants
- Best for
- Dressing up functionality.
- Colors
- Black, Dark Navy, Desert Sand
Landing somewhere between our two previous entries, Dickies’ cargo pants have a bit more of the classic bulkier cargo pant silhouette compared to the Pradas, but they’re not as military as the Alpha Industries’ gear. Dickies’ cargo pants make for good-looking and functional casual wear, pairing up quite nicely with a crisp t-shirt or sharp polo and some luxury leisure footwear.
Check price: Dickies Cargo Pants at Amazonat Amazon · Fast delivery on many items
Pleated pants for men
Pleated pants stepped onto the stage in Paris around 1930, invented by tailor Lars Larson (or at least he’s historically given the credit). Pleats look dressy, but they also serve the practical purpose of stopping higher-waisted trousers from pulling up when you sit. And by creating a bit more volume inside the leg of your pants, they also allow more air to circulate for cooling and breathability, plus they let you have more freedom in your movement.
PS Paul Smith Tailored Pleats
- Best for
- A whole lotta class with a whole lotta comfort.
- Colors
- Navy Blue
We mentioned that pleats add a lot of comfort in dress pants. Paul Smith’s tailored pleats add to the comfort-factor by flowing out from the waist and utilizing a dropped-crotch silhouette, giving you plenty of space to move and relax in. Match them with your favorite pair of white sneakers and a looser-fitting dressy casual shirt for a sharp look with a relaxed feel.
Check price: PS Paul Smith Tailored Pleats at Farfetchat Farfetch · Secure checkout
Lardini Pleated Pants
- Best for
- Making the most of the summer months.
- Colors
- Beige, Pink
The light beige of Lardini’s pleated pants speaks of long relaxing summer days spent in the company of friends. The 100% linen composition ensures you won’t overheat while trying to play it cool at the country club or a restaurant’s patio. The simple design lets you play with your accompanying top—go tasteful with a dark monotone, or all out with a playful print.
Check price: Lardini Pleated Pants at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Trusted luxury retailer
Docker’s Classic Khaki Pleats
- Best for
- Letting it all hang out inside of a classic look.
- Colors
- Dark Pebble, Burma Grey, Olive Grove + More
If you’re drawn to pleats for comfort then you’re definitely going to want to take a gander at Docker’s classic signature khaki pleats. These Dockers are considered a classic for a reason—they go big on giving you room to relax. They’re partially made from spandex, and the waist features up to two inches of expansion. Perfect for breathing a sigh of relief when you slip them on.
Check price: Docker’s Classic Khaki Pleats at Amazonat Amazon · Millions of products
Performance pants for men
Yoga. Jogging. Weightlifting. Martial arts. Whatever road you take to stay in shape, you’re going to need legwear that can take a beating, lets you move, and hopefully keeps you from becoming a soggy mess. The very best of men’s workout brands do all that, but these ones have a little something more, something special—good looks and the ability to double as ultra comfortable loungewear. We’ve found three examples of performance pants that do it all just right.
True Classic Active Joggers
- Best for
- Looking like you’re moving at a million miles per hour even when you’re mostly just on your hammock.
- Colors
- Charcoal Heather Gray, Black, Dark Heather Navy
Built for workouts but tidy enough for the walk home, True Classic’s Active Joggers use a polyester and spandex blend with four-way stretch and a peached finish for extra softness. The fabric is rated UPF 30, and a zippered back pocket keeps your keys secure while you move.
Check price: True Classic Active Joggers at Amazonat Amazon · Easy returns on most items
lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Trouser
- Best for
- Old-school tailoring mixing with modern touches.
- Colors
- Black, True Navy, Olive Brown + More
Performance fabric meets classic tailoring in lululemon’s ABC Classic-Fit Trouser. It is cut from the brand’s Warpstreme fabric with a classic fit through the leg, and a hidden zippered pocket keeps your phone or cards secure. The look? Smart trousers that move like training gear.
Check price: lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Trouser at lululemonat lululemon · Shop with confidence
Quince Ultimate Commuter Joggers
- Best for
- Sneaking around in performance pants comfort camouflaged as dressy-time chinos.
- Colors
- Deep Navy, Sand Dune, Steel Grey, True Black
These sneaky little devils look quite a bit like chinos, don’t they? Quince’s Ultimate Commuter Joggers are built for daily wear, travel and commuting, comfortable through the seat and thighs before narrowing to a clean cuff. Wear them for your workout or when you’re running chores around town, they’ll work just fine either way.
Check price: Quince Ultimate Commuter Joggers at Quinceat Quince · Easy, secure ordering
Work pants for men
Let’s get to work. We’re talking durability. We’re talking functionality. We’re talking pants that can be outside all day, exposed to hours of sun or the sudden blast of a rainshower. Pants that let you carry what you need on the job, and pants that can offer protection from things that can poke, prod, or scratch you. Working pants for the working man.
Carhartt Cargo Pants
- Best for
- Getting the job done all day every day.
- Colors
- Desert, Dark Coffee, Moss + More
Carhartt’s cargo pants do a whole lot of work for you at a very reasonable price. As the name states, they’re cargo pants, so they have a lot of pocket space to help you carry your gear. They’re made with ripstop cotton, so they’re going to last you a long time and protect you from scratches. And as an added bonus they offer a relaxed fit in the thighs and in the rear, so if you have to do a lot of kneeling or squatting you won’t have to fight with your trousers in order to get into position.
Check price: Carhartt Cargo Pants at Amazonat Amazon · Great deals
Icecream Work Pants
- Best for
- Working bright colors and a fun attitude.
- Colors
- Brown
The clothing brand Icecream is the lovechild of musician and entrepreneur Pharrell Williams and Nigo from A Bathing Ape, a Japanese DJ, musician, and fellow entrepreneur. Made from cotton twill, Icecream’s work pants are a fashionable take on a traditional look, with features inspired by the skateboard and music scenes.
Check price: Icecream Work Pants at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Shop with confidence
Wrangler Riggs Ranger Pants
- Best for
- Being the best back-up a working man could ask for.
- Colors
- Bark, Loden, Slate + More
Wrangler is one of those brands that epitomizes tough gear for physically demanding worksites. Wrangler Rigg’s Ranger pants are certainly no exception. The pants are manufactured with ripstop cotton, and offer up reinforcement at the knees, the seams, and on the tape-measure clip. They’re also exceptionally well priced for all the durability that they offer.
Check price: Wrangler Riggs Ranger Pants at Amazonat Amazon · Huge selection
Khakis for men
Khakis can trace their lineage back to the 1840s. A Hindi word meaning “dusty” or “dust”, it originally referred only to the color of the pants, not the style or material. As the British Indian Army marched around India they wanted clothing that would help them blend in a bit better, so they would dye their pants in a combination of mud, curry powder, and tea to get the desired camouflage look.
Nowadays, we know them in the civilian world as somewhat dressy and quite practical everyday pants. We especially like them because of their versatility—they can become just as dressy or as casual as you want by matching them with tops and shoes that match your mood.
Lee Performance Khakis
- Best for
- Relaxing in khaki comfort.
- Colors
- Khaki, Dove, Mushroom + More
A cotton, polyester, and spandex blend that stretches just right? Check. Wrinkle resistance? Check. A flexible waistband for a comfortable waist fit? Check and check again. Lee’s Performance Extreme Comfort khakis are an enjoyable bit of khaki fun, matched with a fantastically affordable price.
Check price: Lee Performance Khakis at Amazonat Amazon · Fast delivery on many items
Gucci Cotton 60’s
- Best for
- Carrying khakis into the realm of high fashion.
- Colors
- Khaki, Blue
Bet you didn’t know that fashion statement khakis were a thing. Well here they are, Gucci’s cotton 60’s pants with Web. “Web” refers to the lining that decorates the pockets, made up of Gucci’s traditional colors. The brand further distinguishes itself from other khakis with piping down the sides of the legs, done in a military green.
Check price: Gucci Cotton 60’s at Gucciat Gucci · Wide selection of styles
Amazon Essentials Skinny-Fit Chinos
- Best for
- Struttin’ around in slim-cut style.
- Colors
- Khaki
Some might consider traditional khaki cuts a little too loose for their taste. Have no fear, Amazon Essentials’ skinny-fit chinos are here. Developed around a skinny cut, these khakis are going to look especially good complimenting a bulkier top like a luxury hoodie or a leather jacket.
Check price: Amazon Essentials Skinny-Fit Chinos at Amazonat Amazon · Millions of products
Slacks for men
Slacks are dressy pants that aren’t specifically meant for a suit (suit pants shouldn’t be worn on their own). They are those classy bits of legwear that do just fine in fine-dining scenarios, formal events, and workplaces that want a dressed-up look without requiring a full-blown suit. Match your slacks with a sharp-looking set of dress shoes and an eye-catching watch, and you’ve got yourself an outfit that will open all the right doors.
Calvin Klein K10K1038811407
- Best for
- Mixin’ and matchin’ to your satisfaction.
- Colors
- Blue
It’s no surprise that Calvin Klein made it somewhere onto this list. What is a surprise is how well Calvin Klein’s K10K1038811407 slacks go with less-formal tops and shoes. You can absolutely match them with a blazer and some upscale dress shoes, but they also go really well with luxury sneakers and a bomber jacket. Play around with these slacks and see what looks you can come up with.
Check price: Calvin Klein K10K1038811407 at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Trusted by shoppers
Valentino Wool Pants
- Best for
- Formalizing your outfit with a classic black look.
- Colors
- Nero
Valentino’s wool pants are the textbook definition of classy black slacks. The simple and streamlined silhouette makes these slacks a go-to pair of pants when you’re putting together a dignified look for work or for a formal event. The rich black coloring will do especially well at setting off any silver or gold belt buckles you might have in your wardrobe.
Check price: Valentino Wool Pants at Mytheresaat Mytheresa · Great deals every day
Van Heusen Flat Front
- Best for
- Easy formality for all-day wear.
- Colors
- Black, Khaki, Ash Navy +More
Van Heusen’s flat front straight-fit pants are designed with all-day wear in mind, making them a primo pants choice if you work in a formal environment. They stretch comfortably, are easy to maintain (they’re machine washable, skip the trip to the dry cleaners), and they have an installed shirt-gripper that keeps your shirt tucked in for your hours at the office.
Check price: Van Heusen Flat Front at Amazonat Amazon · Easy returns on most items
Frequently asked questions about pants for men
Which brand is best for men's pants?
What is the most popular type of pants?
What are the best chino pants?
What are the best wrinkle-free khaki pants for men?
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