19 Different Types of Pants

The right pants can give you the confidence and comfort to get the job you want, charm a first date, or enjoy your next adventure. From casual chinos to dress pants, there are many different types of pants to choose from and it can be tricky picking the best fashion styles to go with your outfit. Whether you’re dressing up joggers or giving pleated trousers a modern look, it’s important to know what pants to wear and how to make these cool pieces work for you. To inspire your new style, here are the trouser styles every man should consider for his wardrobe. Some are popular, trending and fashionable for casual attire while others are classic and formal but will always be stylish. Ultimately, this style guide offers a comprehensive list of the kinds of pants all men should own.

Different Pants Styles

Dress Pants

Whether you’re a business professional or just need this wardrobe essential for a smart-casual look, all men need to own quality dress pants. Also known as slacks, guys can match dress pants with a blazer for work or style an outfit with a shirt and sweater for a casual fit. The best dress pants for men are made of high-quality fabrics and usually come in a slim fit, but finding the most comfortable pants with a modern look is always nice. As one of the most important style of pants to own, make sure you invest in black, navy, and grey slacks so you’ll always have a pair of stylish trousers to wear.

Chinos

Chinos serve a lot of great functions and you can easily pair them with pieces you already own for both an upscale style and a more casual look. Because of the lightweight material, they’re a good option for outdoor activities and warm days and they breathe easily for enhanced comfort. Chinos have been around for more than a century and have been worn by heartthrobs of Hollywood, Ivy League preps, and more. How you match and accessorize will help to make the look yours.

Khakis

Versatile, casual and trendy, khakis are a crucial part of business casual attire for men. Paired with a blazer or dress shirt and jacket, khaki trousers exude a low-key stylish vibe that every guy can use once in awhile. Relaxed yet classy, khaki pants are comfortable, easy to wear, and go with all types of clothing. The main difference between khakis and chinos is that khaki bottoms are straight-legged, pleated and made with heavy cotton fabrics for a stiffer look while chino pants are tapered, have visible stitching, and made with lightweight cotton or cotton-blends. From work slacks to a cool outfit you can wear out with friends, casual khakis from designer brands like Topman, Bonobos, Levi’s, Dockers, Polo Ralph Lauren, and 7 For All Mankind are worth having in your wardrobe.

Jeans

Cool and forever stylish, jeans are a wardrobe staple for all guys. Good denim is a must-have, and there is a quality pair of jeans for almost every look and outfit. From skinny to slim, straight, relaxed and loose, you’ll need to experiment with the right fitting jeans for your body type and style. For a trendy fashion style that will complement a top like an Oxford or sweater, invest in skinny jeans for a thinner cut. If you’re worried about a tight fit, some of the most popular jeans brands have started using stretchy denim material for a more comfortable fit. Otherwise, a graphic tee or casual top will look handsome with a straight or relaxed cut. Versatile and classic, you can’t go wrong buying the best jeans for men.

Drawstring Trousers

Drawstring trousers are fashionable right now and it’s not hard to see why. The comfortable construction is perfect for work-at-home days, running errands, or casual social events. Add chic accessories or your favorite branded tee for a streetwear look or pair them with a blazer or bomber jacket for a high-fashion twist. Drawstring trousers are perfect for long travel days and  there are even a few high-end brands that can be integrated into a casual work outfit.

Slim-Fit Trousers

Slim-fit trousers are a chic and easy way to showcase your style and enjoy a comfortable outfit, while still coming across as modern and put-together. Get them well-tailored to fit your build and then take them up with a blazer and darker tones or relax them with a tee and lighter shades. They transition well between day and night and are more relaxed than some of your other bottom options.

Wool Trousers

You have many textile options when it comes to wool trousers, from mohair to gabardine, and they serve many unique purposes and match many different styles. If you’re looking to achieve a classic rustic look, you’ll want to consider pairing your darker-toned wool trousers with a cable knit sweater and boots. For a more refined look, a blazer and loafers will match your style. Mohair is excellent for traveling or long days at the office, as it retains its shape well but is still very comfortable.

Relaxed Leg Trousers

Relaxed leg trousers are a classic piece come back into style and you can add them to your wardrobe without much effort. It’s important to get the length exactly right for this aesthetic to hit the mark, so these are one pair you’ll want to bring into the tailor. Relaxed leg trousers are usually worn as a casual or smart casual piece, though they can be accessorized to fit the streetwear style as well. Experiment with cuffing to make sure you hit the right spot.

Gray Flannel Trousers

If you want to change up your look, gray flannel trousers are charming, fashionable, and a great way to stand out in any crowd. As one of the most underappreciated wardrobe pieces for guys, flannel pants are made from wool, can be worn multiple times without needing a cleaning, and can be paired with a variety of jacket fabrics. While good trousers aren’t cheap, high-quality clothes are generally worth the money if they elevate your look. Dapper and sexy, if you can pull off an outfit with gray flannel dress pants, we highly recommend you flaunt the style.

Joggers

Joggers may be casual, but you can take this comfy athleisure look to a bold and chic place when you pair it with a blazer, bright shoes, or unique accessories. Neutral colors will downplay this modern style, but if you want to add your own spin you can try out some of the brighter or more daring hues. These pants are also great if you work at home or have young kids and still want to feel put-together when you get dressed for the day.

Cropped Trousers

Cropped trousers look like vintage ‘80s fashion, but guys can make this pant style work today with a few modern tweaks. Whether you roll up your pant legs or buy them short enough to fall just up the ankle, these trousers can show off your cool socks for a bold, eye-catching look. For a formal men’s style, wear a nice shirt with a long jacket and trendy shoes to create an edgy outfit with attitude. Ultimately, the cuffs must fall at the right height so consider bringing them into a tailor to get them fitted to your height and frame. You can also fake cropped trousers by cuffing a pair of fitted trousers at the right length.

Cargo Pants

Cargo pants have come into style thanks to the modernized and slimmer fit that can work for the modern man. Skip the explorer-style balloon pants and opt for a similar textile without the oversized pockets or extreme bagginess. These pants come in a lot of great earth tones, so you can minimize them with dark greens and blues or go for a lighter summer style with the traditional camel color. They’re still relaxed and comfortable, but they can now officially be considered cool.

High-Waisted Trousers

High-waisted pants are back in style for women and men and it’s not hard to see why. They’re flattering for a lot of body types and can add a classic, old Hollywood vibe to a contemporary look. Plus, there are lots of ways to make the style your own, from unique and bold belts to a bold sock visible at the cuff. Dress them up for the office with a vintage-style blazer or tuck your tee in to make the look ruggedly hot.

Pleated Trousers

When a man wears pleated trousers, he’s declaring that he’s stylish, confident, and knows how to present himself to the world. Pleated trousers continue to come back into style every few decades and that means now is the perfect time to combine this classic look with modern tops and accessories. Roll your shirt sleeves up for a cool and casual vibe with a hint of history or pair it with a bold leather jacket that makes any outfit chic and modern.

Tracksuit Bottoms

Tracksuit bottoms aren’t just for the gym. You can make this classic closet staple work for your morning workout or a night out with friends. They can be paired with bomber jackets and bold shoes for a streetwear style, or you can go for the simple, neutral tee that means comfort and convenience for lazy days at home. Either way, you’re sure to look sharp.

Leather Pants

While not a style all guys should try, leather pants for men can be masculine, rugged, and sleek in the right social setting. From skinny leather pants for fit guys to casual cuts for bikers who need padding, these types of pants are reserved for a select group who can really work the look. You can choose from genuine black leather or faux leather, and pick trousers that resemble jeans or pants. Challenging to wear, start by pairing your leather pants with leather shoes of the same finish.

Sweatpants

Sweatpants are the most comfortable types of pants a man can own. Casual, cozy, and popular, sweats no longer have the same stigma they did years ago. Whether you’re lounging around at home watching TV or going grocery shopping with the girlfriend, sweatpants can look good and be functional at the same time. While both are designed to be loose-fitting and breathable, the main difference between joggers and sweatpants is that joggers are usually made from thin lightweight materials and sweatpants are meant to be thicker and warmer. To get the best sweatpants for men, make sure to get pants in solid neutral colors or simple designs, choose a more fitted look than baggy, and dress them up with cool sneakers.

Corduroy Pants

Corduroy is a classic textile and pants in this fabric have a vintage and stylish air to them. Give yours a modern twist by pairing them with a well-fitted sweater for upscale family get-togethers or a nice tee for a day out. Because corduroy is a warmer fabric, cords are better suited for the winter months. The name is taken from the textile’s pattern and can be found in many widths and colors to suit your style.

Pajama Pants

Pajama pants come in a number of styles, all of which offer a functional and comfortable feel. While some pajama pant styles come in such fashionable designs that you can wear them out, most of the time, a quality pair of pajamas are just great to have on around the house. From chilly weather in the spring and fall to cold days in the winter, the best men’s pajama pants are made of high-quality fabrics, feel nice against the skin when lounging at home, and still look nice enough in the mornings when you have family visiting.