To be considered "well-dressed," you must know how to avoid several wardrobe faux pas, especially when wearing men’s pants or trousers in different situations and environments. You can count on Haggar to help you choose the best men’s pants for any event.
Men’s Casual Pants
What do you wear when dress pants are overkill but sweatpants are too casual? This conundrum serves as a springboard for the finest examples of men's casual jeans. Although a suit and tie may be the most convenient attire, what happens if the event calls for something less formal?
Men's casual pants come in various styles and materials, from slacks and jeans to khakis and beyond. This list will help you choose the best casual pants for men, excluding jeans and joggers.
These are the best casual pants for guys to have on hand so that you'll always have something appropriate to wear, whether you're getting ready for a cocktail party or getting ready for an upcoming family affair.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN CASUAL PANTS FOR MEN
Regarding the best casual pants for men, there are a few primary considerations to remember. Fit, Fabric, and Style!!!!
FIT
The fit of the pants is the first factor to consider while shopping for casual pants. Pants' sizing is determined by how well they fit in the legs. More professional is the overall impression created by a pair of pants in a thin or straight-leg cut instead of a pair with a looser fit. Slim-fitting pants are versatile and work well in a variety of settings. A loose cut can help you achieve a more edgy, street-style image.
You shouldn't just focus on the pants' legs but also on the waist. The best men's casual pants typically feature a drawstring and/or an elastic waistband for a comfortable, personalized fit. Remember that these might be more comfortable than a regular zip fly in the long run when you weigh your options for a new pair of pants.
FABRIC
It's crucial to consider the fabric of men's casual pants before wearing them. Fabrics like organic cotton, twill, and wool are more durable and comfortable to wear all year round. Nonetheless, these materials tend to be stiffer than their lightweight equivalents.
Yet, cotton lacks the elasticity and breathability of synthetic materials like polyester, elastane, and spandex. However, these trousers may not last as long as those manufactured from cotton or wool, and they may have a more athletic appearance.
STYLE
Generally speaking, chinos, work pants, and pleated pants made from high-quality cloth are safe bets if you're looking for a pair of men's casual pants that can be worn anyplace. Performance pants and cargos are the perfect go-to casual pants for parties, weekends, and the office with a more laid-back dress code.
Men’s Dress pants / Slacks
The term "dress pants" covers a wide range of garments. Unlike chinos and jeans, there are no universally accepted descriptions of what they should look like, how they should be produced, or what they should be made of. The only thing that unites the wide variety of dress pant alternatives is that they are all suitable for wearing to weddings, offices, or other formal events. You may wear them with a regular white dress shirt or a more technical one and still look professional.
They're more formal than jeans or chinos but not as formal as a suit or tuxedo, which require coordinating tops and bottoms. On the other hand, dress pants should be paired with a dress shirt and dress shoes, two additional styles that are, like dress pants, difficult to precisely define but easy to recognize. This group is effective when working in more conventional settings such as churches, country clubs, conferences, parent-teacher meetings, school performances, job interviews, etc.
What’s the difference between dress pants and slacks?
While they are essentially synonymous from a language perspective, the answer to what’s the difference between dress pants and slacks is outside the realm of style.
If we had to give a strict definition, slacks would be long pants that cover the lower half of your body (i.e., waist to ankle). Slacks, on the other hand, are associated with a more relaxed but nonetheless formal look, while the word "pants" can mean anything from jeans to cargo pants to the bottom part of a tuxedo.
Dress pants that aren't meant to be part of a suit are known as "slacks." It is inappropriate to wear suit pants (as opposed to dress pants) on their own.
Therefore, dress pants/slacks are firmly situated between the "business casual" and "semi-formal" categories. You wouldn't wear them to a black tie event, but they are more appropriate for a less formal business atmosphere. You can't call them "dress pants" if you can't get away with wearing them to a regular workday or a less formal summer wedding.
So, why do we differentiate between wearing dress slacks and dress pants? While the term "slacks" is now often used in some regions of the United States, it is actually a British import from the 19th century. The word, which was widely used until just recently, is currently seeing a rapid decline in popularity. Its usage has also declined in the UK.
Some people think of dress slacks as being less formal than dress pants because of their looser fit. Some consider them to be interchangeable terms. We understand that this may seem unclear. These days, it's preferable to treat them interchangeably because they mean the same thing.
- Dress Pants vs. Slacks: Currently, these are interchanged for "semi-formal pants" without any further clarification. Slacks were once thought of as being less formal than dress pants, but this distinction is no longer made. There is still significance in remembering this.
- Trousers vs. Pants: Both "trousers" and "pants" refer to the same item of clothing; however, the modern British and European preference is for "trousers."
- Trousers vs. Slacks: It's extremely likely that they're the same item. An older American term for "pants" is "slacks," while the British term is "trousers" for what Americans would call "pants."
- Slacks vs. Suit Pants: In business casual settings, slacks can stand on their own, but they also pair well with blazers, dinner jackets, and sports coats. Just the matching jacket and pants of a suit should be worn together.
How Should They Fit?
Dress pants are timeless, so don't worry about updating them as the fashion industry shifts. Not too short or long and created from a timeless fabric is ideal. This includes not having any logos, slogans, or brand names on them, as well as not having any branded patterns, extreme pleating, or distressing. The split shouldn't be too obvious, either.
A stylist from the London Boutique Spoke informs us that "break" describes how your pants' cuffs fold or crease when they touch your shoes. "The dress pants are excessively long if they gather at the ankles, and the short ones if they catch at the calf. While a larger break is acceptable in jeans, the correct inseam on a pair of dress pants dictates that only a small break is acceptable."
The stylist says the fly of the pants is another giveaway that they don't fit properly. "Apart from being a tad humiliating, if your fly is continually coming down, especially when you sit down, then your pants are too tight."
The Question Is, What Color Should They Be?
They can be any color you wish so long as they go with your existing tops and shoes, as you won't be wearing them with a suit jacket (but perhaps a blazer or sport coat, which are different things, folks).
How Can I Best Complement These Shoes?
Wearing dress slacks with a dress shirt, a tie, and dress shoes is the most conventional option. The versatility of these shorts means you can wear them with anything from a plain T-shirt to a polo or even a cozy cardigan. The top half of your outfit is entirely up to you, according to the dress code of the event (or workplace) to which you are going.
Types of Men’s Dress Pants
- Chino Trousers
- Denim Jeans
- Slacks
- Khakis
- Corduroy Pants
- Wool Trousers
Men’s Chino Pants
After a decade or so of narrow fits dominating the debate, designers are returning to a straight-fit silhouette that is more comfortable, universally wearable, and overall ageless. If you've gotten off the Chino train for a while, now is a fantastic moment to hop back on. These reliable pairs from Haggar will be the perfect antidote to the wild patterns and baggy silhouettes that dominate the rest of your closet. ( You may find a lot of wonderful pairs to work with if you want to get back into the chino game at a discount, but if you want to save some money, you can also check out our top khaki pants.
The military-grade durability of chino twill cloth has earned it widespread acclaim. During the past half century, chino pants have transitioned from standard issue army fodder to civilian life staples, with endorsements from renowned prepsters and the Ivy set, and even one particularly dashing U.S. president with a propensity for summering in Hyannis Port. Khakis can indeed be found in any color you can think of, but the trendiest pairs these days are those that play with the fabric's traditionally neutral status by adding bold hues or patterns. Confused about what to wear on your future date, park meetup, or corporate scavenger hunt? You can never go wrong with chinos.
Khaki pants
Khakis, like chinos, are an enduring staple of casual American fashion. Still trying to understand the distinction? Khaki is the color, while chino is the fabric. After World War II, when returning GIs adapted the lower half of their hardy uniforms to the hardships of civilian life, a particular shade of light brown became common in the United States, and the name khaki stuck. Khakis, a term that today encompasses shades from simple beige to mossy olive green, was once considered inappropriate for office wear but subsequently transitioned. Their straightforwardness makes them a go-to source for bizarre design inspiration.
Men’s Cargo pants
Cargo pants are returned in a sleek and fashionable way, so they're no longer out of style. Choose a pair without wide side pockets if you want to avoid the fisherman look and go for a slimmer leg cut instead. Use dark colors to make them work with the rest of your ensemble or go with neutral colors like camel or sand for a timeless look. Those who wish to dress like Labron James should opt for bright colors like pink and red and go for baggy, pocket-laden items. Why not shake things up a little and wear this style with a sweater, sweatshirt, or button-down shirt?
Jeans/Denim
For many years, jeans have been a staple in the wardrobes of fashionistas of all ages all around the globe. You won't find these the comfiest, but they're quite versatile. Wear them to work or dress them up for a night out. A well-fitting pair of jeans is incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. They come in various styles, colors, and pricing points.
Nowadays, you can find various denim cuts and washes from various companies. You can find a pair of jeans to suit any style or body type. A wide range of denim styles are available, from "skinny jeans" to "baggy jeans" and everything in between. Having a variety of styles and sizes from which to choose is important to consumers, and this process has been simplified.
Joggers/Sweatpants
The comfort and style of athletic leisure pants make them a great choice for off-duty attire for anyone. Slim-fit joggers combine the best features of sweatpants and dress pants, making it possible to comfortably relax at your desk without seeming sloppy. Wear it with a longline sweater or T-shirt to exude an air of casual ease. Wear a dressy professional shirt with white shoes on days when you want to impress. Watch the compliments roll in as you bask in your joy.
Pleated pants
Pleated pants may have reminded you of the suits your father wore to the local "fine" restaurant only a few years ago. They shouldn't. Pleated pants have been making a comeback in recent years, and we couldn't be happier about it. With the added space provided by pleats, you can breathe easier when it really counts. As if their practicality weren't enough, in 2022, when dressed like a swagged-out octogenarian has never been cooler and when the bigger-is-better aesthetic of the '80s is more revered than ever, they also look particularly suitable. Designer iterations with pronounced pleats are, of course, abundant. The comeback of pleats is growing.
Men’s Corduroy trousers
Recently, corduroy pants have been rediscovered as a hip fashion staple. It's been in and out of style for as long as anybody can remember, but it's making a strong comeback this season.
A popular style in the 1970s and 1980s, it has since fallen out of favor. Think of the unlucky-in-love characters that frequently wore clothes in the dad core style seen in preppy high school films before dad core became hip. Corduroy is a fabric made from twisted threads, which can be either wide cords or small ribs.
It's beneficial because it's long-lasting and simple to manage. There is also plenty of room for imagination.
Pocket pants
Most pants, such as chinos and formal pants, only have two hip pockets up front and two in the rear; however, 5-pocket pants contain an extra pocket for a watch or coins sewed inside the front right hip pocket. The fifth pocket was included to accommodate a pocket watch, a common accessory for men to carry in the late 19th century; today, it serves primarily as a stylistic element. The original Levi's design only had a right rear pocket; the left rear pocket was added later. This small pocket is not "the fifth pocket;" that's the back left pocket. The bottoms of the two rear patch pockets are inclined to give them a classic Western appearance, and the two front hip pockets are curved for ease of access.
The greatest 5-Pocket Pants are constructed from resilient fabrics, much like the original denims were many decades ago. Fabrics with more body and weight complement the rugged rivets and tack buttons used to support the pants' seams, further emphasizing the relaxed attitude of the design. You can find these fabrics anywhere, and you don't have to be doing manual labor to benefit from them. We have started with hefty yet luxurious alternatives that can be dressed up or down, such as the quality Haggar Denim Pants.
Cropped trousers/Pants
Men’s pants that hit above the ankle are currently all the rage. It's also possible that, like many fads, they won't be considered chic in a few years. Everything above has effectively been "in style" for decades, thus we ranked these items last. It's hopeless to think they'll ever leave. Still, men’s cropped pants are cool and laid-back, and they let you show off your fancy sneakers without feeling out of place.
What exactly are cropped pants? Simply said, it's a pair of short pants. If your normal pant inseam is 32 inches, a pair of cropped trousers may have an inseam of 28 inches.
You can either go full-on casual with a slouchy, oversized fit for your cropped pants, or mix it up with a more traditional dress pant fabric and silhouette (slimmer fit and thicker fabric).
Cropped trousers make you look shorter and broader, so they're not a good choice if you're a bigger guy or if you're not at least 5'8" tall. To further counteract the "squat-factor," you should only get a slim fit.
Conversely, cropped trousers are a pretty fantastic and unusual way to rock a pair of pants if you're feeling like you want to take a fashion risk.
Drawstring pants
So, you'd like to keep things chill, but you're not really sold on sweatpants. The solution lies in a pair of drawstring pants. They fit like a glove and can be adjusted to your desired tightness, but they appear like your regular chinos or jeans. If you need to get in the mood, we've gathered a couple of pairs of drawstring pants for you.
Slim-fit pants
Modern slim-fit pants provide the comfort of skinny jeans in a more refined silhouette. These are the best ways to add a modern twist to a timeless ensemble, whether you're wearing a suit or separates. Whether you're going to the office or a semi-formal event, classic choices include dark colors like black, charcoal, or navy. However, if you're feeling adventurous, try something lighter or in a more daring shade. You want these pants to fit snugly but not too snugly so that you can move freely and confidently, all while being the sharpest dude in the room.
Baggy pants
From the 1980s through the 2010s, wide-leg jeans (or "baggy pants," as they are more commonly known) were a fashion staple. Pants hanging loosely because of being too big or having been stretched
Relaxed-Fit pants
The Relaxed Fit is, as the name suggests, a little looser than the Standard or Slim Fit. The waist is elastic, and the hips and thighs are looser still. This fit is the most forgiving of the four options, whether the front is straight or pleated.
Classic Fit pants
In terms of tactical pants, classic-fit pants are the most common cut. It has an adjustable slider waistband for a sleek, smooth profile. These pants have a lower rise than conventional waistbands and are looser in the hips and thighs than the Relaxed Fit style. The legs are usually quite straight, although they still have some wiggle room. This style of fit is sometimes compared by manufacturers to that of a well-loved pair of jeans.
Athletic Fit pants
As a baseline, the athletic-fit pants features a non-elastic waist that sits just below the natural waist. The leg, thigh, and hip are all severed in one clean swath. Tactical pants, like Athletic Fit pants, are typically created from stretch fabric to allow for greater mobility because they are meant to be worn in dynamic settings, such as on duty or at the range. Those seeking a sleeker, more fitted style should opt for the athletic fit.
And there you have it, pants for any occasion that you should have in your closet. For more information on top-of-the-line best men’s pants made by the number one selling pants company in the United States checkout our men's pant collection at hagger.com
