What’s on trend is only part of the equation when you’re choosing the right pair of pants. How do they fit? Are they formal enough for the occasion? Do you have enough variety in your closet? The trousers you wear to a client meeting on Monday probably won’t work for your Sunday cookout. Having the right selection of pants in your wardrobe makes getting dressed easier and faster. Below, we break down the main types of pants for men, when to reach for each, and how to find a fit that looks polished.
Main Types of Pants for Men
Most men’s pants styles fall into a handful of categories. Once you understand the differences, you can confidently choose the right pair for nearly any invitation.
Jeans
Jeans are the casual pants men reach for the most. A dark, straight-leg or slim cut works perfectly for weekend errands or a relaxed Friday at the office. For a night out, pair straight-leg jeans with a crewneck tee in a bold print or pattern.
Khakis
Khakis are slightly dressier than jeans but still designed for activity. Originally created for the British military, khaki pants are made of a heavier cotton twill that can handle weekend wear and tear at a barbecue or on the golf course. Their name comes from their traditional beige color, though now you can get them in black, gray, and other neutral colors. They pair well with a polo or sport shirt, and when the temperature drops, you can add a navy cardigan for a comfortable yet pulled together look.
Dress Pants
Dress pants are a staple of formal wardrobes and work well for professional settings, weddings, and cocktail events. Dress points have either pleats or a flat front. Pleats are traditional and add volume, while a flat front provides a cleaner, modern silhouette. Match either style of pants with a sharp dress shirt and a sport coat, and you’re ready for nearly any event.
Chinos
Chinos are the workhorse of business casual attire. They have a lighter, finer cotton twill and a slimmer fit than khakis, which gives them a more polished appearance that holds up at a client lunch or an evening out. When wearing chinos, you want a fit that sits close to the body and isn’t baggy or strained. They work well in darker shades like navy or olive and look good underneath a blazer.
Linen Trousers
Linen trousers make the most sense when it’s hot out. The loose weave promotes airflow and helps keep you cool during summer weddings or humid commutes. Linen tends to wrinkle, creating a charming lived-in texture, so don’t worry about keeping them perfectly pressed. Pair your linen trousers in sand or soft blue with a camp-collar shirt and loafers for a classic warm-weather outfit.
Performance Pants
Performance pants often include stretch fabrics, moisture-wicking materials, and flexible waistbands suited for lounging and weekend events. The wrinkle-resistant fabrics bounce back, even after spending hours on a plane or in a car. Pair these with a linen sport shirt and clean sneakers for a sleek take on athleisure.
How To Choose the Right Pants
Sorting through the different types of pants men wear becomes easier once you know what you’re looking for. Are you going to a barbecue or a boardroom meeting? After you consider the formality of the event you’re attending, think about fabric. Breathable linen works well in summer and heavier twill or wool is best for cooler months.
Always focus on fit. Pants with a skinny leg flatter leaner, shorter builds, while men with larger, broader frames tend to prefer a straight leg. If you have time, visit a tailor. A less expensive pair of well-tailored pants look better than an ill-fitting pair with a designer label.
Fit Comes First: What To Know Before You Buy
The in-store tailors at Men’s Wearhouse have spent decades perfecting fit, so they can help you save you money, time, and the frustration of a pair that doesn’t quite feel right. There are a few things to keep in mind before committing.
What a Good Fit Looks Like
The signs of a good fit include:
- A waist that stays in place: It rests naturally on your waist and holds up without a belt straining to do all the work.
- A clean line through the leg: The fabric falls straight from hip to hem with no awkward pulling across the thighs.
- No bunching at the ankles: The hem rests above the shoes with a single soft fold, known as the break.
What Can Be Tailored
Plenty of fit issues can be resolved with the help of a competent tailor:
- Hemming: The tailor shortens the length so the hem breaks cleanly on your shoes.
- Waist adjustments: The tailor takes the waist in or lets it out by an inch to adjust how the pants sit around the hips and rear.
- Tapering: The tailor narrows the pant leg from the knee to the hem so it skims your body, making you appear taller.
When To See a Tailor
You step out of the changing room in your new pair of pants only to discover the pair fits well in some areas but needs adjustment in others. Bring the pants in and ask two questions: “Can these be tapered?” and “Can the waist be adjusted?” If they can’t be altered due to their construction, they aren’t worth buying. And if you’re not sure what needs to change, a skilled associate can flag the right alteration.
Turnaround Expectations
Basic tailoring tasks like hemming or a slight waist adjustment can take a few hours or a few days at most, while more involved jobs such as tapering both legs may require a week or longer. It’s wise to shop for your outfit well ahead of time, and ask for a timeline when you drop off the pants for any tailoring work.
Best Pants for Different Occasions
If you still can’t decide which pair of pants to wear, match the outfit to the moment.
Casual
Jeans or performance pants offer comfort and movement, making them perfect for brunch, errands, or a casual evening out.
Business Casual
Wear chinos for a polished look that works in an office environment or a more relaxed outfit for drinks afterward. Add a button-down to suit any business casual dress code without expending too much effort.
Formal
Wear a dark, well-pressed pair of dress pants made of wool or wool blend. Pair them with a sport coat or suit jacket to your next wedding, interview, or gala.
How Men’s Wearhouse Helps You Find the Right Fit
Whether you’re shopping for jeans, chinos, dress pants, or performance styles, finding the right fit can make all the difference in a pair of pants. If you need help choosing a style, Men’s Wearhouse associates can help you find a pair that looks and feels right.
Need a hem taken up or a waist let out? Our tailoring and alterations team can handle it in store. Stop by one of our locations or browse the full range online, and let us help you find pants that fit your life as well as they fit you.