{"id":5921,"date":"2026-07-01T10:29:27","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T17:29:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.menswearhouse.com\/blog\/?p=5921"},"modified":"2026-07-01T10:30:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T17:30:51","slug":"types-of-trousers-for-guys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.menswearhouse.com\/blog\/guidelines\/types-of-trousers-for-guys\/","title":{"rendered":"Types of Pants for Men: Your Guide to the Right Style"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What\u2019s on trend is only part of the equation when you\u2019re 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Main Types of Pants for Men<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most men\u2019s pants styles fall into a handful of categories. Once you understand the differences, you can confidently choose the right pair for nearly any invitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jeans<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Jeans are the casual pants men reach for the most. A dark, straight-leg or slim cut<\/a> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Khakis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dress Pants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re ready for nearly any event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Chinos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Chinos are the workhorse<\/a> 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\u2019t baggy or strained. They work well in darker shades like navy or olive and look good underneath a blazer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Linen Trousers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Linen trousers make the most sense when it\u2019s 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Performance Pants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Choose the Right Pants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sorting through the different types of pants men wear becomes easier once you know what you\u2019re looking for. Are you going to a barbecue or a boardroom meeting? After you consider the formality of the event you\u2019re attending, think about fabric. Breathable linen works well in summer and heavier twill or wool is best for cooler months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fit Comes First: What To Know Before You Buy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The in-store tailors at Men\u2019s Wearhouse have spent decades perfecting fit, so they can help you save you money, time, and the frustration of a pair that doesn\u2019t quite feel right. There are a few things to keep in mind before committing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What a Good Fit Looks Like<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The signs of a good fit include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n