What are the Different Types of Dress Pants for Men?

If you’re a man on the market for a new pair of dress pants, you may recognize that there are quite a few different types of pants that you can choose from. And although they may appear to serve the same purpose, there are in fact some subtle differences between the different types of dress pants that make some better suited for certain occasions or styling choices compared to others. 

So what are the different types of dress pants and how can you choose the right pant for the right setting? Continue reading through this guide as we describe each of the different types of pants in more detail. After that, you’ll learn how you can choose the right pants to look your best on any occasion. 

What are the Different Types of Pants for Men? 6 Essentials for any Wardrobe

Let’s start by taking a look at some of the six different types of pants that men need in their wardrobes. It won’t be long before you can see exactly how each of them has their place in men’s style, and why you would want to wear them each on different occasions. You may be surprised to find out you can even wear dress pants casually! Let’s start with a classic, versatile type of pants: chino trousers.

Chino Trousers

We’ll take a look at chino trousers first. These types of pants are highly versatile and can elevate your style from work. Or, wear them to a night out with friends. They really work great for any instance. How chinos should fit is unique in the sense that they should be worn a little tighter than the other dress pants on the list, though still at comfortable measurements that make them great for everyday use. 

Chinos are typically made out of a lightweight, cotton blend that can come in a variety of colors. They also have clean, tailored-looking lines that make them a great choice for formal settings as well as more casual outings. For the best fit, consider custom made chinos that you can feel confident wearing in the office or on the town. If you weren’t already aware, the way your pants fit make a world of difference in how they look.

Denim Jeans

Next up, let’s talk about denim jeans. You’re probably surprised to see denim make it on the list of what are the different types of dress pants. But, the right pair of custom jeans for men can look great in a number of settings. Plus, the wide variety of denim jeans available today means you can always find the perfect wash, look, and style for any occasion. 

The best part is that you can style men’s jeans in a way that looks classy and professional, but still with a casual edge that lets you enjoy maximum comfort and show off a bit of your own personal flair. Thus, the days of thinking that jeans can’t look sleek and put together are long gone. It’s time you invest in a quality pair of denim jeans that fit your unique body if you don’t already own some.

Slacks

When asking what are the different types of dress pants, the first answer you’ll get is slacks. These are the most classic type of dress pants. Wearing slacks gives you the highest level of formality and professionalism, and this style of pants tends to be a little looser. They pair well with a suit or even just a matching blazer when you need to dress up a bit. But, you can also dress them down by pairing them with a nice t-shirt and a blazer on top. 

Given the delicate materials that slacks are made out of, you need to pay special attention to the care guide, especially when it comes to how to wash slacks. After all, if you’re investing in a nice pair of pants like custom slacks–you want them to last and look their best each time you wear them!

Khakis

There is often some confusion around the difference between khakis and chinos, so let’s clear up some of the major distinctions between the two. “Khaki” technically refers to the color of the pants, though the word is also synonymous with pants that are made out of a heavier twill or canvas material in a looser style than chinos. And, these khaki pants are a must-have in every man’s wardrobe – even if you already own a pair of chinos!
Khakis are on the more casual side of all the different types of dress pants we have here, and are definitely not as dressy or as versatile as chinos. Even still, the pleating on khakis can give them a put-together look that’s perfect for more casual or outdoor settings. 

Corduroy Pants

There is a lot of versatility when it comes to corduroy pants and all the different ways you can style them. Made from cotton, this fabric is formed out of individual cords that give corduroy pieces an incredible balance of texture and depth, while keeping the clothing durable.
Because of this, these types of pants also tend to hold up their shape after long periods of wear. Plus, they add an extra layer of warmth which makes them great for wearing during colder months. For many of these reasons listed above, corduroy pants tend to be on the more formal side. However, we also see men sport them for a cozy business casual look in the fall and winter. 

Wool Trousers

Looking for something a bit warmer than even corduroy pants? Another type of pants that is perfect for the coming colder seasons are wool trousers. The thicker weight of wool trousers compared to some of the other options on this list make them great pairings with clothing items outside of just suit jackets–without losing their polished look.

Wool trousers can be great for layering in the colder months, especially with other garments like custom overcoats, custom made sweaters, and even custom fitted dress shirts. Wool trousers typically come in darker colors like navy or brown, which can pair well with many other clothing items. 

Which of the Different Types of Dress Pants for Men Do I Need Most?

Now that you have a better idea of what all these different types of pants are, you may be wondering which ones you should buy first – and when you should wear them. When do you wear chinos vs jeans on the more casual side, or even chinos vs dress pants when you’re attending a more formal event? 

Let’s take a look at some of the things you can think about in order to choose the right attire. 

Consider Your Workplace Dress Code

One of the first things you can do to help determine which of these types of pants you need the most is to consider your workplace dress code. If your workplace has a business professional dress code, you may want to consider filling your wardrobe with pants like slacks, chinos, and wool trousers as opposed to khakis, jeans, and/or corduroys.
On the other hand, a workplace with a little looser dress code that’s more business casual can really allow you to expand your horizons with some of each of the pants listed here. Of course, most of these types of pants can be either dressed up or dressed down when styled correctly. Nevertheless, following the workplace guidelines for clothing is an important aspect of looking sophisticated and professional – and keeping your job, of course!

Identify Gaps in Your Current Wardrobe

Taking an assessment of your current closet can help you notice any gaps you may have in your wardrobe. From there, you can easily decide which types of pants you need most. Maybe you recognize you have a pair of chinos in every different color, but you don’t have a good quality pair of slacks for those more formal occasions. 

Every man needs a variety of the above styles of pants to be well-dressed in any setting. So, notice where you may be lacking some of these pant styles, and consider selecting different styles than what you would normally reach for in order to build a robust, well-rounded wardrobe. 

Let the Menswear Specialists at Black Lapel Help You Build That Wardrobe!

No matter which type of pants you get, we highly recommend you go custom. Why? Because the way in which your clothing fits plays a key role in how it looks. Baggy pants – or ultra-tight pants – send a message that you don’t really care. That’s the last thing you want to convey at work, on a date, at a wedding – or any other place you step out to. But, when it comes to custom clothing–only the best will do. By shopping with Black Lapel you’ll quickly discover that we stand apart from other retail experiences and custom clothiers. 

The difference? We truly get to know you. From the measurements that make your perfect fit possible to the fabrics and styling choices you need for your career and lifestyle, Black Lapel is your active partner in the custom-clothing process from start to finish. We put the time and effort into custom-creating each piece–because we care. 

Our consultants do more than just find your fit—they make sure the clothing fits your life, too. So if you were wondering what are the different types of pants, or when certain styles are better suited for specific events, they can help you find the answers. Above all, we value client relationships here at Black Lapel, and will always go above and beyond to keep our clients happy. 

Final Thoughts on the Different Types of Dress Pants for Men

So if you had any questions about what are the different types of pants for men and what settings they’re each better suited for, you can now feel confident that you’re always dressing to impress in any scenario. 

There’s truly no better feeling than putting on a pair of custom-fit pants. Perfectly tailored to your measurements and preferences, you always get the perfect fit that was made just for you. Whether you need to fill your wardrobe with more chinos or are looking for a good pair of denim jeans, the custom route will always leave you satisfied. 

No more guessing what your measurements are or trying on pants aimlessly until you settle for a lackluster pair. When you’re both looking and feeling your best, it’s clear to see that there’s no better choice than custom pants. 

No matter what type of pants you’re after, we can help. We are the #1 choice for custom made pants for men. Not only do we expertly craft our garments to fit you to perfection—we can help you build outfits that you look and feel your best in. Shop Black Lapel today for all your men’s custom wardrobe needs. 

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