Statement jackets and the latest sneakers are always going to be top of men’s lust lists, but don’t let high-wattage clobber blind you to the essentials. The right type of pants for men can be the most quietly powerful item you wear, but get it wrong and you’ll instantly dull the shine of the trending pieces you spent so long chasing. Yes, it’s easy to simply plump for your tried-and-tested slim-fit black jeans for the umpteenth time, but there’s a whole wardrobe full of top-notch trews that’ll look just as slick given half the chance. Here are some of the different types of pants for men that you might not have considered, but definitely should.
1. Corduroy Trousers
Corduroy, once strictly the preserve of fictional and real academia inhabitants, represents one of the versatile types of trousers for men. It’s an underutilized material in men’s style that, when worn correctly, can make for an indispensable pair. There’s a 1970s revival going on in menswear, too, so there’s never been a better time to cover your legs in cord. Composed of woven, twisted cotton or wool, corduroy is durable and perfect for colder weather. This stripey fabric not only adds personality to casual outfits but also elevates formal attire, like a slim-cut corduroy suit for the party season.
2. Wool Trousers
A firm favourite of fashion bloggers and art directors the world over, wool men’s trousers offer a throwback to the days when jeans weren’t the de facto king of legwear. Perfect both for styling with other tailored separates or smartening a casual getup, the wool trouser has been a mainstay amongst industry insiders for years – and their popularity isn’t showing any signs of waning.
3. Twill Chinos
A good piece of workwear puts in a shift if you want to assert your old-school masculine credentials. In twill chinos, quality craftsmanship meets reliability and style in a perfect ménage à trews of cool that’s still exceptionally wearable. Cut from heavyweight cotton, woven to create a surface comprising diagonal parallel ridges, twill is a traditional material that, if invested in, will give excellent cost-per-wear calculations thanks to its hardy nature.
4. Relaxed-Legged Trousers
The skinny jeans backlash is officially on. Tired of indecently outlined genitalia and trying (and failing) to remove our skinnies with dignity after a night out, relaxed-legged jeans and trousers are looking more and more appealing by the day. Harking back to 1950s-inspired garments, the Levi’s 501 cut is firmly back on the radar of menswear’s most stylish and the model has brought its mates along for the ride, too.
5. Linen Trousers
Not so long ago, linen trousers were sweaty, misshapen bloomers that had no place in a modern man’s style and wardrobe. Thankfully designers have done a lot of work to rehabilitate them in recent years. Gone are the shapeless cuts, replaced by tapered, modern leg-lines that flatter every body shape.
6. Drawstring Trousers
Smart drawstring men’s trousers are the best thing to happen to menswear in a decade. Until recently, drawstrings and elasticated waistbands were confined to sportswear and generally considered to be a sign that you didn’t care. These days, drawstring trousers come tailored and in a lot more materials than jersey. Wool and linen offer the best options at the smarter end of the spectrum.
7. Slimline Joggers
Athleisure is a rare example of fashion and function joining forces for the greater good. Combining the comfort of joggers with the slim-fit of a more contemporary pair of work pants, they’re equally at home in the pub or the gym.
8. Cropped Trousers
Ankle swingers are here to stay – allowing your ankles to breathe in summer while still giving airtime to your footwear in cooler months. Cropped trousers are a great way to spice up what can be a tired formal outfit.
9. Cargo Pants
Cargo trousers have enjoyed a resurgence in a much more stylish way. Ensuring that they hit the middle ground between slim and spacious is key. Leave the big pockets empty for clean lines.
10. High-Waisted Trousers
High-waisted trousers are on the rise, offering a one-way ticket to sartorial nirvana if styled correctly. Nailing the length and cut is crucial to pull off this look.
11. Pleated Trousers
Pleated pants are back in men’s style, offering a comfortable yet stylish option. Opt for a tapered cut for best results and select a cropped style for a modern touch.
12. Tracksuit Bottoms
Tracksuit bottoms have made their way from the running track to the runway, offering a level of comfort comparable to pyjamas while still looking put together. Choose a slim cut and pair them with tailoring for a stylish look.
These different types of pants for men offer a variety of options to elevate your style and make a statement. Experiment with different styles and materials to find the perfect fit for your wardrobe.
