Best Casual Pants for Men: 8 Options That Go Beyond Jeans

Men’s clothing can feel depressingly limited at times—just look at the size of most stores’ men’s departments compared to the women’s section. Casual pants are a prime example, seemingly relegated to just the same old jeans and chinos. But look a little deeper, and you’ll find there are more options available than you first thought. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites in this collection of the best casual pants for men.

Our top picks for the best casual pants for men

How we selected the best casual pants for men

I turned to our panel of menswear experts for advice when making the selections, but also conducted my own thorough research, scouring customer reviews to find only those that scored highly for comfort, fit, longevity, and style.

What to consider when buying casual pants for men

“First and foremost, you want comfort–casual pants should be comfortable!” says Patrick Burch, co-owner of Cave + Post Trading Co. men’s boutique. “Second, you want versatility, meaning something you can wear on the couch watching a football game, but also something you would wear to the office if you aren’t dressing up. Something that looks sharp or stylish but is also comfortable will check all of these boxes.”

With this in mind, CEO, style expert, interior designer, and brand ambassador Chantelle Hartman Malarkey suggests considering the following:

Fabric

“When shopping for casual pants, prioritize those made of quality cotton, linen or wool blend materials, as these provide comfort, breathability, and longevity.”

Fit

“Select a style with an ideal cut for your body type, without being overly tight or too loose. There are a few fits you can choose from, such as straight leg pants, slim fit or relaxed fit. What you choose is based on personal taste and what feels best on your body.”

Price

“You should be mindful of your budget, but I always suggest prioritizing quality over quantity when purchasing pants. Though investing in well-made pairs might cost more initially, their increased durability provides better long-term value and will prove to be a worthwhile investment over time.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are casual pants?

“Casual pants used to mean those that you might wear on a ‘dress-down-Friday’ at the office,” says Burch. “Today, in the post-Covid world, casual pants pretty much refer to ‘the pants you wear all the time except when you’re forced to dress up.’ From joggers to denim, to cuffing both jeans and chinos, to boxier workwear-inspired looks, casual pants have become the norm in everyday life, even at the office.”

What pants do men wear casually?

“Jeans, chinos, and joggers,” says Burch. “These are the go-to for men. Jeans are no longer what you wear on a Saturday, they’re a fashion statement. A well-fitting pair of selvedge jeans with a flashy cuff can be as much of a fashion statement as a thousand-dollar suit (and can cost a pretty penny, too). But they last forever and look better with age.”

“Joggers and chinos are also still a go-to casual pant: Chinos with a vintage, workwear-inspired fit are back in style, and even a high-waisted cut with a cinch-back buckle have made a re-entry into menswear,” Burch continues. “Throw them on with a newsboy cap, a pair of cap-toe work boots, and a well-fitting t-shirt and you have a great look that will be the envy of the more conservative dressers. A pair of slimmer, cotton joggers or stretch chinos are also a great look with a good-looking fashion sneaker. All of these looks are now front and center for both work and play.”

What pants are the best for business casual?

“Chino pants make for great business casual wear,” says Melony Huber, co-founder of ethical lifestyle collection La Peony. “Their tailored appearance combines style and comfort into one. I would invest in all the basic colors, so you can have Chino pants as the base of outfits and switch out shirts for occasions and days. I would look for sustainable brands offering eco-chinos made of organic cotton or recycled materials, with modern tailored fits that come in various colors for different styles and occasions.”

How to style casual pants

“When styling casual pants, pairing them with complementary pieces that color-match is key for creating a put together but relaxed aesthetic,” advises Huber. “Chinos look best worn with an appropriate button-down shirt, blazer or nice shirt. I would also go for neutral tones such as navy, khaki or black, so you have staples in your closet that go as a base to your rotating tops based on occasion.”

“A slimmer pair of chinos with or without a rolled cuff and a pair of sneakers (Oliver Cabbell, Heritage Diadora, etc.) with a polo is a great way to go to the office,” says Burch. “Put on a pair of flip flops and a t-shirt with the same pair of pants and now you can grab a beer at the bar for weekend football watching, or hang around the house with friends and look put together but comfortable.”

What pants are always in style?

“Classic and timeless options such as tailored dark-wash jeans, well-fitted chinos, and solid colored dress pants never go out of fashion and can easily be dressed up or down to fit various occasions,” says Huber. “Investing in these pants will give you outfits for years to come.”

What pants go with any shirt?

“Dark-wash jeans or chinos in neutral colors such as navy, black or gray can easily match almost any shirt style,” says Malarkey. “They provide the ideal base color and look so that different shirt designs can be rotated for different occasions. From casual t-shirts to button-downs, these style staples are easy for matching.”