Pants play a major role in every man’s wardrobe.
Each style offers a different look, level of comfort, and purpose.
Some pants work well for formal settings, while others suit casual days or outdoor trips. Many of today’s common styles have roots in older fashion trends, with some designs dating back to the early 1900s.
Understanding these options makes it easier to dress well for work, travel, or weekend plans.
This guide breaks down the main types of pants for men, explains how to wear them, and shows where each style fits best.
From classic jeans to formal trousers and easy casual picks, here is a complete look at what men wear today.
List of Types of Pants for Men
Men wear different types of pants for work, travel, workouts, and daily life, and each style offers its own shape, fabric, and purpose.
Before choosing a pair, it helps to know how each type looks, feels, and fits.
Formal Pants
These pants are worn for work, celebrations, and events that need a neat, clean, and professional look. They use smooth fabrics and structured shapes.
1. Dress Pants
Dress pants are the base of formal clothing.
Dress pants give a sharp look with their straight cut and pressed crease.
They are usually worn to offices, weddings, interviews, and formal dinners.
Most dress pants use wool or blended fabric that keeps its shape. They look best with shirts, blazers, and leather shoes.
These pants became common in the early 1900s as formal wear grew.
2. Suit Pants
Suit pants complete a matching jacket set.
Suit pants come with a suit jacket and create a fully polished outfit. They use soft, wrinkle-resistant fabric and have a clean waistline.
These pants are ideal for meetings, work events, evening functions, and weddings.
They offer comfort and structure while keeping the outfit classy. They became popular in the 1950s as businesswear grew across cities.
3. Pleated Trousers
Pleats give space and shape to the upper area.
Pleated trousers have folds near the waist that give extra room for movement.
They were highly popular in the 1930s and again in Old Money fashion today.
These pants suit men with bigger thighs or those who like a classic look. They work well in offices, formal lunches, and cultural events.
4. Old Money Trousers
These pants carry a timeless, classy vibe.
Old Money trousers use soft tones like beige, cream, navy, and grey.
They have a straight cut and clean finish. They pair well with shirts, sweaters, polos, and loafers.
They reflect European and Ivy League fashion from the early 1900s. These are perfect for golf clubs, university settings, dinners, and holidays.
Jeans
Jeans are everyday pants worn by people of all ages. They started in the 1800s as workwear and became a global fashion staple by the 1950s.
5. Straight Fit Jeans
Straight jeans are the simplest jean style.
Straight jeans have the same width from hip to ankle.
They give a clean look and work with shirts, T-shirts, and jackets. They suit school, college, malls, casual dinners, and day trips.
This fit became popular in the 1980s for its easy and relaxed shape.
6. Slim Fit Jeans
These jeans give a neat and modern look.
Slim jeans follow the body shape but do not feel tight.
They became trendy in the early 2000s with music artists and street style.
They look good with sneakers, boots, and fitted tops. Perfect for dates, outings, shopping, and casual workplace settings.
7. Baggy Jeans
Baggy jeans are loose and comfortable.
Baggy jeans give more room and a relaxed look. They were big in the 1990s hip-hop era and are trending again for comfort.
They suit parks, long walks, college, travel days, and street-style outfits.
They also work well with hoodies and graphic tees.
8. Flared Jeans
Flared jeans widen from the knee.
Flared jeans add movement and style. They became famous in the 1970s disco era.
They work well for parties, concerts, retro-themed events, and bold fashion days. They pair nicely with boots or chunky shoes.
9. Bootcut Jeans
These jeans were made for wearing over boots.
Bootcut jeans flare slightly at the bottom. They became a favourite in the 1990s and early 2000s.
They suit casual dinners, outdoor events, country settings, and relaxed hangouts. They pair well with shirts and jackets.
10. Y2K Embroidered Jeans for Men
These jeans bring back early-2000s fashion.
Y2K embroidered jeans feature designs like flames, text, flowers, or patches.
They match the playful pop culture of the early 2000s.
These jeans work well for concerts, street-style photos, college, or creative spaces.
They pair well with oversized tees and retro sneakers.
Casual Pants
Casual pants are best for relaxed days, travel, and simple outings. They focus on comfort and easy movement.
11. Cargo Pants
Cargo pants are strong and roomy.
Cargo pants have large pockets and thick fabric. They were made for soldiers in the 1930s.
Today, they are perfect for hiking trails, playgrounds, travel, college, or outdoor work.
They pair well with tees and boots. Their pockets make them practical for carrying daily items.
12. Joggers
Joggers are soft and sporty.
Joggers have elastic ankles and a soft waist. They are great for gym days, travel, coffee runs, and weekend outings.
Joggers became popular in the 2010s with the rise of athleisure. They match well with hoodies, tees, and sneakers.
13. Sweatpants
Sweatpants are made for comfort.
Sweatpants use soft cotton or fleece that keeps you warm.
They are ideal for home, study sessions, grocery trips, and casual walks.
They started as athletic wear in the 1920s and later became everyday essentials. They pair well with crewnecks and sneakers.
14. Corduroy Pants
Corduroy pants have a ribbed texture.
These pants became popular in the 1970s.
They feel warm and soft, making them perfect for winter, school, museums, and cozy café trips.
They pair nicely with sweaters, coats, and long-sleeve shirts.
Occasion Wear Pants for Men
These pants stand out because of their unique design and bold look.
15. Leather Pants
Leather pants make a strong style statement.
Men started wearing leather pants in the 1950s rock era. They feel bold and edgy.
They work well for concerts, parties, nightlife, and photoshoots. They pair best with boots, jackets, and fitted shirts.
16. Christmas Pants
Fun pants for the holiday season.
Christmas pants have prints like snowmen, reindeer, or plaid.
They are great for holiday parties, cozy nights, family gatherings, and gift photos. They bring a cheerful, warm vibe during winter.
17. Linen Pants
Light pants for hot weather.
Linen pants have been worn for thousands of years because they stay cool.
They are perfect for beaches, summer vacations, brunch dates, and resort settings. They pair well with loose shirts and sandals.
18. Woollen Pants
Warm pants for cold days.
Wool pants keep heat well and look neat. They are worn to winter offices, evening dinners, and holiday events.
They pair nicely with coats and boots.
Travel Friendly & Utility Pants
These pants are made for outdoor tasks, travel, and physical activity.
20. Trekking Pants
Trekking pants are lightweight and tough.
They dry fast and handle long walks well. They suit mountains, nature parks, campsites, and adventure trips.
They pair with hiking shoes and outdoor gear.
21. Hiking Pants
Hiking pants protect your legs outdoors.
They resist wind, dirt, and sunlight. They are worn on trails, forests, hills, and travel camps.
They keep you safe and comfortable during long walks.
23. Canvas Work Pants
Canvas pants are strong and long-lasting.
Workers have used them since the 1800s.
They suit gardening, building work, road trips, and outdoor chores. They match well with boots and thick shirts.
Types of Pants to Wear According to Men’s Body Type
As a man having a busy life full of interaction with new people, it is important to leave an impression, and style really defines the personality.
Choosing the right type of pants to wear will help you look neat and feel comfortable in every setting:
- Men with lean bodies look best in slim or straight-fit pants because these shapes add structure.
- Men with broader legs prefer relaxed, tapered, or pleated pants that give space without looking loose.
- Tall men can try cuffed or pleated trousers for balance.
- Short men look smart in mid-rise straight cuts that create a longer leg line.
Conclusion
Men’s pants come in many shapes and sizes, each serving a different purpose.
Knowing when and where to wear each style helps you dress better every day.
Jeans work for daily use, formal pants suit offices and events, and specialty pants add personality to your wardrobe.
Utility pants help outdoors, while linen and wool pants match summer and winter needs.
Always choose a pair that fits your body type and feels comfortable.
Find these styles and build a collection that works for work, weekends, travel, Christmas, and everything in between.
