BUYING a pair of the best work trousers for men no longer means shopping in a sea of grey, black and navy — although there's no knocking the classics, many offices now allow more casual denim and chino styles.
Shirts and tops are often the garments most of us concentrate on when buying pieces for work, but with autumn just around the corner, now's the perfect time to make sure you've got a stylish selection of trousers for the season that will look smart and polished whatever your profession.
Ensuring you have a solid trouser rotation for work is key to creating outfit variety and keeping your style looking fresh. If you're working from home, the lure of joggers may be tempting, but putting on something a bit smarter will help create a distinction between work and home life.
Those headed back to the office should keep an eye out for transitional styles that will are cool enough for the tail end of summer, but cosy enough to wear on the brisker days of autumn. A pair of chinos always looks timeless with a crisp shirt, or if your dress-code is more casual, a classic pair of jeans is a winner.
If you work in an industry that's a bit more active and hands-on, utility styles with plenty of pockets are a must. Choose thicker, sturdier fabrics to add a protective layer if you work with tools and machinery.
To give you some inspiration, we've rounded up an assortment of styles below that will see you through the working day.
This article and featured products have been independently chosen by Sun journalists. It contains links which are ads, and if you click a link and buy a product we will earn revenue.
We love these trousers from Amazon brand find. because they're cheap, versatile, and come in some great colours including classic navy, a dashing blue chambray and a daring burgundy.
Their relaxed fit means that they'll look great not only with a pair of work shoes like oxford or brogues, but also with a pair of suitable work trainers like the crisp white pair above.
They've received hundreds of glowing reviews on Amazon, with reviewers saying that their quality far exceeds their price tag —they're so affordable that you won't feel too annoyed if you spill your morning coffee on them.
Amazon Essentials Slim-fit Cargo Pant
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(AD) Amazon Essentials Men's Slim-fit Cargo Pant, from £12.81 from Amazon - buy here
A smart take on cargo pants? We're in.
This pair from Amazon Essentials boasts a stylish slim fit, while the black colourway adds a more polished feel to the traditional military stylings.
Made from 90% cotton, they're ideal for lighter temperatures. Reviewers are really impressed too, with one shopper saying: "Nothing to dislike: fits perfect, looks good and good value for the money."
We tried: TM Lewin's Non Iron Radcliffe Slim Fit Grey Chino
Non Iron Radcliffe Slim Fit Stone Chino, £59.95 from TM Lewin - buy here
Looking to do smart with minimal effort? TM Lewin's non-iron chinos are the ones.
The heritage brand first opened its Jermyn Street store in 1898 and pioneered the first button-down coat-shirt, so they certainly know a thing or two about men's workwear.
With a new contemporary aesthetic for 2021, we were excited to try out the new slim fit, non-ironRadcliffechino, designed to bridge the gap between looking smart and feeling comfortable.
With seven colours to choose from, we opted for stone and received our parcel in no time. Upon first inspection, the trousers looked of great quality and once we tried them on we were really impressed: they fit perfectly and felt really comfortable, thanks to the stretch waistband and cotton blend.
With Max Performance technology and an anti-fade, anti-pilling fabric, these trousers promise to hold up colour-wise, which is great if you plan on getting a lot of wear out of them — which we definitely will be.
Having worn them just once, we can't comment on the anti-fade just yet, but we can definitely vouch for the non-iron feature — they looked relatively crease-free once on, even after being folded in the packaging. Impressive!
Would we recommend them? Definitely. Our new favourite go-to trouser.
We tested: Uniqlo Dry-Ex Ultra Ankle Length Trousers
Uniqlo Dry-Ex Ultra Ankle Length Trousers, £34.90 - buy here
We got a pair of Uniqlo's "Smart Comfort" Dry-Ex trousers when we first returned to the office, hoping that they would provide a nice middle ground between the joggers we'd been wearing constantly for the last 18 months and the suit trousers we're used to wearing to the office.
And, to be honest, they're all we talked about for the week after we bought them —they look exactly like any suit trouser, and are available in the classic officewear trio of grey, black and navy —but feel like wearing pyjamas.
They're also great value at less than £35, and because we brought them in-store, we were eligible to get them altered at no extra cost. And importantly, they require a minimal level of care —we'll definitely be repurchasing.
Dickies Everyday Trousers
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Dickies Everyday Trousers, £27 from Dickies - buy here
Nowadays Dickies is probably best-known for its 874 pant, which is beloved by skateboarders. However, it was founded in the 1920s as a brand that manufactured sturdy clothing for farmhands in the American Southwest.
That means that it has plenty of experience making some of the best work trousers for men, and the Everyday Trouser is at the core of its workwear offering.
They come with two hip pockets, a phone pocket and a ruler pocket, as well as a hook-and-loop fastening cargo pocket for carrying extra tools. They come in a regular fit with reinforced knees.
As their name might suggest, the Everyday Trousers are designed for general day-to-day work. If you need something more specialised, you might want something like the Holster Universal Flex Trouser.
Slim Canvas Joggers with Gapflex, £27.96 - buy here
Ok, we know what we said about no joggers, but hear us out: this slim-fit silhouette by Gap strikes the perfect balance between comfort and style.
They're made from a smooth twill weave, which makes them smarter than the average pair (get it), but not so much so that you feel silly wearing them while scrolling through spreadsheets on your sofa.
And despite the fact that they're not made from jersey like your "lounging around" joggers, they use GapFlex technology, which claims to ensure total comfort and flexibility —so you won't notice the difference.
Ernest W. Baker Brown Pleated Straight-Leg Trousers
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Ernest W. Baker Brown Pleated Straight-Leg Trousers, £445 - buy here
With their deep coffee colour, single pleat and a leg that is baggier than many of today's men are used to, it'll take a bit of panache to carry off these trousers from Portugese designer Ernest W. Baker — although you don't have to pair them with Cuban heels, as Ssense's stylists have done.
However, if you have the confidence, these are a great way to make a statement around the office without resorting to gaudy prints or fabrics.
They're made from a virgin wool blend, which will make sure you're both suave and comfortable.
Mango tapered fit crop corduroy trousers
Mango tapered fit crop corduroy trousers, £49.99- buy here
If you're looking for a way to emulate the seventies without going for brown trousers and cuban heels, a pair of cords could be the way.
These, from Mango, would be a great addition to any office wardrobe, taking you from boardroom to bar effortlessly. Because these are slightly cropped, they look best with boots —although we like Mango's choice of black leather, we'd rate a tan suede, too.
Levi's 511 Slim Jeans
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511™ slim jeans, £100 from Levi's - buy here
If your place of work has a relaxed dress code, there's no reason a pair of jeans can't look smart and put together—especially teamed with a shirt for some added polish.
We've turned to the kings of denim, Levi's: every man should own a pair and that's a fact.
We're loving the 511 slim jeans — they're contemporary, sleek, and perfect for work-to-weekend wear.
What are the best work trousers for men?
If you're back in the office this autumn, you're going to want something that's both breathable and cosy, to suit the milder temperatures —a light wool would be suitable. Our favourite pair at the moment are from Uniqlo —they're oh-so-comfy but look the part.
Continuing that WFH lifestyle? Perhaps go for some joggers that are slightly more upscale than your PJs, or a pair of comfy jeans —we love Levis 511s, or 501s for a more classic fit.
Those with particularly active jobs will want something that offers sturdiness and support without being uncomfortable. Dickies offers trousers that are distinctly utilitarian and will become more comfortable the more you wear them.
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So, if your hips are wide, make sure you have enough room in the trousers to sit comfortably and not have unsightly creases cutting across your thighs. Then have the waist taken in to fit.
Jeans are, of course, still in the mix, with punchy printed styles and effortless off-white being key. ... 8 Trouser Styles to Wear in 2022 (and There's Not a Low-Slung Pair in Sight)
For maximum versatility, a man should own at least one pair of chinos, jeans, joggers, dress pants, twill pants, pleated pants, and cropped trousers. With a combination of those seven types of pants, you'll be able to mix and match a huge variety of styles from dapper and sophisticated, to casual and cool.
Dress pants or khakis should be your go-to. Chinos are acceptable if your work environment is more on the casual side. Tech startups and creative roles. Dark denim is fine for most startups, but chinos will also work well as a slightly more formal option.
Site work trousers are designed to keep the wearer comfortable while offering protection and durability. The site trousers range includes styles with reinforced kneepads to defend against accidents and wear and tear. Cargo pockets allow easy access to tools and accessories, even in restricted working spaces.
They are typically made from strong fabrics with reinforced belt loops and pockets, ideal for storing essential items such as pencils, tape measures and small tools.
When it comes to wearing chinos in a smart casual manner, it's best to stick to simple styles of footwear that project a sharp yet understated appearance. So, skip both the flip-flops and patent lace-ups, and opt for sneakers, boots, or loafers instead.
Pair them with a T-shirt and sneakers to go super casual, or dress them up just a bit with a polo shirt or collared shirt. A denim jacket over a T-shirt worn with khakis completes a casual "go anywhere" style. Another casual idea that's great for winter is to pair khakis with a dark turtleneck sweater.
Straight leg trousers are extremely flattering on taller people as they really show off the length of their legs, while offering a sleek and sophisticated style. It is also easier to get away with a pair of trousers being slightly shorter when they are straight leg.
Wide-leg jeans are great for those with rectangle or triangle body shapes; the exaggerated cut adds just a bit oomph to your straight, slim legs. And if you're short, a cropped pair with a high-rise can (seemingly) give you a boost in height.
What is out of style for 2022? High waisted jeans, high waisted pants, high waist tennis skirts, skater skirts, knit pants, skinny jeans, hoodie sets, short blazers, leggings, fur coats, cropped leather jacket, A-style mini dresses, and cold shoulders tops are some of the clothes that are not in anymore.
Wide legs are back in a big way for Fall 2022. They were first popular back in the 70s, and today they are taking over the town in denim, flowy silks, staple cotton and jumpsuits as well.
It seems logical that the 80's are making a comeback in 2022. The decade's aesthetic revolved around vivid colors, coziness, and cheerfulness, things everyone needs after the pandemic. Moreover, 80's fashion also holds a special place in the hearts of die-hard fans of the popular TV series 'Stranger Things.
For starters, you have khakis (some people call them chinos, but they're essentially the same). khakis are a "safe fabric" because you can match them with pretty much anything and it will still work out. Any denim, wool, or cotton top will work perfectly fine with a nice pair of khaki pants.
While there's no one definition, it's generally accepted that business casual is a relaxed version of formal business wear. For men, that means doing away with ties and swapping suits for slacks, button-downs, and blazers. While for women, knee-length skirts, dresses, smart slacks, and blouses are great choices.
For older men, look toward classic but underused style elements instead. Throw on a fedora or a Panama straw hat, swap a polo for a Guayabera, wear a light plaid suit as social wear on the weekends – clothing that nods toward classic mens' style…but you don't see men wearing these days.
A 50+ year old man should dress casually in slim-straight jeans or chinos, solid color tees, polos or untucked button up shirts, and tasteful outerwear (like a Harrington jacket, leather jacket or bomber). For shoes, keep it simple with leather boots, casual loafers, or plain leather or suede sneakers .
Fold the top leg up over the waistband, making the bottom of the crotch visible. Use your hands to straighten out and flatten the bottom pant leg. The inseam length is measured from the bottom of the crotch (where the inseams meet), down the inside of the leg to the bottom of the leg opening.
Cargo pants are also called combat pants, feature large pouch like pockets on the outsides of the legs. They have a great casual and relaxed look to them that makes them popular as both workwear and leisurewear.
Other types of work trousers, such as hi-vis and flame-proof, are classed as personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE trousers provide you with protection against injury when working in hazardous environments and can be made from a different material.
Storage. Cargo work trousers feature lots of large pockets on each leg. Having lots of pockets while working is essential such as you can easily store pencils, tape measures, and necessary tools in cargo pockets.
When you see Army soldiers wearing camouflage trousers and jackets, you can say they've got their fatigues on. Another name for fatigues is "battledress," as opposed to the more formal dress uniforms worn by members of all military branches. Fatigues are what soldiers wear when they're working or engaging in battle.
Since the earthy color of khaki pants is considered a neutral tone, both black shoes and brown shoes pair well with them. Khakis aren't limited to those colors though, almost any shoe color can match. For darker shoes (like black shoes), a good match would be a darker tone of khaki to reduce the contrast.
If you're wearing checked trousers or a suit to a wedding, you simply can't go wrong with a pair of classic English brogues in black. Or, for a more relaxed look, you can try a pair of brown loafers or even classic white trainers - it might sound wrong, but it can really work.
Perfect to wear with a suit, Oxfords are a go-to option for every formal occasion. Black, polished styles work well for even the strictest of dress codes. But other Oxford varieties are appropriate for all kinds of social occasions, formal and less formal.
In North America, pants is the general term used to refer to trousers. As explained above, trousers, in American English specifically refers to formal, tailored pants. However, in British English, the term pants is never used to refer to trousers.
For an easy way to nail smart casual, pair your formal trousers with a rollneck jumper and bomber or denim jacket, or a knitted polo and fresh white trainers. The more relaxed elements, like shoes and outerwear, will help offset the smartness of the trousers.
Trousers come with many pockets whereas chinos don't have more than 2 or 3 pockets. Every man needs to know the key difference between these two pants if he wishes to look great on an occasion.
Beloved by everyone from streetwear-obsessives to preppy types, sartorial stalwarts to workwear addicts: the chino trouser is a veritable wardrobe hero, a menswear must-have, no matter your personal style. Timeless and oh-so-versatile, the best men's chinos seamlessly bridge the gap between smart and casual.
Due to their thin material, chinos typically offer more breathability than jeans. Jeans, by nature, are typically a heavier and thicker fabric, making them a generally less-breathable pant.
A simple trick is to wear straight cut trousers. Their linear shape helps create the impression of longer legs, and draws attention away from the waist and hips.
Body shape is based on the relationship between three points on your body: your shoulders/bust, waist and hips. Draw an imaginary line down from your shoulders to your hips and make a mental note of where the line hits. It can be helpful to snap a quick mirror pic for reference if you're having a hard time visualizing.
Straight fit jeans are the most versatile fit, looking great on just about every body type. They're also great for guys with wider hips, as well as tall guys who run the risk of looking like a stick figure in jeans that are too slim. In terms of style, straight jeans are best in classic washes for casual looks.
The same is true for skirts and dresses, too. Vertical stripes will elongate and slim you, while horizontal ones may make you look wider. Try to stay away from busy prints, which can also draw attention to your legs.
Tapered-style pants in general can be great for guys with athletic or bigger legs because they're cut a little roomier in the hips and thighs. Guys with bigger thighs will appreciate how they're tapered through the leg for a slim, modern look.
Straight-cut or wide trousers as well as light boot-cut jeans make the legs appear slimmer. Combined with a high waistband, your legs will look longer and your figure stretched. Loosely falling skirts or dresses with an A-line cut flatter your figure greatly.
Wearing straight-leg or bootcut pants is a great way to add weight and structure to skinny legs. They add shape to your calves and create a flattering shape. Make sure they are fitted through the thigh, as too baggy will make your petite legs look lost.
Loosen up: the best wide-leg trousers for men in 2022. It's official: wide-leg trousers are having a moment. That's right, it's time to retire your skinny jeans once and for all (if you haven't already) and go big or go home. There's a lot to love about the updated offering of this menswear classic.
Shorts are (still) having a moment. Over the past few years, TikTok has gone multiple rounds debating the perfect inseam length — five inches to show more leg versus seven inches to cover more but still hit an above-the-knee sweet spot. But after last year's “thigh guy” summer, anything goes in 2022.
Baggy tailored suits are a welcome addition to your wardrobe, as most men prefer regular and slim fit suits. In their Spring 21 collection, major designers such as Fendi, HedMayner, and Emporio Armani featured elegant pieces of tailored baggy clothing.
Cuffs come in and out of fashion. But, they are a permanent fixture of classic men's style when worn properly. They show the wearer has literally gone the extra inch to stand out. Cuffs come at a cost but add a whole new dimension to what would otherwise be standard slacks.
Wide legs are back in a big way for Fall 2022. They were first popular back in the 70s, and today they are taking over the town in denim, flowy silks, staple cotton and jumpsuits as well.
For fall and winter, style your wide leg jeans with a chunky or oversized knit sweater. Tuck the sweater into the waist to show off your waistline and lengthen your legs. Or, keep the sweater untucked for a casual, comfortable look. Opt for a pair of sleek ankle booties or flats to finish the outfit.
High waisted jeans, high waisted pants, high waist tennis skirts, skater skirts, knit pants, skinny jeans, hoodie sets, short blazers, leggings, fur coats, cropped leather jacket, A-style mini dresses, and cold shoulders are some of the favourite clothes out of fashion for fall 2022.
In short: yes. There's no law against cuffing, but for most pairs of jeans, with most pairs of shoes, on most pairs of legs, cuffing will sharpen your bottom half and draw attention to your footwear (this is another reason why it pays to invest in proper sneakers and/or boots.
Apart from formalwear, there is no rule as to whether or not your trousers should or should not have cuffs. They are a matter of taste, and neither way is more classic than the other. Some people think cuffs are too old-fashioned while others don't think trousers are complete without them.
Tailor the trousers so that they are long enough for one break, or slight fold in the fabric, at the front. For a more contemporary look, take the trousers a little shorter so that they just touch the top of your shoes without a break.
Introduction: My name is Trent Wehner, I am a talented, brainy, zealous, light, funny, gleaming, attractive person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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