Looking to complete your wardrobe for work? Here are my best picks for stylin’ at the office.
A nice pair of pants can be the difference between closing the deal in style or coming off as too casual. Think about it: some pants fit like a dream and make you look like a cologne brand’s cover model, while others feel like you’re sliding into a cardboard box.
I’m here to take the guesswork out of finding the right pair for you. Trousers that look good but feel good as well. From fabric choice to fit, I’ve got you covered. (I may even throw in a few style tips for you as well).
Quick Take
Here are our recommendations from the list:
These Chinos boast a distinctly refined style and silhouette, featuring a slim cut across the hip and thigh, as well as a subtly tapered leg. They possess moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and exceptional stretch properties.
Crafted with the brand's Signature Supima cotton fabric (97% cotton, 3% spandex), these pants offer an ultralight and airy feel. With a relaxed basic fit, they maintain a professional look. UNIQLO recommends dry cleaning for care.
Read on for more info and the complete list…
The Best Pants for the Office
I’ve selected nine of the best work-appropriate pants for guys:
The Best Men’s Dress Pants for Work
These will have you looking so professional your boss will be looking to give you a promotion!
Bonobos Stretch Weekday Warrior Dress Pants
These dress pants for men from the popular men’s brand Bonobos are the epitome of comfort meets style. Made with a blend of cotton and elastane fabric, they move with your body effortlessly.
Although easy to wear, their sleek look makes them appropriate for formal events. They’re also available in a wide range of colors, fits, and sizes. Personally, once I found a cut and size that looked best on me, I’d buy several pairs of these in different colors.
Haggar Men’s Cool 18 PRO
These flat-front pants are about as classic as you can get but still offer unique features.
A hidden expandable waistband is forgiving throughout your day, 100% polyester fabric allows for a four-way stretch, and perhaps best of all (if you always feel like you’re rushing, as I do), they don’t need to get ironed. Haggar delivers these wallet-friendly, best dress pants for guys at a sub-$100 price tag.
Banana Republic Signature Nailhead Suit Pant
Banana Republic’s design team spent three whole years creating the Signature Nailhead Suit Pant. And it shows. They’re made with a luxurious wool fabric from Italy and have a nice tapered look.
Despite being made from mostly high-quality wool (versus a cheaper performance material), they offer wrinkle resistance, breathability, and stretch. If you’re looking to invest in a serious pair of everyday work slacks for your office, these are your best bet.
Rhone Commuter Pant
I’m a huge fan of Rhone’s whole collection, especially for exercise. The Commuter Pant isn’t exactly a dress pant. They are, rather, a Lululemon-esque performance pant. However, Rhone offers a range of fits and colors.
I appreciate the options because as much as I love “Lulu,” they don’t always have the most choices.
They’re made with four-way stretch performance materials and can be thrown in the wash, but lay them out to dry. They also have a special media pocket and a secure zipper pocket.
The Best Casual Dress Pants for Men
For when you want to look nice but don’t want to give it too much energy.
Lululemon Commission Classic-Fit Pant Warpstreme
Although, as I just mentioned, Lululemon has some opportunities for improvement, in my opinion, the ABC pant is a classic. The brand essentially created performance pants that you could wear to the office but still be comfortable in.
These are made from Warpstreme fabric, a 100% polyester material that was made to be on the go. If you’re like me and hate dealing with complicated care instructions, you’re in luck because these are machine washable and are backed by the brand’s quality promise.
UNIQLO Slim-Fit Chino Pants
UNIQLO has made a name for itself with quality basics that are inexpensive. The Slim-Fit Chino Pants are some of the best dress pants for men. The ultralight pair of dress pants for the modern man is light and airy.
They’re made with the brand’s Signature Supima cotton fabric (97% cotton, 3% spandex) and have a relaxed, basic fit that still looks professional. UNIQLO advises that these get dry-cleaned, so just be sure to think of that.
I’m already a huge fan of the brand, and these chinos continue its reputation as a reliable retailer.
Everlane Performance Chino
Everlane’s Performance Chino is a solid middle-of-the-road pant you can wear to the office and with any business casual outfit.
It costs just about $100 and has a nice selection of colors, fits, and sizes. The technical fabric is sweat-wicking, breathable, and stretchy. Perhaps best of all, these pants have a 365-day guarantee.
Top Rated Men’s Office Pants
Now for some highly regarded pants:
State & Liberty Athletic Fit Stretch Pants
This pair of casual dress pants for men from State & Liberty is built specifically for guys with more athletic legs.
These trousers have more room in the seat, thighs, and quads and also have stretchy materials to offer more forgiveness. I’m no professional lifter, but if I did have thunder thighs, these would be my go-to.
Mizzen + Main Helmsman Chino Pants
Mizzen + Main offers some of the best modern dresswear. The Helmsman Chino Pants bring everything people love about the brand’s dress shirts to the bottom.
They’re made with a polyester-spandex blend performance fabric and have an elastic waistband.
Ever had problems with your shirt not staying tucked in? Don’t worry; these have silicone grips inside the waist to keep shirts in place.
Check out our Mizzen + Main review here.
FAQS
Here are some common questions about dressing for the office:
What Is the Best Fabric for Men Dress Pants?
The best fabric for dress pants is largely a matter of personal preference. If you’re looking for something that’s low maintenance and stretchy, go with a performance fabric like polyester.
If you’re looking for something a little more refined, professional, and that will best enhance your appearance, opt for a fine wool or cotton.
What Type of Men’s Dress Pants Are in Style?
Although it depends on what industry you’re in, where you live, and other factors, the most in-style dress pants are ones that fit you and your body type. For some, that may be slim fits, and for others, it may be classic fits.
What Color Pants Are Best for Work Men?
The best colors for the office are typically navy and gray as these are neutral traditional, and they don’t draw too much attention.
Stay in Style While Being Comfortable
Finding the best comfortable pants can be a game changer for guys looking to impress their coworkers but still want to feel good in the office. From the classiness of Bonobos’ Stretch Weekday Warrior pants to the high-tech comfort of Everlane’s performance chinos, these options will have something for you.
Also, don’t be afraid to invest in a high-quality pair. I always recommend that guys shop around, maybe try on a few different pairs, then get multiple pairs of the right pick for them. Think about it: you’ll be wearing these every day; you don’t want to sacrifice comfort and style with cheap pants.
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