The Best Pant Styles for the Modern Man: Other than Denim

Pants – one of the most important parts of menswear are essentials in a man’s wardrobe. What most guys do is get a couple of jeans and think they don’t need any more pants. You sure don’t need as many pants as you need t-shirts but there are some modern pants styles guys need that are not jeans.

Before talking about the pants to get, let’s talk about the two denim styles to not buy now- the super skinny fit and the over/extra distressed jeans. Both these styles were popular in streetwear a couple of years ago but are out of style now. Both of them were never really a good trend. Guys wore those skinny jeans that looked like leggings, avoid getting them now.

Some modern pants styles might have more functionality, maybe more pockets, and drawstrings. These are some of the updates you’ll see in some of the new pant styles.

With these new styles, you also need some other classic pant styles that men have been wearing for ages. So this list will tell you about all the pants styles you need that are not jeans and what to pair them with.

Yes, you need jeans, but some other pants too, Some of these pants are versatile like the chinos and are comfortable too. Wearing these styles will make you look more stylish and a style professional, and will make you stand out as a guy who doesn’t just wear jeans all the time.

1. Chinos –

Chino pants are generally classier, comfortable, and lighter than denim. They are usually made from cotton, sometimes with other synthetic blends. They are versatile pants that should be in every man’s closet. Chinos are a classic menswear item so don’t worry about them going out of style. These pants are the best option if you don’t want to wear jeans but look classier. Must have in the summer for your legs to breathe. There are a lot of colors chinos come in, like the most popular khaki which is light brown, and grey, navy, maroon, etc. The best thing about chinos is their versatility, you can wear them with casual outfits as well as business-casual outfits and also with a suit jacket.

Cotton Twill Chinos – You can get the heavier and tougher version of chinos that are made from cotton twill. They look slightly different from chinos as they are heavier and have a texture that looks more like denim.

Pair these modern trousers with clothing pieces like sweatshirts, jackets, and shirts.

2. Track Pants/Sweatpants –

Track pants or sweatpants need no introduction. You need to have some form of athleisure and track pants are the best option as they are comfortable and athletic. These comfortable pants can be worn for various purposes like running and working out or just hanging around inside the house. If you’re getting one, make sure to get well-fitting pant that ends right at the ankles and touches the shoes. Make sure there are no designs or crazy patterns and stripes on the pants, try to get something clean in colors like black and grey. Avoid the super skinny or baggy sweatpants style as they’re both out of style now.
Jogger style also seems to fade away so avoid getting them too. If you still want them, get the modern drawstring chino joggers as they looks better than the regular joggers.

You can rock these pants throughout the year. You can wear a t-shirt and sneakers in summer. In colder seasons wear sweatshirts and jackets with high-top shoes and suede or nubuck leather work boots. Avoid wearing leather dress boots with track pants as they look very formal.

3. Drawstring Trousers –

Drawstring chinos or trousers are some of the newest entries in the pant styles. They look very modern because of the drawstrings and for the same reason they are comfortable too. They are just like regular trousers but with drawstrings for the waist making them comfortable. Because of the drawstring, it will fit perfectly on your waist and there is no need for a belt.

These modern trousers can be worn with sweatshirts, jackets, and shirts.

4. Cargo Pants –

Cargo pants were considered uncool and were out of trend half a decade ago. These pants are now everywhere on Pinterest and Instagram. This means that the cargo pants are back and not just the regular cargo pants, but with new colors and designs and with more pockets on them. Cargo pants mean functionality. The modern cargo pants look rugged and are slimmer, unlike the old hiking cargo pants that were wide and had a broad leg opening.

Chunky hiking boots and other large sole chunky shoes go well with Cargo pants. You can wear sweatshirts and jackets with them.

5. Suit Trousers –

What can be more amazing and professional than a good pair of suit trousers? Every man needs to own a trouser he can wear on multiple occasions. A pair of trousers made of either linen, good quality cotton, or wool is a versatile pant option. The most important thing about these formal trousers is fitting, they should rest at your ankles and should not be skinny or baggy. Trousers should be well-fitting and tailored as they are worn to make you look classy and professional. Talking about its versatility, you need suit trousers for multiple occasions like meetings, weddings, parties, and other business casual scenarios.

You can wear suit trousers with dress shirts, sweaters, sportscoat, and of course a suit. The best colors would be gray, black, navy, and charcoal gray.

6. Corduroy Pants –

Corduroy is a popular style and you can get one classy corduroy pants for the winter. These pants will make you stand out as they will make your style and outfit look more mature. It is perfect for winter as corduroy pants are thicker than most other pants styles. Pick colors like brown, black, and gray.

Wear Corduroy pants with sportscoat, shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts, and jackets.