8 OF THE BEST DRESS PANTS FOR MEN
With the latest fashion trends influencing nearly every aspect of menswear, timeless pieces offer a breath of fresh air. Enter: dress pants, a simple yet flattering garment that fits into both formal and business-casual looks.
Although dress pants were originally designed for more formal attire, their place in modern menswear extends far beyond this. They’re still often styled with dress shirts and dress shoes for weddings and office settings, but pairing them with sweaters, T-shirts, sneakers, and loafers grants even more opportunities. Designer brands embrace this potential, offering dress pants in various colors and fabrics that can adapt to almost any outfit.
We’ll introduce the designers behind some of the best dress pants for men and explain how to find the perfect fit.
WHAT ARE DRESS PANTS?
Dress pants aren’t limited to any one fabric or shape. They might be more easily defined by what they aren’t—jeans, sweats, shorts, and cargo pants are easily excluded from this category. Broadly speaking, dress pants are suitable for formal occasions, generally featuring a minimalistic design with belt loops and interior welt pockets.
HOW SHOULD DRESS PANTS FIT?
While other pant styles come and go, the overall fit of dress pants remains closely the same. Traditional designs are perfectly tailored, not cut too long, creating a bunched hem, but long enough to cover socks and ankles. The hem of the pants slightly cover the top of the shoe, and the seat fits to accentuate the body while not being overly baggy or tight. In the calf area, the pants are cut regularly, not hugging the leg or appearing too roomy.
Slim-fitting styles give a tapered look to slim legs and accentuate an athletic body. They are often shorter, hitting right above the ankle, and look great with loafers and no socks.
CHOOSING THE PROPER STYLE
For men, black dress pants are an easy win, but the proper style boils down to personal preference. Color and fabric can be used to convey particular stories in styling. For example, earth-tone brown blends well with vintage-inspired looks, while pale blue gives off a coastal vibe. Linen exudes a relaxed, free-spirited feel, while rich velvet is blatantly luxe.
8 BRANDS MASTERING DRESS PANTS FOR MEN
Designers understand the importance of offering men reliable and practical designs, crafting striking cuts from premium fabrics meant to last. Here are eight luxury labels creating exceptional men’s designer dress pants today:
Zegna
Zegna Men’s Formal Wool/Mohair Dress Pants
In 1910, Ermenegildo Zegna founded his eponymous textile company with the dream of creating some of the world’s most beautiful fabrics, a philosophy still seen today in the label’s exquisite ready-to-wear line cut from luxe materials. Zegna’s men’s formal dress pants are particularly impressive, with sharp tailoring accentuated by satin besom pockets and an adjustable buckle waist.
Kiton
Kiton is famed for flawless luxury apparel, with gorgeous suits, dress shirts, and sports coats hand-cut and hand-stitched by expert artisans. The brand’s solid linen dress pants reframe the beautifully rich composition of the material through strikingly innovative cuts. Linen is a fantastic summer fabric, making this design excellent for pairing with loafers and other casual slip-on shoes.
Zanella
It’s hard to argue with the practicality of a pair of stretch dress pants, and Zanella knows how to craft the perfect cut. The navy micro-check stretch wool dress pants are made from a virgin wool/elastane blend and have a signature stretch waistband that fits the body seamlessly. While the micro-check is unassuming, it’s just unique enough to give the wearer a touch of individuality.
Brioni
Brioni Men’s Wool Twill Dress Pants
Brioni is a fashion house that lives by the “slow luxury” principle, hand-making elegant tailored suits, formal jackets, tuxedos, and dress pants. The brand’s taupe twill-wool style exudes a sophistication commonly found in vintage menswear, featuring a grayish-brown color complemented by traditional brown buttoned-welt pockets. This design is fun to style with relaxed-fit clothing like turtlenecks and sweaters, as the pants have a refined yet down-to-earth quality.
Brunello Cucinelli
The fabrics of Brunello Cucinelli are undeniably first-rate. The label’s collection includes classic flat-front suit pants and slim-fit stretchy cotton pants. One of Brunello Cucinelli’s best dress pants options is the straight-leg evening pant, which is fashioned from a wool blend with a side strip of silk, making them an excellent choice for formal occasions.
ISAIA
ISAIA is a Neapolitan menswear brand that specializes in creating prestigious tailored suits. The label’s men’s dress pants are cut from heathered wool, silk, and linen, giving the design a natural textured appearance. The styles come in straight fits in classic black, bright blue, and gray, providing wearers with only the most timeless looks.
TOM FORD
TOM FORD Men’s Military Chino Pants
TOM FORD is a force in the realm of alluring menswear. The brand’s military chino pants have a semi-lustrous appearance that allows them to fit well with dressier garments and footwear, such as sleek turtlenecks, blazers, dress shoes, and dress boots.
Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent knows how to go above and beyond in every facet of its menswear designs. While the collection features classic dress-pant styles, the real standout is the velvet tuxedo pant. The deep burgundy and pleated front are the height of luxury. Slip into a pair of lavish velvet loafers to complete the look.
DRESS TO IMPRESS
Pants are the foundation of any great outfit. Neiman Marcus carries numerous styles that make dressing each day exciting. Whether sticking to one signature style or opting for a bit of diversity, our collection of dress pants, pleated pants, corduroy trousers, jeans, and lounge pants has everything it takes to build a solid collection.
For help choosing the right pair of men’s suit pants, learning how to style scarves, and more, book a one-on-one in-store or virtual appointment with a Neiman Marcus style advisor.