FROM THE OFFICE TO THE OUTDOORS: THE BEST WORK PANTS FOR MEN

The 9-5 grind is different for everyone, whether it entails analyzing legal documents or constructing homes. No matter what the day holds, the right pair of work pants can make a difference.

Workwear must withstand everything your job entails, whether it involves visiting remote job sites or meeting with clients. In short, versatility is key. You shouldn’t worry about a pair of uncooperative pants seizing up with a single bend or ripping against a sharp edge. Designers tackle this challenge head-on with comfortable designs in durable fabrics, ensuring the comfort and mobility you need to finish the job.

We've rounded up the best work pants for men for the office, outdoors, and everything in between.

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CHOOSING GOOD WORK PANTS

Before breaking down the top styles, let’s review a few key characteristics, as pants' functionality depends on the setting. Traditional office environments and hands-on labor sites provide different challenges, so it's only natural that their ideal pants differ. These tips make finding the perfect work pants a hassle-free endeavor.

Consider daily activities

Generally speaking, an office setting requires less movement than a workshop or construction site. Although sitting stresses your garments in its own way, your pants needn’t be as flexible and heavily reinforced. Our favorite business-setting pants are wrinkle-resistant and tapered for a streamlined appearance. On the other hand, workwear pants should be maneuverable and roomy to account for movement.

Fabric choice

Material plays a vital role in the comfort and practicality of a pair of pants. Cool office air-conditioning and sweltering summer worksites demand different fabrics to regulate your internal temperature. For colder climates, choose insulative materials, such as wool, corduroy, and denim. Opt for lightweight linen and cotton fabric in warmer areas or during summer.

When it comes to durability, not all fabrics are created equal. Hard-wearing work pants should be constructed from abrasion-resistant material to handle daily wear and tear. Sturdy fabrics include nylon, denim, and cotton canvas. Alternatively, lightweight wool or cotton materials will do the trick if a job requires less movement.

Helpful features

Office-ready and utility work pants feature details that make the job easier. For manual labor, most designer pants feature elements that enhance their durability, such as reinforced belt loops, double knees, and gusseted crotches—each granting additional support. Office attire has a more stylistic and comfort-focused approach. Here, tabbed waistbands and pleats are sought-after qualities.

BEST PANTS FOR BUSINESS-CASUAL ATTIRE

There's no denying the confidence boost from stepping into the office in a refined suit. However, today's office jobs often call for something less formal. That’s where chinos and classic wool trousers come in handy, allowing men to look sharp but not overly dressed. These pants styles are well-suited for conquering business affairs fashionably.

Chinos

These polished pants rule the business-casual world, and for good reason. The cotton twill fabric is stretchy and comfortable without compromising the pants’ sophistication. Chinos come in slim and classic fits with two side slant front pockets and two back welt pockets. They tend to transcend trends, offering timeless looks in reliable solid colors. TOM FORD tops the charts in well-groomed menswear, offering numerous dashing silhouettes. The natural-colored Straight Leg Chino Sport Pants are highly versatile, pairing well with turtlenecks, dress shirts, and oversized sweaters.

Dress pants

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but modern dress pants have evolved from their straight-laced past. Although they're still ideal for formal looks, recent years have seen dress pants make headway in casual ensembles with equal success. Dress them up with a long sleeve button-down shirt or give them a relaxed vibe with a plain black tee and sneakers. Opt for striking black wool and mohair dress pants from Zegna or a printed design from Etro.

Pleated pants

Pleated pants come in various fabrics with one thing in common: front folds along the waist, often accompanying a more relaxed fit and a higher rise. Pleats evoke the sophistication of classic tailoring, giving outfits an elevated appearance. Some have dramatic folds and high waistlines, while others offer a subtle, contemporary look. Explore Scotch & Soda's slim-fit pleated pants in khaki and black for a modern take on this timeless style. For a bold and baggy approach, try the low-crotch pleated trousers from Loewe.

Wool trousers

Wool pants traverse the line between office-appropriate and adventure-ready. Wool offers unmatched insulation, breathability, and toughness, making it an excellent option for handiwork. However, its polished appearance is also highly coveted in the business world. This makes it suitable for both contexts and everything in between. Select a straight fit from Burberry, embroidered with the brand's signature tonal Equestrian Knight Device (EKD) iconography.

BEST OUTDOOR WORK PANTS

The hazards of manual labor can quickly demolish a pair of pants. Choose styles specifically made to resist wear and tear if you want them to last. Generally, it's best to avoid the contemporary slim fit; work pants should allow for a wide range of movement, so roomy, loose cuts are ideal. When the job site calls for clothes that can withstand physical work, turn to these reliable designs.

Cargo pants

Cargo work pants are one of the top styles for anyone planning to get their hands dirty. The additional pockets are practical for carrying tools—paint brushes, screws, and tape measures, to name a few. Ksubi's Men's Fugitive Camo Cargo Pants are made from cotton ripstop fabric, specially designed to resist tears. They're perfect for maintaining a stylish appearance during a hard day’s work.

Khaki pants

Khaki pants can be considered the durable counterpart to chinos. The key distinction is that military-inspired khakis are often made from sturdier fabric and designed for utility. The two terms are often used interchangeably, but when it comes to changing a tire or fixing unexpected plumbing predicaments, khakis are the right choice.

Relaxed fit jeans

Denim has long been a pillar of men's workwear, rising to prominence in the late 19th century with heritage brand Levi Strauss & Co. Today, jeans remain a mainstay of men's fashion, coming in rugged, long-lasting designs. The Double-Knee Denim Carpenter Pants from Amiri imbue the traditional design with a rockstar attitude. The straight-leg cut features snap ankles, ample pocket space, and a handy hammer loop.

PANTS FOR EVERY SEASON, TIME, OR REASON

Whether you’re creating a balance sheet or supervising a construction crew, the right outfit inspires confidence throughout your day. Neiman Marcus carries a wide selection of designer pants, casual button-down shirts, and shoes to ensure your wardrobe works as hard as you do.

For more outfit inspiration, visit the editorial archive, where we provide styling tips for making the most of everyday closet staples. Now that you know the best work pants for men, explore the top backpack designs and how to style chino pants.