The Best Pants for Men, from Trendy Trousers to Classic Chinos

Tailored to perfection with just the right hint of stretch, these chinos prove you don’t have to choose between looking sharp and feeling comfortable. The silhouette is clean, modern, and intentionally minimalist — because true luxury doesn’t need to shout. Whether you’re sealing deals in the boardroom or sipping cocktails at a swanky restaurant, these pants move with your schedule and your stride. They flex when you do, stay cool under pressure, and deliver the kind of effortless polish that turns heads without trying.

Finding a pair of jeans is often a Goldilocks-level endeavor, but our Features Director Ryan Buxton has found the pair that’s just right: “These Everlane jeans are my current go-to denim for everyday wear. They’re fitted enough to comfort me as a millennial who came of age in the skinny-jean era, and relaxed enough that I don’t look like I just fell pants-first out of 2007. The indigo and black washes are great for dressing up your look a bit, or you can keep it more casual with a lighter shade. My favorite color? Inkwell blue, right in the middle.”

Trends come and go, but Levi’s 501s are a legacy gem. Worn by icons from Marlon Brando to Barack Obama, this is denim with history — and serious style cred. No stretch, no gimmicks, just 100 percent pure cotton that ages like a fine whiskey: It gets better with every year. Rugged, refined, and unmistakably classic, these are the blueprint for what jeans are supposed to be.

Sam Vastis, senior associate on our accounts team and KCM men’s style icon, has been wearing these chinos on repeat lately. “Don’t let the name of these pants fool you: There’s nothing overly ‘giant’ about them, unless you compare the fit to how horrendously skinny some men’s pants have become. This style checks all the boxes for me because it has a timeless fit, comes in classic colors, and costs under $100.” Looking for something with a slimmer fit? Try J.Crew’s classic trousers instead.

We’ve sung the praises of these do-it-all pants for years — and not just because they’re Molner’s favorite pair. Think of them as the menswear answer to leggings: incredibly comfortable, endlessly versatile, and built for everything from red-eye flights to everyday life. The fit? Spot on. With five inseam lengths and waist sizes ranging from 28 to 46, they can practically be custom-fit, no tailor required. Style them up, dress them down, wear them anywhere.

Another favorite of our fashionable coworker Sam? These drawstring-waist, military-inspired pants. “They’re a perfect choice when you want something comfortable, but don’t want to walk out of the house wearing sweatpants,” he says. “Whether you’re binge-watching TV or going to get a coffee, you won’t have to compromise between looking and feeling good.”

The style tide is shifting: Designers are finally abandoning skintight silhouettes for men in favor of relaxed, wide-leg cuts, and this pair from Honor The Gift is a stellar example. Cut with intention and draped just right, they have an laidback energy that still looks put together. Crafted from luxe French terry, the fabric is buttery-soft, with just enough texture to set it apart from your standard-issue sweats. 

According to our coworker Ryan, these are some of the few pants that he deems worthy of shopping in-store for. “Full disclosure: I’m not a super enthusiastic shopper. I start to get antsy after 15 minutes in an apparel-focused retail space. But Bonobos is worth the visit: Their in-person inventory is intentionally low so the staff can focus on helping you find your exact right fit. I like to go in, find something that looks good on me, and then order it in multiple colors.”

Don’t let the name fool you — these utility pants are built for more than covert ops. Engineered with stretch for ease and an adjustable waist for a dialed-in fit, they move with you, not work against you. Whether you’re navigating city streets or weekend trails, they offer the ease of track pants with the polish of something far more than just functional. The water-repellent fabric shrugs off the elements, with multiple pockets to stash your gear — phone, keys, maybe a pocket knife — without looking bulky.

Dubbed “loungewear for everywhere,” it’s easy to see why these joggers have earned their spot in Molner’s rotation when traveling. With a tailored-yet-relaxed fit and a drawstring waist that sits just right, they’re made to move. Available in 10 colors and patterns, they’re as ready for takeoff as they are for takeout. Front slip pockets and a zippered side pocket add just the right amount of edge — perfect for stashing keys, cards, or whatever else you don’t want falling out while you’re walking through TSA screening.

Still daydreaming about the White Lotus season finale and the cast’s resort-ready wardrobe? You’re not alone. Channel that jet-set, sun-soaked energy by adding a pair of linen trousers to your closet. They’re a ideal upgrade of your everyday chinos, with a breezy elegance that feels just as at home at a five-star hotel as it does at your neighborhood brunch spot. Lightweight and breathable, they handle Thailand-level heat and humidity without making you break a sweat.

A higher rise — think Sidney Poitier or Fred Astaire in their prime — is very much in style these days, and these field pants from Alex Mill are an ideal example. The military-inspired design is timeless, but the herringbone fabric adds a modern twist that keeps them grounded in the now. Garment-dyed for depth and character, the patch pockets give a nod to vintage style, while the adjustable waist tabs eliminate the need for a belt, creating a cleaner, more-tailored silhouette.