Everyone could use a great pair of dress pants, whether you regularly report to an office or just need something nice for more formal settings. After researching many different fits, styles and fabrics, we landed on the 12 best dress pants for men: Our top pick is the Bonobos Weekday Warrior Dress Pants, which offer style, comfort and practicality while also blending seamlessly with your existing wardrobe. If you’re on a budget, we recommend the Amazon Essentials Slim-Fit Dress Pant, a wallet-friendly option that’s stretchy and wrinkle-resistant.
We rounded up the 12 best dress pants for men that effortlessly blend comfort with sharp, … [+] sophisticated style.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
We included a wide range of dress pants to suit a variety of scenarios, whether you need a business casual style to pair with a dress shirt and blazer or formal trousers for a wedding. Some of our picks are even machine washable for easy maintenance. Below, find the best men’s dress pants to fit every occasion, all of which have been reviewed by Forbes Vetted deputy editor and men’s fashion expert Kari Molvar.
Sizes: 28 to 54W, 28 to 36L | Colors: 20 total, including Monday Blue and Friday Steel | Materials: 97% cotton, 3% elastane | Care: Machine wash cold
What’s notable: This pair is wrinkle-resistant and machine washable and comes in many colors.
What could be better: Some say the sizing can be inconsistent.
Bonobos really excels in the dress pants field, and their Stretch Weekday Warrior Dress Pant strikes the right balance between dressy and smart-casual. With a huge size range and six fits from slim to athletic—plus an embroidery detail in the waistband—building your weekday wardrobe around these easy-to-care-for pants is simple.
Sizes: 28 to 42W, 28 to 34L | Colors: 3 total, including Navy and Charcoal | Materials: 63% polyester, 33% viscose, 4% other fibers | Care: Machine wash cold
What’s notable: The slim fit through the thigh with a tapered leg is modern and polished.
What could be better: While the fabric is lightweight, some preferred it to be thicker.
This style is a top pick for affordability since it’s cut from a viscose polyester blend that’s wrinkle-resistant and machine-washable. Other style details include a hook and bar front closure with an interior button, front slant pockets and button-through back pockets.
Sizes: 28 to 40W, 30 to 34L | Colors: 6 total, including Black and Grey Oasis | Materials: Body: 53% elastomultiester, 47% recycled polyester; pocket lining 100% recycled polyester | Care: Machine wash cold
What’s notable: These come in a nice selection of wearable neutral colors and three different lengths.
What could be better: Some say the waist and length sizing varies.
Lululemon takes the everyday work pant to the next level of comfort. The Commission Classic-Fit Trouser is breathable and made from the brand’s signature shape-retaining Warpstreme fabric, which has a unique, stretchy knit that feels smooth and light in warm weather, or if you just run hot. Other smart details include snap buttons on the back pockets to prevent gaping and an ergonomic gusset to provide a little extra room for movement and flexibility.
Sizes: 28 to 38W, 30 to 34L | Colors: 2 total, including Navy and Charcoal | Materials: 97% wool, 3% elastane | Care: Dry clean only
What’s notable: The subtle hint of stretch in this pant makes it stylish and comfortable, and it retains its structure well.
What could be better: If you need a longer 35- or 36-inch inseam, this pair won’t work for you.
Todd Snyder is known for classic-yet-modern styling, and this pant checks all the boxes. The fabric has a soft hand feel, it has the slightest bit of stretch and its weight is versatile for most seasons. This pant is also stylish and modern without being overly trendy: It has a flat front with a moderate rise—not too low and not too high—and the tailored fit falls straight through the hip and then tapers.
Sizes: 28 to 38W, 30 to 34L | Colors: 7 total, including Cream and Dark Navy | Materials: 72% cotton, 28% linen | Care: Dry clean only
What’s notable: The Ludlow is a top-rated, well-fitting pant that accommodates a variety of body types well.
What could be better: The pant is only partially lined, which can make them potentially see-through in lighter colors, like white.
A contender for your summer dress pants wardrobe, this flat-fronted pant has the easy nonchalance of linen with a dressed up construction and slim fit. Wear this pair to the office, summer cocktail parties or an outdoor wedding with the suit jacket.
Sizes: 30 to 44W, 30 to 38L (unhemmed) | Colors: 4 total, including Indigo and Black | Materials: 100% super 100s wool | Care: Dry clean only
What’s notable: This pant comes in both a classic and slim fit, and you can also get it custom hemmed for $18.
What could be better: If you have athletic legs, these may be too tight through the thigh.
Sometimes you need a pant that you can wear with loafers or Chelsea boots, and sometimes you want a trouser you can wear with lace-ups and a suit jacket. Enter this pant, which features classic styling and enough polish for the boardroom or a wedding. This flat front style has the slightest sheen—which makes it dressy but not overly so—and a soft feel to keep you comfortable no matter what the venue.
State and Liberty Clothing Company
Sizes: 28 to 42W, 28 to 36L | Colors: 15 total, including Heathered Grey and Hunter Green | Materials: 56% nylon, 37% cotton, 7% spandex | Care: Machine wash cold
What’s notable: This pant is moisture-wicking, lightweight and machine washable, which makes them easy to care for, since you don’t have to spend money on dry cleaning.
What could be better: The fabric can be clingy if you’re wearing a size that’s slightly too small, and the taper can be a bit much for some.
Think of these as a dress pant with the elasticity of a sweatpant. Cut from a four-way stretch performance blend, State & Liberty’s suit pants are for athletic guys who may need a bit of extra room through the seat and thighs. This pant is dressy enough for the office, but it can also transition to the golf course on a half-day summer Friday.
Sizes: 28 to 38W | Colors: 3 total, including Navy and Heather Black | Materials: 60% wool, 38% polyester, 2% elastane | Care: Dry clean only
What’s notable: The fabric is a durable, breathable Japanese wool-blend fabric that’s brushed to make it extra soft.
What could be better: These aren’t sized by length, although the inseam is longer as waist size gets bigger. Some also say the weight of this pant makes them best for winter months.
Wills’ Stretch Wool Trouser is casual but has a great range—meaning, you can wear it for laidback hangouts and to dinner on weekends, but you can also dress it up with a blazer when necessary. It features two on-seam pockets and two welt back pockets with button closures, and the legs are lined in front down to the knees for wearability and durability.
Sizes: 28 to 40W, 26 to 36L | Colors: 10 total, including Dark Espresso and Smoked Pearl | Materials: Flex-knit performance fabric | Care: Machine wash cold
What’s notable: This style comes in four fits—classic, slim, skinny or five-pocket.
What could be better: Some would like a button closure rather than a snap at the waist.
For days when you want pants with flexibility but still need to look pulled together, Rhone’s Commuter Pant gets you where you need to go in comfort and in style. This pair is low maintenance—it’s both wrinkle-resistant and machine-washable—and comes in a variety of wearable colors for the office or dressed-up events.
Sizes: 44 to 58 (Italian sizing) | Colors: 2 total, including Gray and Navy | Materials: 100% wool | Care: Hand wash
What’s notable: These mid-weight wool trousers have an elasticized waistband for increased comfort.
What could be better: At $500, these pants are far more expensive than any of the other options on this list.
These wool dress pants look sharp paired with a blazer and loafers or a sweater and fashion sneakers. We love this style because it’s brushed for softness and comes in two rich hues, including deep Charcoal and Navy. The waistband is also elasticized, making these a comfortable dress pant for long work days or travel.
Sizes: 28 to 38 | Colors: Navy | Materials: 175 GSM Italian virgin wool | Care: Dry clean only
What’s notable: These pants are made of 100% Italian wool, which offers just enough warmth without causing you to overheat.
What could be better: They’re only available in one shade.
Navy wool pants are versatile classics, and this all-wool style from American menswear retailer Buck Mason can be worn all fall, winter and spring. Cut in a fitted-but-not-skinny silhouette with a classic flat front and button tab waist, it’s both understated and slimming. Pair it with the matching Graduate Blazer if you need a full suit during the cooler seasons.
Sizes: 28 to 40W; 28 to 34L | Colors: 3 total, including Khaki and Black | Materials: 60% cotton, 38% lyocell, 2% elastane | Care: Machine wash cold
What’s notable: This machine washable pair is ultra-comfortable, thanks to a soft interior waistband and stretchy cotton lyocell fabric.
What could be better: It’s only available in one fit—slim—which may not suit every body type.
While some dress pants feel restrictive and uncomfortable, this pair is cut from a cotton lyocell blend for a soft hand feel and comfortable wear experience. It’s slim and tapered at the ankle, and it has a concealed cell phone pocket. The chino material is lightweight and breathable, but keep in mind that these pants don’t look as formal as a pair made from a wool blend. For that reason, we recommend them for more relaxed settings.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’re experts on a wide range of fashion topics, particularly menswear; we’ve made thoughtful recommendations on everything from men’s suits to loafers for men. Each one of our shopping guides is thoroughly researched and carefully curated to ensure you have access to the best picks in every category.
Co-authors Molly Calhoun and Becky Eaton are both regular Forbes Vetted contributors who each have more than two decades of experience covering style and apparel.
This story was reviewed and edited by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Kari Molvar, our in-house style expert who holds a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion.
We regularly update our articles to make sure that all prices and product information is current; we also re-evaluate our selections for quality, value and availability. This story was most recently updated in October 2024 by fashion writer Claire Epting.
How We Chose The Best Dress Pants For Men
When choosing the best dress pants for men, we sought out best-selling styles from brands with stellar reputations for creating high-quality clothing.
Since “dressy” can mean something different to everyone, we considered factors such as material and fit to ensure our selections covered a wide range of professional needs.
Price, too, was taken into account; there are wallet-friendly options you can stock up on as well as higher-end pieces that will last you for years to come.
We also considered what goes into the care and maintenance of each pair of dress pants; we included options that are machine washable as well as dry clean only.
What To Consider In The Best Dress Pants For Men
When shopping for men’s dress pants, there are a few factors you should keep in mind. Consider the overall style of the pant, the quality of the fabric and the fit throughout the waist and leg.
Style
Many people consider dress pants to be something formal, while others think of them as anything other than sweats. First, consider your audience. If you need a corporate office dress pant—for instance, you work in a law firm or in banking—or you need a pair to wear to a formal dinner or special occasion, for got something sleek, like the Bonobos Stretch Weekday Warrior Work Pants or the Charles Tyrwhitt Natural Stretch Twill Suit Pants. If you have a slightly more casual office, an option like the Lululemon Commission Classic-Fit Pant can be ideal.
Fabric
In general, a wool pant is dressier than cotton chinos, which are more casual. Depending on the construction, polyester performance blends can drape well but have the feel of a relaxed pant because of the stretch. Wool typically requires dry cleaning, which is a pain to some; alternatively, cotton or linen can require effort in a different way because you will likely need to iron your pants for them to look their best. Performance blends are usually the most low-maintenance because they can typically be washed and dried in a machine.
Fabric weight also comes into play depending on the season and the climate in which you live. If you’ll be wearing wool in warm seasons, look for a summer weight. If the level of formality works for your office, we like the Abercrombie & Fitch 90s Slim Modern Chino for hot days due to its lightweight construction.
Fit
When it comes down to it, fit really just means something is comfortable and looks good on your body. To get the best fit, look for brands that offer multiple inseam lengths, such as Bonobos, Lululemon and Rhone. Also, pay close attention to the fit of the pant while considering your body type. If you’ve got muscular legs you may prefer an athletic fit, whereas if you have a wiry build, you may want a tailored or slim fit. Lastly, consider the size of the leg opening where your pant meets your shoes. Most straight leg pants have around a 16-inch circumference for the leg opening, but many dress pants have a taper to the leg—so they may feature a smaller opening that’s more like a 14 inches. This creates a sleeker, and often, dressier look.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who Makes The Best Men’s Dress Pants?
Based on our research, Bonobos makes the best dress pants for men overall. Its Weekday Warrior Dress Pants are stylish and versatile; they can be worn to more formal events, as well as in business casual settings. This style also comes in over a dozen colors and is machine washable, making maintenance a breeze.
What Is The Best Material For Men’s Dress Pants?
The best dress pant fabrics are those that are breathable, provide a flattering fit and have good durability. A classic wool dress pant has a crisp appearance and an element of formality. Summer weight or all-season wool can be worn year-round in most climates. Brushed wool and cashmere are great for cold months because they are warmer and typically a heavier weight. Many men find that wool pants that have a half lining—from the waist to knee—are most comfortable.
Crisp cotton chinos are breathable and appropriate for warmer months, but they trend toward being a less dressy dress pant. Polyester blends can have the appearance of an elevated pant with the functionality of a workout pant in that they’re typically stretchy and moisture-wicking.
What Is The Best Length For Dress Pants?
The most common suit pant length is a medium (or half) break, which means that the hem sits about a half-inch past the point where your pants meet your shoes. However, if you prefer a little more length, full break pants are another option—these extend beyond the top of your dress shoes by two or more inches. Chino pants, on the other hand, look best with no break at all; the hem ends right at the ankle.
