While it’s great to have dressy pieces for formal settings, casual basics are essential for weekend plans, travel and everything in between. After spending hours researching styles from top menswear brands, I landed on the best casual pants for men that pair effortlessly with tees, polos and more. My top overall pick is the Duer No Sweat Slim, a stretchy, versatile pant you can wear virtually anywhere. For affordability, it’s hard to beat the Quince Comfort Stretch Traveler, a breezy cotton pair with just a hint of stretch.
I found the best casual pants for men that are perfect for everyday, with picks from Duer, Bonobos … More and more.
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When evaluating each option, I considered factors including fabric and fit, prioritizing styles that are comfortable, first and foremost. I also took note of sizing and color availability, to ensure there were options to suit every body type and taste. My final picks were reviewed and approved by features and special projects director Kim Peiffer, a fashion industry veteran with over two decades of experience. Below, find the best men’s casual pants that you’ll reach for on the regular. (If you’re looking for more options, check out our guide to the best jeans for men and the best shorts for men.)
Best Casual Pants For Men Overall: Duer No Sweat Slim
Best Affordable Casual Pants For Men: Quince Comfort Stretch Traveler
Best Casual Performance Pants For Men : Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Warpstreme
Best Casual Travel Pants For Men: Everlane The Easy Pant
Best Casual Joggers For Men: Vuori Sunday Performance Jogger
Best Casual Chino Pants For Men: Bonobos Chino 2.0
Best Casual Cargo Pants For Men: Levi’s 568 Cargo Pants
Sizes: 28 to 38 | Inseam lengths: 30 to 32 | Colors: 11 total, including Slate and Tobacco | Materials: 62% cotton, 34% Tencel lyocell, 3% Lycra T400 polyester, 1% Lycra spandex
Duer is known for their impeccable fits, style and comfort; multiple members of the Forbes Vetted team vouch for the brand’s high quality. The No Sweat Slim Pant is a wardrobe staple for guys who want to look put-together without the restrictive feel of jeans. (This same style is also available in a relaxed fit and a straight fit.) According to one of our editors— whose husband tested out these pants—the fabric is lightweight, buttery soft and stretchy, but it holds its structure. Essentially, these pants feel like loungewear but look like a nice pair of khakis.
Sizes: 30 to 44 | Inseam lengths: 30 to 34 | Colors: 6 total, including Khaki and Navy | Materials: 98% cotton, 2% elastane
Quince’s direct-to-consumer approach to fashion ensures both high quality and affordable prices: Its Comfort Stretch Traveler punches well above its weight with its $50 price tag. Made from breathable cotton with a bit of elastane for flexibility, this pair offers a straight-leg fit and classic five-pocket styling. You won’t find as many color options as the Duer No Sweat Slim or Lululemon ABC Warpstreme, but the Quince’s classic shades of Khaki, Navy and Black may be all you need.
Sizes: 28 to 46 | Inseam lengths: 28 to 37 | Colors: 13 total, including Dark Olive and Oil Grey | Materials: 53% elastomultiester, 47% recycled polyester
Lululemon is well known for its top-quality athlesiure, and its ABC Warpstreme pants are designed with everyday performance in mind. The quick-drying, smooth fabric holds its shape and resists wrinkles, so you can go straight from a brisk walk to a seated dinner with ease. An ergonomic gusset in the crotch area ensures these straight-leg pants won’t restrict your movement.
Sizes: XS to XXL | Inseam length: 29.5 inches | Colors: 5 total, including Kalamata and Beech | Materials: 98% organic cotton, 2% elastane
For long-haul flights and days spent sightseeing, the Everlane Easy Pant is an excellent choice. They’re made of mid-weight cotton twill that’s enhanced with elastane, boosting its wrinkle resistance and lending a soft, stretchy feel. Similar to a pair of joggers, the Easy Pant has an elastic waistband and a drawstring closure, which helps keep you comfortable when sitting in a cramped airplane seat.
Sizes: XS to XXL | Inseam lengths: 28 to 30 | Colors: 11 total, including Dusty Blue Heather and Black | Materials: 88% recycled polyester, 12% elastane
In terms of comfort, it’s hard to beat a pair of joggers. Vuori’s Sunday Performance Jogger manages to deliver in ease without skimping on style. (This pair previously topped our list of the best joggers for men.) They fit closely throughout the thigh and taper at the ankle, creating an athletic yet slim fit. A drawstring waistband and zippered side pocket are functional touches.
Sizes: 28 to 46 | Inseam lengths: 28 to 36 | Colors: 19 total, including Oatmilk and Faded Black | Materials: 92% cotton, 8% spandex
Chino pants are a classic business casual pick, and the Bonobos Chino 2.0 earns high marks for looking polished while feeling ultra-comfortable. The previous version of this style, the Bonobos Original Chino, earned the top spot on our list of the best chinos for men; this iteration improves upon its predecessor by incorporating a higher percentage of spandex into the soft-washed cotton fabric. It comes in six different fits, ranging from tailored to classic.
Sizes: 28 to 38 | Inseam lengths: 30 to 34 | Colors: 3 total, including Dark Phantom and Ivy Green | Materials: 100% cotton
Beyond the iconic selection of jeans at Levi’s, the brand also offers a sizable selection of non-denim casual pants. The 568 Cargo Pants are loose throughout the seat and thigh, stacking slightly at the ankles for a ’90s-inspired look. Despite being made of non-stretchy slub cotton twill, the relaxed fit ensures a full range of movement. In addition to the side and back pockets, you’ll find a generously sized pocket on each leg, perfect for stashing your keys and wallet.
The Forbes Vetted team has researched, written and published a wide catalog of fashion stories.
More specifically, our menswear coverage spans a wide range of topics, from the best work pants for men to the best men’s shorts.
Claire Epting, the author of this piece, has five years’ experience covering men’s and women’s apparel in addition to other lifestyle subjects.
The publishing of this article was overseen by features and special projects director Kim Peiffer and deputy editor Kari Molvar, two fashion industry veterans with over 20 years of experience.
How I Chose The Best Casual Pants For Men
When assembling this list of the best casual pants for men, I spent hours researching top menswear brands that are popular with Forbes Vetted team members and readers.
I considered the different scenarios in which a pair of casual pants would be appropriate. I included styles that are suitable for running errands, airplane travel, grabbing drinks with friends and more.
I closely evaluated the material content of each pair of pants, paying attention to factors such as stretch, weight and breathability.
Once I made my initial selections, all styles were sent to Peiffer for approval, who ensured the quality of each pick.
What To Consider In The Best Casual Pants For Men
When shopping for casual pants, there are a few factors you should keep in mind, including material, fit and overall style. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Material
As a rule of thumb, casual pants should prioritize comfort. Look for pairs made of lightweight or midweight fabric, ideally blended with spandex or elastane for stretch. Cotton is a popular choice for its breathability, while polyester is known for its wrinkle-resistance and moisture-wicking abilities. My top pick overall, the Duer No Sweat Slim, features a blend of cotton, polyester, lyocell and a hint of spandex, resulting in a flexible fabric that still holds its shape.
Fit
Generally, casual pants tend to be on the roomier side, while more streamlined, tailored styles tend to be worn on dressier occasions. Many of the picks on this list are designed with a straight leg, a middle-of-the-road option that’s neither too tight nor too baggy. That being said, if you prefer a slimmer fit, there are styles that still read “casual,” like the Duer No Sweat Slim and the Bonobos Chino 2.0.
Style
For business-casual office settings, I recommend a chino pant with a slim leg. Meanwhile, for running errands or lounging at home, a pair of joggers would be more suitable. If you’re going to be traveling for long periods of time, a pair of relaxed-fit pants with an elastic waistband will keep you in comfort. Color, too, should be considered: Lighter shades like beige and olive green lend themselves to a more casual look, while darker hues like navy and black read more formal.
