Here’s the thing—most men will obsess over the perfect jacket, the right sneakers, the exact number of buttons a blazer should have to not look like their dad’s office wear from the ‘90s, but when it comes to what’s covering their bottom half, they just sort of… give up, defaulting to the same jeans they’ve had since college, some ill-fitting chinos forcefully bought by partners, and, at best, the occasional suit trousers for when the situation absolutely demands it.
But the truth is, your pants can make or break an outfit. They set the tone, define proportions, tells people that you made an effort. With tailored trousers and boot cut jeans back in trend—thank you, Paris Menswear Fashion Week, for reminding us that the fitting of your pants actually matters—it’s time to take stock of the essentials every man should own, from breathable linen for those unbearable Indian summers to sharp chinos that’ll carry you from brunch to boardroom and the perfect jeans that won’t make you look like you’re clinging onto the past, let’s get into it.
5 Types of Pants Every Man Should Own
- Tailored Trousers
For a while, men’s fashion was swinging wildly between extremes—super skinny jeans that made your legs feel vacuum-sealed or the oversized, slouchy, “I’m too cool to care” look that dominated the past few years, but now, thanks to a much-needed correction led by the likes of Dior, Armani and Louis Vuitton at Paris Menswear Fashion Week, we’re finally back to appreciating the art of a well-fitted trouser, not too tight, not too baggy, just right, often with pleats, a relaxed cut, and sometimes even a high waist, a subtle nod to old-school elegance that makes you look taller and sharper without even trying.
How to wear them without looking like you work in finance:
- Pair pleated wool trousers with a tucked-in knit polo or a Cuban-collared shirt—effortless and just the right amount of vintage cool.
- Cropped trousers with loafers or sleek Chelsea boots are the move for a more contemporary vibe.
- Want to go full old-school dapper? Suspenders or a great tie, a double-breasted blazer, and the confidence of a man who knows he looks good.
Best for:
- Fancy dinners, smart-casual occasions, work meetings where you want to look important but not intimidating, basically any time you need to appear like you’ve got your life together.
Our Picks:
- UNIQLO Smart Ankle Pants
- Louis Vuitton Silk And Wool Blend Drawstring Pants
- Hermès Saint Germain fitted pants
2. Linen Trousers
Look, if you’re still wearing thick denim or polyester-blend trousers in peak summer, I just have one question—are you okay? Stepping out in 40-degree heat wrapped in unbreathable fabric is self-inflicted suffering, which is why linen trousers are not just an option, they’re a necessity, the lightest, most breathable fabric that’ll keep you cool without making you look like you’ve given up on style. And, before you say, “but they wrinkle,” let’s just accept that linen’s slightly crumpled aesthetic is part of its charm, plus, let’s be honest, you’re probably not ironing your clothes anyway.
How to get linen right:
- A monochrome linen suit in off-white or earthy tones? Peak summer elegance.
- Beige linen trousers + a navy linen shirt + espadrilles = effortless and resort-ready.
- White linen trousers with tan loafers and a relaxed cotton shirt? An unbeatable combination for warm evenings.
Best for:
- Beach weddings, brunches, lazy afternoons where you still want to look like you made an effort, basically any scenario where sweating profusely is not an option.
Our Picks:
- Arks Men's Linen Drawstring Pants
- UNIQLO Linen Blend Relaxed Pants
- Armani Crêpe-effect faded linen trousers with ribbing
3. Chinos
Chinos are what you wear when you don’t want to look too dressed up but also refuse to look like you just rolled out of bed, the perfect in-between that can swing from smart to casual depending on how you style them, plus, they’re more breathable than denim, they hold their shape better than linen, and if you get them in the right fit—slim, slightly tapered, stopping just at the ankle—you’ll never have to think twice about what to wear again. If you prefer a more relaxed silhouette, go for something wide-fitting with pleats.
How to wear them without looking like a dad on holiday:
- A crisp white Oxford shirt, dark chinos and loafers
- Olive chinos with a Henley tee and sneakers
- Roll up the hems a little if you’re feeling fancy—adds a modern touch.
Best for:
- Work, casual Fridays, date nights where jeans feel too basic but trousers feel too much, basically any time you want to strike that balance.
Our Picks:
- H&M Regular Fit Crease-leg chinos
- UNIQLO JW Anderson Pleated Wide Chino Pants
- Andamen Ashy Twill Chino
4. Well-Fitted Jeans
The good news? Skinny jeans are finally over. The better news? That doesn’t mean you should swing to the other extreme and start drowning in baggy denim like you’re starring as an extra in a ‘90s rap video, the key to nailing jeans right now is balance—slim-straight or relaxed fits that give you room to move but still look structured, and if you’re still wearing that same washed-out, torn-at-the-knees pair from five years ago, you're overdue for an upgrade.
How to wear jeans like a grown man:
- Dark indigo jeans with a white shirt and boots? Timeless.
- Light-wash denim with an oversized tee and sneakers
- Selvedge denim with a leather jacket
Best for:
- Everything except black-tie formal events and 40-degree heat, but you knew that already.
Our Picks:
- Levi's Men's 501 Straight Fit Jeans
- UNIQLO Stretch Selvedge Slim Fit Jeans
- Bombay Shirt Company Japanese Cobalt Rigid Selvedge Jeans
5. Joggers
Joggers used to be just for the gym or for days when you had absolutely no intention of being seen in public, but modern joggers? Tailored, tapered, and stylish enough to actually be worn outside and pull off that athleisure vibe, perfect for when you want to be comfortable but still look like you thought about your outfit for at least five seconds.
How to wear them properly:
- Black or grey slim-fit joggers with a hoodie and sneakers = low-key but stylish.
- A structured bomber jacket over a plain tee with joggers and high-tops
- Stick to neutral colours unless you’re really confident in your ability to pull off statement prints.
Best for:
- Casual outings, airport fits, coffee runs where you still want to look good, and days when you want comfort without sacrificing style.
Our Picks:
- Damensch Lounge Jogger
- UNIQLO Extra Stretch DRY-EX Jogger Pants
- Adidas Orignal Trefoil Essentials French Terry Pants
Great style starts from the bottom up—tailored trousers are back, linen is your best friend in the heat, chinos will save you from looking underdressed or overdressed, jeans will always be a classic (as long as they actually fit well), and joggers prove that comfort and style aren’t mutually exclusive, so maybe it’s time to rethink what you’re putting on your legs because, trust me, the right trousers can change everything.
