The Best Men’s Khaki Pants Can Be Dressy, Casual, and Everything in Between
If your dress code at work is business casual, then one of your go-to styles should be khaki pants. Even if your workplace subscribes to today’s more low-key style of office attire (or you work from home), every guy needs a classic pair of khakis in his closet. They’re sophisticated, but, with the right ensemble, their versatility factor spans the chart, making them ideal for a first date, a job interview, or grabbing drinks with friends.
What Are Khaki Pants?
Originating from a Hindi word that means “dust,” there are two common definitions for “khaki.” Khaki is, by one definition, a light beige color. But the term is perhaps used more commonly to describe a type of men’s cotton pants. Despite that, today, many people often refer to any sort of non-denim, non-wool trouser or chino as “khakis.”
There’s a little gray area around the precise origin of khaki pants, but it’s often attributed to the British Indian Army of the mid-19th century when soldiers would stain their cotton pants with dirt, and other brown-staining substances, to blend in with the landscape. Men’s khaki pants are also well documented throughout the Spanish American War and during World War II. But it was in 1917 when the US Navy made them standard issue, popularizing them in America. That means, like men’s T-shirts, the men’s khaki pants of today are a byproduct of standard-issue military clothing.
What to Wear With Khaki Pants
Today, men’s khaki pants can we worn with anything — they’re not just for work anymore. Whether they’re pleated or flat-front, khaki pants are just as versatile as men’s jeans, if not more, and look great in any color from classic light tan to dusty pink and everything in between.
For those dressing up traditional khaki pants, one of the easiest ways to wear them is with a comfortable white dress shirt, a navy blue blazer, and a British tan oxford dress shoe. Make sure to maintain sharp creases down the front by folding them over the inside of a hanger. To keep it business casual, untuck the dress shirt and add a pair of sneakers for the office. Otherwise, the sky is the limit — pop on your favorite T-shirt with your everyday sneakers and you’re ready to run. There aren’t many strict rules to wearing khaki pants.
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The Best Men’s Khaki Pants for 2023
Dockers are the first brand many think of when it comes to men’s khakis. The brand’s Ultimate Chinos, which feature a four-way stretch fabric and a straight fit, are versatile, fashionable, and comfortable as ever. If you own nothing else, this is the one to reach for.
[From $26; amazon.com]
Vuori’s Meta pant quite literally stretches the definition of a khaki, as it’s built from flexible, lightweight polyester rather than the traditional cotton. Palo Alto approved, these pants are better suited for more casual offices or traveling. The pants are odor-resistant, moisture-wicking, and have UPF 30+ sun protection, so they’re built for comfort in all facets both inside and outside.
[$128; vuori.com]
The Foundation Pant was born when Taylor Stitch recreated a set of deadstock military chino fabrics with mid-weight, responsibly sourced organic cotton. Herringbone accents and military-style pockets give a vintage lived-in feel to these reinvented khakis. Better yet, they’re much smoother (and more durable) than the utilitarian originals thanks to the tight weave of the mercerized yarns.
[$125; taylorstitch.com]
Wrinkled khakis are a major fashion faux pas. Fortunately, Lululemon’s sporty take on the conventional khaki ensures you’ll never have to deal with that issue. The company’s proprietary Warpstreme fabric allows for unencumbered freedom of movement, good breathability, and excellent wrinkle resistance, so you can look and feel your best.
[$128; lululemon.com]
Brunt, a brand making waves with its high-quality work boots, makes the best khaki pants for men working on or around job sites. If getting dirty is on the table, there’s no reason to risk messing up a nice pair of khakis. The Torra, which comes in five colors, was designed to look nice, keep you comfortable, and withstand the stains, scuffs, and tears that can happen at any time on the job. The brand completed the flexible Torra Pant in a DWR finish to resist water, reinforced the belt loops and tool clip patch to prevent tears, and added pockets in the most convenient locations. With waist sizes ranging from 28-48 and an inseam of up to 36, these will fit just about anybody who owns a screwdriver.
[$59; brunt.com]
“Pleated cargo pants” might have sounded like a clarion call for the fashion police just a few short years ago. But the comeback of ‘90s style and a return to looser, more comfortable fits has made the pleated cargo a fashion flex that’s far from the staid world of business casual. These are a streamlined take on the cargo, with simple flap pockets and none of the extraneous buckles and straps you might remember from your grade school days. Lean into the grunge look with a perfectly worn-in flannel shirt and a pair of Docs or modernize the look with a tucked-in tee and slick sneakers.
[$118; madewell.com]
Seamlessly merging the appearance of refined chino pants with the flexibility of performance wear, these straight-fit pants deliver unbeatable comfort for the day-to-day grind. Crafted primarily from cotton and enhanced with a touch of stretchy spandex for added mobility, the 365 Straight pants are built for work and play. Dress them up with a button-down for the office or keep it casual with a T-shirt on weekends — these versatile pants adapt effortlessly to any style or occasion.
[$98; huckberry.com]
Give your favorite jeans a break and slip on Penguin’s trusty chinos. They’re wallet-friendly and ready for just about anything. The lightweight cotton twill fabric is blended with elastane for a bit of stretch, and it’s breathable enough to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day.
[$89; originalpenguin.com]
Featuring luxe Italian cotton and a stylish slim fit, the Slim Traveler Pant 2.0 from Banana Republic is a top choice for just about any occasion. The soft, stretchy fabric makes them super comfortable, too. As the name suggests, these are a no-brainer for jet setters or anybody on the move. You’ll want them in multiple colors.
[$110; bananarepublic.gap.com]
Constructed like a pair of five-pocket jeans but utilizing technical fabrics, the Performance Link trousers from Bonobos are a sure bet for all-season wear. The breathable, moisture-wicking recycled polyester fabric works equally well for rounds on the golf course as it does for a boozy Sunday brunch. The elastic waistband will ensure your shirt stays tucked, and a zip pocket will keep your keys and other items secure.
[$129; bonobos.com]
Mott & Bow was founded by Alejandro Chahin, whose family has 30 years of expertise producing denim. Combining a classic fit with modern comforts, the Charles chinos are crafted with medium-weight twill and a dash of spandex so they move effortlessly with your body. The pants also include a center rear V-notch to keep the waistband from creeping down while you’re seated.
[$109; mottandbow.com]
Levi’s Xx Chino Straight Fit khakis deliver buttery softness and just the right amount of stretch, and they’re cut for a straight fit that’s both forgiving and sleek. And don’t worry about keeping them crisp — thanks to the “Sta-Prest” feature, they’ll maintain a sharp, permanent crease.
[$90; levi.com]
They look like regular pants, they feel like sweatpants, and we are officially in love. Whether at the office or on a hike, the No Sweat Pant from Duer is never restricting thanks to its stretchy fabric blend and clever details like a hidden gusset (an extra panel of fabric sewn into the pants) for greater mobility. For maximum flexibility and comfort, go with these. Order your normal size for a comfortable fit or try a size down for a more close-to-body aesthetic.
[$139; shopduer.com]
Thanks to the influence of TikTok and much to the chagrin of Ryan Gosling’s character in Crazy, Stupid, Love, Gap is back in vogue. Embrace today’s throwback style with the Gap Modern Khakis: A straight fit that offers plenty of room through the leg with a cotton-and-Lycra blend that flexes with you as you move.
[$60; gap.com]
These chinos are garment dyed for nuanced color and they’re designed with subtle front pleats for roominess and a classic aesthetic. The flapped coin pocket and an X-shaped belt loop at the back give them added flair. Boasting a slightly cropped fit, these men’s pants offer a longer rise and a relaxed leg for weekday-to-weekend wearability.
[$135; alexmill.com]
Dockers has a wide range of men’s khakis and chinos, and the brand’s slim-fit Workday Khaki is a great professional option that’s easily dressed up or down. The slim-fit pants have a flat front (i.e., not pleated) with a prominent crease, giving them a dressy but modern look. These chinos are 92% cotton and 8% elastane, so they have plenty of stretch to keep you comfortable during a long day on the move. Dockers is owned by Levi’s and also partakes in its parent company’s “water
[$43; amazon.com]
