We all know the basics – jeans, chinos, shorts – but there’s so much more to pants than just these everyday go-tos. Over time, pants have evolved in ways that go beyond just the fit and style, giving you a range of options for different occasions, events, and personal tastes.
For instance, you can choose from different types of pants for men based on your individual preferences. Top men’s pants types range from athletic pants to casual pants to work wear pants and formal business pants, and more. These different types of pants are best to style with various outfits depending on the look you would want to create.
So, let’s take a look at the different types of pants for men out there and how each one can work for you. You might just find the perfect pants pair that changes your overall look.
Sports & Athletic Pants
Sports and athletic pants are men’s pants types that are designed with performance, comfort, and movement in mind for various sports and fitness activities. These type of pants for men come in different styles, fabrics, and performance options based on different sports and activities.
Athletic pants are kinds of pants for guys that are specifically designed for individuals who are often involved in various kinds of athletic activities like running, gym, yoga, cycling, and more. These men’s pant types are lightweight, breathable, and designed to wick away sweat, allowing for a full range of movement during high intense activities. They are often made from polyester or spandex blends, which make them stretchy and flexible – perfect for running, gym, and sports.
Moreover, these type of pants come in various designs, from classic joggers to fitted styles, making them suitable for different activities. They offer a great fit, with tapered legs that create a slim and stylish silhouette and cuffed ankles for a trendy, athletic look.
Styling Tip: For a sporty look, pair your athletic pants with a fitted top or hoodies. Add sneakers to complete the look. You can also wear them with a jacket for a more stylish and street-inspired look.
Jogger pants are an athletic-inspired types of pants for men that are designed for activities like running, cycling, and other athletic activities. These are typically made from soft and comfortable materials such as cotton or polyester. They feature an elastic waistband and ankle cuffs with tapered legs and additional handy pockets, providing a fit that’s perfect for both exercise and sports.
Styling Tip: Jogger pants can easily pair with fitted t-shirts and hoodies. If you’re going for a more fashionable look, try layering with a denim jacket, and you’re good to go!
Compression pants are designed for athletes to improve circulation and reduce muscle fatigue during physical activities. These men’s pants types are typically made from tight-fitting, stretchable materials like nylon or spandex to provide gentle pressure across the legs. They also helps to increase blood flow and support muscle recovery, making them perfect for post-exercise wear. These types of pants for men are popular for various sports and training sessions as they help reduce the risk of injury.
Styling Tip: Pair your compression pants with a fitted compression tank top to complete your athletic look. For a post-workout outfit, style them with a lightweight hoodie or jacket and look at your best on and off the gym.
Track pants are lightweight and breathable – ideal for running or other high-intensity athletic activities. They often feature a drawstring waistband and elastic cuffs around the ankles. These men’s pants types are made from moisture-wicking materials like polyester and nylon, keeping athletes cool and dry while offering flexibility and comfort during workouts, fitness, and track events.
Styling Tip: Track pants pair well with simple t-shirts or a sporty sweatshirt for an active look. Don’t forget to add sneakers to complete your look and be at your best.
Yoga pants are designed to offer maximum comfort to the wearer especially during exercise and yoga. They are best for yoga, Pilates, and other low-impact athletic activities. Made from stretchy, breathable, and moisture-wicking fabrics such as spandex and cotton, these types of men pants offer support and freedom of movement to the wearer. In addition to that, yoga pants are also worn beyond the gym, as they make a good outfit for informal settings and every day wear.
Styling Tip: Style these kinds of pants for men with simple t-shirts or gym and yoga. To style yoga pants beyond the gym, consider layering with oversized tops, lightweight jackets, or sweaters.
Baseball pants are designed for the specific requirements of baseball players, providing flexibility, durability, and comfort. These types of pants are typically made from polyester blends with a slim fit and elastic waistband, allowing players to move easily while protecting the knees and lower legs. Many baseball pants come with padding or protective features to cushion players during sliding or tackling.
Styling Tip: Pair baseball pants with a fitted baseball jersey to create a sporty look;, or style it with a simple t-shirt for a more casual look.
Football pants are designed for football, providing both protection and comfort to the player during the sport as well as practice sessions. These type of pants for men feature built-in padding in key areas like the hips, thighs, and knees to protect players during tackles and other intense movements on the ground. These men’s pant types are worn with shoulder pads and a jersey, providing a form-fitting look for players or athletes.
Styling Tip: Style these types of pants for men with a simple t-shirt during practice and warm-up sessions, or style them with a polo shirt for off-the ground look.
Softball pants are similar to baseball pants, and are designed to provide athletes the well-fitted form. They often come with a more tapered fit and elastic cuffs at the ankles, helping players stay comfortable and perform their best on the field. Made from stretchable and comfortable fabrics like cotton and polyester, these types of men’s pants feature padding in the knees for protection when sliding. They are also available in both long and three-quarter lengths to suit your varied requirements and provide you comfort and flexibility during the game.
Styling Tip: Style your softball pants with an athletic t-shirt or a basic t-shirt for off-the-ground look. Add sneakers to complete your look.
Comfort & Casual Pants
These types of pants for men make your go-to casual wear. They are designed for lounging, day trips, or easygoing activities throughout the week.
Sweatpants are loose-fitting kinds of pants made of soft and absorbent fabrics like cotton and polyester blends. They are often worn for daily wear to casual outings, sportswear or post-exercise wear. These kinds of pants for men typically have a stretchy waist (often with a drawstring) and cuffs at the ankles, providing a loose and relaxed fit. They come in a variety of styles, from classic straight-leg designs to more tapered fits, making them a versatile option to create different casual looks.
Styling Tip: They pair well with basic t-shirts, hoodies, or sweatshirts for a relaxed look. You can also layer with a jacket to add a bit of style to your casual look.
Capri pants are a shorter style of pants that end at mid-calf, perfect for warmer weather. Made from lightweight materials like cotton or linen, these types of men pants help keep you cool on hot days. Ideal for casual outings, beach days, or other outdoor activities, these types of pants provide a stylish alternative to full-length pants. They pair well with casual shirts or tanks, offering a more comfy and relaxed look.
Styling Tip: Pair them with a simple t-shirt or a tank top. If you want a more stylish look, you can dress them up with a button-down shirt.
These types of male pants are defined by their loose and relaxed fit, often worn for added comfort and style. These men’s pants type has a wide leg opening and sit loosely on the hips. Originally popularized in the ’90s by hip-hop culture, baggy pants are now in huge demand especially when it comes to creating street-inspired looks. They come in various materials from denim to lightweight cotton and cotton/poly blends, so you can choose one based on different seasons and the looks you want to create.
Styling Tip: These types of pants for men can be paired with oversized t-shirts or loose-fit hoodies to create urban-inspired street wear looks.
Jeans, while often considered casual, can also be styled in more presentable and formal way for business casual environments. They come in various cuts, from skinny to bootcut, and are made from denim, which gives you a rugged and stylish appeal. They are a favorite type of pants for men when it comes to creating casual yet stylish street-smart looks. Moreover, a well-fitted pair of jeans in a dark wash can be a great option for smart-casual outings.
Styling Tip: For a casual look, pair your jeans with a t-shirt or a hoodie. Pair them with a button-down shirt and a blazer, and complement the look with loafers for a smart-casual vibe.
Industrial & Work Pants
These type of men pants are designed to withstand heavy-duty work environments, offering durability, protection, and functionality for workers. They are often made from durable materials like canvas, heavy-duty cotton, and cotton-poly blends to retain their shape and overall quality for a long.
Work pants are built for workers in labor-intensive industries, and are made from durable fabrics like canvas or heavy-duty cotton. These types of male pants are rugged enough to withstand rough use while keeping the wearer comfortable during the tough job. They feature functional design and multiple pockets to hold tools or equipment. Work pants are essential for workers who require both comfort and protection in demanding environments, such as construction or manual labor.
Styling Tip: Pair your work pants with a dress shirt for the office look, and complete the look with boots.
Scrub pants are worn by healthcare professionals like doctors, nurses, and technicians. Made from breathable, comfort-enhancing, and easy-to-clean fabrics like cotton or polyester blends, these type of men’s pants provide healthcare professionals with maximum comfort during long shifts. These men’s pants often feature an elastic waistband or drawstring and may include pockets for carrying essential items like medical tools.
Styling Tip: Pair scrub pants with a matching scrub top designed with logos or personalized details. For added comfort, choose shoes with support, such as clogs or slip-on sneakers to look and perform at your best.
Hi-visibility pants are crucial for workers who need to be seen in low-light or high-traffic environments. Made from fluorescent materials and featuring hi-vis colors like bright yellow or orange, these types of men’s pant styles ensure increased visibility and make the wearer easily visible, even from a distance. Hi-visibility pants are commonly worn in construction, roadwork, or emergency response situations to ensure safety in hazardous settings.
Styling Tip: Pair hi-visibility pants with FR shirts during summer, and layer with FR jackets during winter. They will keep you seen, safe, and comfortable throughout your work in various environments. Don’t forget to opt for durable work boots for extra protection and stability.
Industrial pants are designed for tough and hazardous work environments where durability and protection are important. Made from materials like fire-resistant fabrics or heavy-duty cotton, these types or men’s pants offer increased protection against fire, chemical spills, and injuries. They are commonly worn by workers in industries like oil and gas, welding, or heavy machinery. You may also look for these types of pants for men with pockets or tool loops for added comfort and functionality.
Styling Tip: Industrial pants go well with high-visibility vests and hi-vis jackets. You may complete the look with steel-toe boots and gloves for extra protection.
Formal & Business Pants
These types of pants are designed for formal and more professional settings, offering a clean and presentable look suitable for work or formal events.
Dress pants are a go-to professional or formal attire. Made from finest materials like wool, cotton blends, or synthetic fibers, these types of men’s pants offers a smooth and slim appearance that is ideal for business settings, interviews, or formal events. These are among the different types of pants for men that are available in various styles, such as flat-front or pleated, and are often paired with a suit jacket or blazer for a complete professional look.
Styling tip: A collared shirt styled with this type of pants for men will create a more presentable office look, whereas, adding a blazer or a denim jacket will add texture to the outfit.
Slim fit pants are tighter in the thighs and legs than regular or relaxed fit pants styles, and often have a narrower leg opening. These types of men’s pants provide a sleek silhouette and are often worn in business casual or semi-formal settings. This type of pants are perfect for a well-dressed, presentable, and sharp look, whether paired with a dress shirt for work or a blazer for a more refined occasion.
Specialty & Functional Pants
These types of men’s pants are designed for specific purposes or environments, offering additional features like extra storage or specialized materials for specific individual requirements.
Organic pants are made from sustainable fabrics such as organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp, produced without harmful chemicals or pesticides. These types of pants for men are ideal for eco-conscious individuals who want to reduce their environmental footprint while still enjoying comfort and durability. Organic pants are available in various cuts and styles, making them versatile enough for everyday wear.
Camo pants, characterized by their camouflage print, are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking or hunting, where blending into the environment is key. Originally designed for military use, these types of men’s pants are made from durable fabrics like cotton or ripstop fabric and feature multiple pockets for added functionality. Camo pants are also a popular fashion statement, often seen in street wear and casual outfits.
