Not quite a chino, not quite a suit pant; work pants can be tricky to identify… But it’s even trickier to find a comfortable pair that’s also stylish enough to rock in the office. If you’re after a pair of ‘work pants’ but you’re not sure where to start, and you definitely don’t want to get stuck with another pair that’s too tight, or ill-fitting, or just downright look like they’ve been purchased at Walmart, we’ve done the hard yards for you.
Work pants should be widest at the waist, and then taper down to the ankles, just like the natural shapes of men’s bodies. They should be worn just above the hip, allowing plenty of room for you to tuck your shirt in (without worrying about the shirt exposing your belly when it inevitably pops up).
Expertly tailored work pants should never have excess fabric, but they should be a little loose to comfortably allow for all-day movement. However, if your work pants wrinkle or bunch around your thighs, they’re too tight. Whether you choose a pair with or without pleats is your call; although pleats do add flexibility and extra comfort through the leg.
All of the brands featured in our guide have been specifically chosen as they’re renowned for their quality tailoring skills and expertly crafted fits; you’ll definitely get a pair of work pants that fit like a dream when purchasing from one of the brands mentioned below.
Hugo Boss
German luxury fashion house, Hugo Boss is renowned for their opulent range of clothing, accessories, footwear, and fragrances. Founded in 1924, and with a very controversial history (they produced Nazi uniforms during World War II), after founder Hugo Boss' death in 1948, the company turned to men's suits.
Today, the company is a global fashion empire and produce men's & women's fashion lines as well as fragrances (and we promise they are no longer affiliated or condone Hitler's actions in any way, shape, or form!). Hugo Boss' range of work pants is large, and will meet the demands of your fast-paced lifestyle. All of the work pants will pair nicely with every type of shirt and footwear, and will give you a classic workwear look. Plus, no matter your profession, you'll definitely find a pair of pants that'll suit; Hugo Boss has everything from sharp slim-fit pants to relaxed silhouettes.
Rhone
Rhone is committed to those who are committed to bettering themselves. The premium brand makes clothing that prioritises fit, form and function, and pieces that allow the wearer to perform at their very best.
Although Rhone is primarily an activewear brand, their Commuter Pant is definitely sophisticated enough for any office or profession. Available in a regular, slim, or skinny fit, and six timeless colours, as well as seasonal colours, the Commuter Pant is tailored yet comfortable. Made with Rhone's Flex-Knit fabric that gives you exceptional four-way stretch and recovery, these work pants are stylish for your 9-5, but are so comfy you'll happily wear them even after work hours.
Everlane
Everlane prides itself on exclusively partnering with ethical factories and using only the finest materials for their products; they call it “Radical Transparency”. Therefore, you get quality clothes that will last for years to come, with an added bonus of feeling good about supporting a company that strongly advocates for fair wages and working conditions.
They only have work pant on offer, but it comes in both navy and charcoal; both very debonair, office-appropriate shades. The great thing about Everlane is their clothing is very affordable but nevertheless still premium quality, and the Italian Wool Trouser is no exception. Crafted from wool sourced from Tollegno, Italy, featuring a breathable lining, cut in a slim tailored fit, and available in three different leg lengths, these work pants are ever so comfortable; making them perfect for long days at work.
Bonobos
Bonobos was born because founders, Andy Dunn & Brian Spaly, couldn't find men's pants that fit (they were either too tight or too boxy) and wanted to fix this common problem men face while shopping. Therefore, it's safe to say Bonobos produce some of the best work pants for men, especially because of the brand's not-so-secret secret: all Bonobos' pants have a curved waistband that conforms to the natural shape of your waist.
Bonobos' dress pants are available in multiple fits such as slim fit, skinny, athletic fit, and regular; plus, you can even choose the leg length. The most impressive thing about Bonobos work pants (aside from how comfortable the fit is) is that they are all machine washable and wrinkle resistant, meaning your number of trips to the dry cleaners will be reduced.
River Island
At River Island, great design is at the heart of everything they create. Founded in 1948, the UK brand is one of the best known on the High Street, and prides itself on producing stylish yet affordable fashion. Catering to men, women, and kids, River Island also sells exquisite footwear and accessories.
Their range of men's work pants feature razor-sharp looks, including heritage-inspired angles and tailoring, and modern skinny fits. Available in classic colours and playful plaids, you'll look smarter than ever in a pair of River Island work pants; plus, they also have tailored work pants for the larger gentlemen too.
AllSaints
Premium British fashion retailer, AllSaints began its journey in 1994, as a wholesale menswear brand selling to high-end retailers like Harrods and Harvey Nichols, but eventually opened its own store in London in '97. Now, AllSaints is a globally renowned brand best known for its iconic biker jackets.
AllSaints has a smaller range of work pants than other brands featured on this list, but they have a versatile range. AllSaints work pants can be worn to work (duh) but when paired with a graphic tee or short sleeve shirt, a pair of AllSaints tailored trousers can also give you some serious street style cred. Available in slim or relaxed styles, full or cropped lengths, and a range of neutral colours.
Reiss
Since its creation by David Reiss in 1971, Reiss has established a design philosophy centred on creating design-led menswear, womenswear and accessories. With an uncompromising commitment to delivering innovative and original products, Reiss fuses exceptional design, quality and value.
Reiss believes that work pants are a foundation of a well-built wardrobe, so all of their work pants are afforded the same dedication to design and craft, ensuring that when you purchase a pair of Reiss pants, you're making a smart and savvy wardrobe investment. With a large range, Reiss offers work pants to suit every taste and every fit.
Charles Tyrwhitt
Charles Tyrwhitt endeavours to produce the finest menswear, with timeless style and no compromise on quality. Topped off with excellent prices and "a pinch of British charm thrown in for good measure" this is one seriously suave brand.
Tyrwhitt pants are designed to give gentlemen of every size the best fit; they accommodate in the bottom and thighs for a comfortable fit. But Tyrwhitt work pants are also elegantly tailored and stylish; available in different styles and fits, as well as classic colours, any pair of Tyrwhitt work pants will elevate your work wardrobe.
Todd Snyder
Iowa native Todd Snyder makes effortless everyday luxuries for the modern gentleman. Blending Savile Row’s craftsmanship with a downtown New York aesthetic, his clothing is relaxed, refined and always impeccably tailored.
Todd Snyder's collection of Dress Trousers are perfect for any office or work setting, especially if you like to get a bit more playful with your workwear. Blending classic style with modern tailoring, Todd Snyder trousers are available in bolder colours and plaid prints (although they also have the classic colours; black, navy, grey).
Ted Baker
The British born tailoring brand with a twist, is luxury brand Ted Baker. Founded in 1988, Ted Baker has had a very clear, unswerving, focus on quality and attention to detail since its inception.
Taking a modern approach to tailoring, Ted Baker's range of work pants are incredibly suave. They have a varied range of styles, including pleated pants, and a wide range of fabrics, like wool and cotton; Ted Baker even has linen work pants that will keep you cool in the warmer months without compromising on style. No matter what pair you choose, you're sure to impress in a pair of Ted Baker work pants.
Brooks Brothers
The oldest clothing retailer in the US is also still one of its best. Founded over 200 years ago, Brooks Brothers has been an outfitter of choice for virtually all the US Presidents, as well as a number of America's elite regiments.
Today, much of Brooks Brothers' pants range will appeal to many a corporate worker, with the essential colours of grey, black and navy all ticked off and available in various styles such as plain and pinstripes. Collections such as the BrooksCool line are made in Italy from 100% wool with stretch for ultra-lightweight, breathable, and both crease & water resistant work pants.
Suitsupply
Suitsupply has seen stratospheric growth since its founding in 2000. A Dutch company, Suitsupply takes an alternative perspective on the production of men’s clothing and accessories. Their vertical integration means you can have high quality italian fabrics at a reasonable off-the-rack price point.
Suitsupply have a huge range of impeccably made work pants that can easily rival the more prestigious and expensive brands on the market. You even have the option to create your own trousers; you can choose everything from the fabric to the pant construction to the hem finishing. Custom made work pants at an affordable price? Yes, please!
Drake's
Founded in east London in 1977, Drake's has become renowned for their 'relaxed elegance' aesthetics. The company prides itself in their dedication to craftsmanship and exacting quality. This, paired with Drake's idiosyncratic design sensibility, is a bedrock for creating enduring garments and accessories of real worth.
All of Drake's work pants are made in Italy and are tailored with a mid-rise and a gentle taper below the knees, to create a graceful, flattering silhouette. Drake's has a huge range of work pants, and include many different styles and fabrics including pants with five-pockets or single pleats, and cotton, wool, or corduroy. Drake's also have a number of linen and linen-blend pants that are perfect for warmer days spent in the office.
J. Crew
J. Crew believes in 'looking a million bucks, not spending it' which is why they source the best high-quality fabrics at the most accessible prices. All of their products are classic with a modern twist, meaning you'll always look effortlessly polished when sporting J. Crew.
Preppy outfitter J. Crew has just one pair of work pants in its repertoire: The Ludlow. A slim fit, and a great low-cost option that is updated every few years to remain on-trend, the Ludlow pant has been kicking about since 2008, remaining popular ever since. You can have the Ludlow work pant in almost any colour, and in either structured or unstructured variants, with the latter, naturally being a more casual option.
Paul Smith
Renowned for his creative aesthetic, which combines tradition and modernity, Paul Smith is one of Britain’s foremost designers. Each Paul Smith design is underpinned by a dry British sense of humour: quirky but not frivolous, eccentric but not silly.
If you’re really feeling bold, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Paul Smith’s work pants. Not afraid to add pleats or crop the leg, the wide range of expertly crafted designer pants are available in playful and bold colours that'll make you stand out (in a good way, of course) at work.
Banana Republic
Founded in 1978, in California, Banana Republic is now a premier global brand for modern clothing with no boundaries. They pride themselves on sourcing the finest materials and fabric innovations to infuse style with substance; meaning when you buy a Banana Republic garment, you can be sure it'll last.
Banana Republic's range of work pants are well-constructed and are available in flattering slim fits, in a range of classic, very office-appropriate colours, and both with and without pleats. Most are made with Italian wool for durability and comfort, and will keep you looking sharp during your daily grind.
Uniqlo
Uniqlo is a Japanese brand that began back in 1949, but has expanded to a global brand. Now available in over 18 countries, Uniqlo offers 'current basics', so clothes that are essential foundations to wardrobes but also have a little twist to make them on trend. Plus, above all they produce well-made clothes that are extremely affordable!
The range of work pants that Uniqlo offer are simple; slim and regular fits, with just a little tailoring for structure. Available in timeless block colours, these work pants are the most affordable on this list, so if you need a bunch of work pants, or don't have a huge work pant budget, Uniqlo is the way to go, as while they are on the cheap side, they still look like a high-quality pant.
