Updated by Tanya Zhang
Slacks are some of my favorite pants to wear when I want to incorporate formal pants or dress pants into my outfit. When I'm dressing for formal events or looking for formal dress pants to match my suit jacket, a pair of dress slacks or dress pants is necessary to create an outfit suitable for formal wear. But what exactly are slack pants and how do they compare to other suit pants? Read on to find out about the differences and similarities between dress pants, dress slacks, tailored slacks, semi-formal pants, and more!
The development of pants came alongside horses' domestication and served as an indicator of class and profession. Now, slacks are a type of dress pants that are commonly worn in formal or business settings and live in a man's wardrobe.
They are typically made from more formal fabrics such as wool, polyester, or a blend, and often have a straight cut and a crease down the front of each leg.
An Introduction to Slacks
The term "slacks" is often used interchangeably with "dress pants," but slacks tend to have a dressier, more tailored appearance compared to other types of formal pants.
While slacks were once considered to be a staple in the wardrobes of working men, they have since evolved to become a versatile and stylish option for both men and women.
Slacks are available in a range of colors and patterns to suit different occasions, personal preferences, occasions, and seasons. Some popular colors for slacks include navy, gray, khaki, and beige, while popular patterns include plaid and check.
It's a great idea to pair slacks with dress shirts and a matching jacket or formal suit depending on the dress code. Here's a guide on how to wear grey pants with brown shoes.
Despite their dressy reputation, slacks can also be worn in more casual settings depending on the style and material of the pants and the overall outfit. Khakis slacks or beige slacks, for example, are a popular choice for a casual or business casual outfit and can be paired with a variety of shirt colors like blue dress shirts and patterns like this blue patterned shirt.
Slim Fit Blue Patterned Dress shirt
Ultimately, slacks are a versatile and stylish option for anyone looking to add a touch of formality to their wardrobe.
The history of slacks and their evolution in men's fashion
Slacks, typically lightweight pants with a relaxed fit, have a long history in men's fashion. Slacks are a type of pants that are typically made from lightweight fabrics and have a more relaxed fit than men's dress pants. They have a long history in men's fashion, dating back to the early 19th century.
The first slacks were called "slops" and were worn by sailors in the British Navy. They were loose-fitting and made from durable fabrics like canvas and denim. In the early 1900s, slacks began to be worn by men in everyday life as well, particularly for sports like golf and tennis.
Today, slacks are still popular and come in various styles, fabrics, and colors for a casual or business-casual look.
The different types of slacks and which ones are right for your body type
There are several different types of slacks available, each with its own unique characteristics that can complement different body types. Here are a few examples:
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Flat-front: These slacks have a smooth, flat front with no pleats, making them a great option for men with a slim or athletic build. These are an example of wide leg slacks with a flat front from Club Monaco.
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Pleated slacks: These pleated pants have one or more pleats at the waistline, which can provide extra room in the hip area. Pleated pants can be a good choice for men with a larger build or those who prefer a looser fit.
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Tapered slacks: These slacks are narrower at the ankle than at the waist, creating a modern, streamlined look. They can work well for men with a slim or average build.
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Wide-leg slacks: These slacks have a wider leg opening than other styles, which can be a good option for men with larger thighs or hips.
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Cropped slacks: These slacks are shorter in length than traditional pants and can be a great option for men who are on the shorter side.
Choose the best slacks for a formal event for your body type and consider both fit and style. Look for slacks that fit well in the waist and hip area, with the appropriate amount of room for your body type.
Additionally, consider the style of the slacks and how they will complement your overall look. A good rule of thumb is to choose slacks that balance your body proportions and enhance your best features.
Slacks vs. Dress Pants Comparison
Slacks and dress pants are often used interchangeably to describe suit pants, a type of tailored trousers worn in formal or dressy casual settings. However, some people may use the terms differ depending on the context or regional differences.
Club Monaco's light gray linen dress pants for men.
Dress pants may refer to a broader range of tailored trousers that can be worn for semi-formal events and other formal settings. They are often made from high-quality materials like wool, silk, or cashmere, and are designed to be more dressy than casual pants. Dress pants and other suit trousers may have a more tailored fit, with a higher rise and narrower leg, and are often paired with a blazer or matching suit jacket along with a pocket square or tie.
Overall, while slacks and dress pants share many similarities and are often used interchangeably, dress pants may refer to pants suitable for more formal events, while slacks may refer to a slightly more casual or versatile style of trousers.
Slacks vs Khaki Pants
Slacks are typically made from lightweight, dressier fabrics like wool, cotton, or polyester. They often have a more relaxed fit and may have pleats or a flat front. Slacks are generally considered to be a more formal wear type of pants and dress slacks are often worn as part of a business or dressy casual outfit.
Khakis, on the other hand, are typically made from heavier, more durable cotton twill fabric. They are often more casual in style and are characterized by their distinctive tan or khaki color.
Khakis may have a flat front or pleats, and may also have cargo pockets or other utilitarian features. They are often worn as part of a more casual outfit, such as with a polo shirt or casual button-down shirt.
Overall, while both dress slacks and khakis can be worn in similar settings for formal occasions and outdoor events, they have different fabrics, fits, and styles that distinguish them from each other.
Slacks vs Khakis Comparison Chart
| Slacks | Khakis | |
| Dress Code | Semi-formal to formal attire | Casual attire |
| Fabric or Material | Wool, silk, or cashmere | Durable, heavier cotton |
| Fit or Design | Structured and tailored fit | Flat front or pleats |
| Pairs With | Blazer or suit with pocket square | Polo shirt of casual button down shirt |
Slacks vs. Chino Pants
Slacks and chinos are both types of pants that are commonly worn in casual settings, and they share some similarities. However, there are some key differences between the two.
Chinos are made from a cotton twill fabric that is typically lighter weight and more casual than slacks. They may have a flat front or pleats and are often worn in more casual settings. Chinos are usually available in a wider variety of colors than slacks, including brighter and darker colors, and patterns. We also have a full guide to chino pants here as well as comparing chinos vs khakis.
For example, these are Levi's dark navy slim chino pants but they also ocme in many other colors.
In terms of fit, chinos are often designed to be more relaxed than slacks, with a straight leg and a lower rise. This makes them a good choice for men who prefer a more comfortable, more casual style of fit.
Slacks, on the other hand, are often designed to be more fitted and tailored to men's pants, with a higher rise and a narrower leg.
Slacks vs Jeans Comparison
Slacks and jeans are two very different types of pants, with distinct differences in their fabric, fit, and style.
Jeans are typically made from heavier-weight denim fabric, which is designed to be more durable and rugged. They often have a casual, rugged appearance and may be distressed or faded. Jeans are usually worn in more casual settings, such as with a t-shirt or sweatshirt, and are often associated with a more casual or laid-back style. However, jeans can be business casual depending on how the rest of the outfit is put together.
In terms of fit, jeans are usually designed to be more relaxed and comfortable, with a straight or tapered leg and a lower rise.
Do slacks fit with any shoe styles?
Slacks are a versatile type of pants that can be worn with a wide variety of shoe styles, depending on the occasion and personal preference. Here are some shoe styles that work well with slacks:
Formal shoes:
Classic shoes like oxfords, loafers, and brogues are a popular choice to wear with slacks for a formal or dressy casual look. They can be worn in a variety of colors, from black and brown to burgundy and tan. We have a whole article on men's leather shoes here where we feature classic shoes from brands like Allen Edmonds.
Chelsea boots:
Chelsea boots are a stylish and versatile shoe style that works well with slacks in formal occasions. They can be worn in a range of materials, from leather to suede, and add a touch of sophistication to any outfit.
Casual Sneakers:
For a more casual look, sneakers can be worn with slacks for a stylish and comfortable outfit. White leather sneakers are a popular choice, but other styles and colors can work well too. In our research, these are the best chelsea boots for men.
Dress boots:
Dress boots, like chukka boots or wingtip boots, can add a touch of ruggedness to slacks and can be worn in a variety of materials and colors. These are the best chukka boots to consider.
Slacks can be worn with a variety of shoe styles, so it's a matter of personal preference and the occasion to determine which shoe style to wear with them.
Can you wear slacks casually?
Yes, slacks can be worn casually, depending on the style and material of the pants and the overall outfit. Here are some styling tips, for wearing slacks in a casual setting:
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Choose the right material: Look for slim fit pants made from casual fabrics like cotton or linen, or with a relaxed fit or a more casual cut. This can give the slacks a more laid-back feel at semi formal occasions.
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Pair with casual items: Instead of a collared shirt or blazer, pair your slacks with a casual shirt or sweater, such as a t-shirt, polo shirt, or sweater over a dress shirt. You can also wear them with denim or a bomber jacket for a more relaxed look.
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Choose the right shoes: To keep the look casual, pair your slacks with more casual shoes like sneakers or loafers. Avoid wearing formal shoes as they can make the outfit look too formal.
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Accessorize appropriately for your outfit: Add accessories to give the outfit a more casual feel, such as a watch, sunglasses, or a casual belt.
Slacks can be dressed down to create a more casual look that's suitable for less formal events and a variety of different styles of settings. Just make sure to choose the right fabric, pair it with casual items, and choose the right shoes to create a cohesive and stylish outfit.
The best colors and patterns for slacks and how to pair them with shirts and shoes
The best colors and patterns for slack pants will depend on personal preference, as well as the occasion and season. Here are some popular colors and patterns for slacks and tips on how to pair them with shirts and shoes:
Navy slacks:
Navy slacks are a versatile choice that can be worn year-round and paired with a variety of colors and patterns. They work well with white dress shirts for a classic look, or with a light blue or pink shirt for a more colorful outfit. Brown or black leather shoes can be paired with navy slacks. Here's how to wear a blue suit with brown shoes.
Gray slacks:
Gray slacks are a great choice for a business casual or semi-formal outfit. Pair them with a white or light blue shirt and black leather shoes for a classic look, or with a patterned shirt for a more stylish outfit.
Khaki and beige slacks:
Khaki or beige slacks are a popular choice for a casual or business casual outfit. Pair them with a dark gray button up shirt or white shirt for a classic look, or with a patterned shirt for a more casual outfit. Brown dress shoes or loafers can be paired with khaki or beige slacks.
Patterned slacks:
Patterned slacks, such as plaid or check, can add a touch of style to an outfit. Pair them with a solid-colored shirt that matches one of the colors in the pattern, and choose shoes that complement the color of the slacks.
Overall, when pairing slacks with shirts and shoes, it's important to create a cohesive outfit that looks put-together and stylish. Choose colors and patterns that complement each other and the occasion, and select shoes that match the formality of the entire outfit.
Frequently asked questions on what are slacks
What are considered slacks?
Slacks are dress pants known for their formal or semi-formal appearance, distinct from casual wear. Typically crafted from smooth fabrics such as wool, polyester, or a blend of these materials, dress slacks offer a polished, tailored look. Dress pants or dress slacks are often designed with a focus on comfort and style, featuring a clean, sleek silhouette without the casual elements found in denim or cargo pants. Commonly worn in professional settings or more formal occasions, dress pants and dress slacks provide a sophisticated alternative to jeans or chinos. These dress pants are usually paired with a button down shirt, blazer or suit jacket.
Can jeans be slacks?
Jeans are not considered slacks due to their distinct characteristics and intended use for casual wear. Jeans are casual trousers made from denim, a durable and often rugged fabric, and feature elements like rivets, multiple pockets, and a casual fit. In contrast, dress slacks and suit pants are designed from smoother, more refined fabrics such as wool or polyester and are meant for formal occasions. Dress slacks and dress pants typically have a more tailored, sleek look without the casual accents found on jeans. Therefore, despite both being pants, slacks are more formal dress pants while jeans are appropriate for a business casual dress code and other casual outfits.
What does it mean to wear slack?
Wearing slacks means choosing a pair of trousers designed to offer a more formal or business-casual appearance compared to casual pants. Slacks are often made from smooth, refined materials that contribute to a neat and polished look. They are commonly worn in professional settings, such as offices or formal events, and are usually paired with dress shirts, blazers, or dress shoes. The choice to wear slacks often signifies a level of professionalism and respect for the occasion. This attire is ideal for scenarios where a polished appearance is required, as slacks provide a sophisticated, well-tailored option that stands out from more casual or relaxed clothing.
What are American slacks?
American slacks refer to a style of trousers that embodies traditional American fashion standards. These slacks are characterized by their classic fit and use of conventional fabrics such as wool or cotton blends. Typically, American slacks are designed with a timeless aesthetic, featuring minimal embellishments and a straightforward, tailored cut. This style makes them versatile for various occasions, from business meetings to casual outings. The American approach to slacks emphasizes comfort and practicality while maintaining a sense of elegance and sophistication. This type of trouser often integrates seamlessly into both formal and semi-formal wardrobes, reflecting a balance between traditional and modern fashion sensibilities.
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