Trousers have existed as a clothing item for thousands of years, and we’ve written a dedicated article about their history HERE. Although they have undergone numerous transformations over time, fashion tradition has retained a few well-defined types of trousers, depending on their purpose and the occasion for which they are worn.
In this article, we’ve chosen to highlight the 5 types of trousers every man should have in his wardrobe. In general, fit, versatility, and fabric quality are the criteria that unite all the trousers listed below. That said, let’s begin!
1. Navy Or Gray Trousers
These two colors work with almost any chosen color combination. Their versatility helps you create a large number of outfits with a small number of pieces. For navy or gray trousers made from all-season wool, the most common top piece is a navy blazer, but there are other options as well. Leather jackets or heavy coats in winter, or cotton shirts with a vest in summer, are equally valid alternatives. Lighter shades of gray work well for more relaxed outfits, while dark gray is suitable for relatively sober looks.
2. Chino Trousers
Chino trousers are a step down in formality. They come in a wider range of colors and are a dream for the creative man. If your usual dress codes are smart casual or business casual, chinos are all you need! Unlike wool trousers, chinos are made of cotton, which makes them easier to maintain. Swap the blazer (mentioned above) for a lighter one and the cotton shirt for a linen one, and you’ve got the perfect combination!
3. Summer Trousers
In the warm season, the scorching sun can make chinos or jeans uncomfortable to wear. If you also consider shorts a compromise best avoided, long summer trousers remain the ideal option. Although summer trousers may look like regular trousers, what sets them apart is the fabric. The most popular materials are cotton, linen, seersucker, or a tropical wool variant called fresco. Seersucker and fresco are rare in stores, so a visit to the tailor at the beginning of summer can bring unexpected benefits.
4. Jeans
Every man needs a few pairs of jeans in his wardrobe. As we wrote in an article HERE, although they have history and tradition, jeans today have fallen victim to fast-fashion trends. Classic dress rules clearly distinguish the heritage of traditional jeans from the caricatured jeans of today. Originally, jeans were just work trousers. Today, they can be evaluated based on fit, versatility, and denim quality, to earn a place in classic menswear. To get an idea of a classic jean look, see our collection HERE.
5. Corduroy Trousers
Although corduroys have fallen somewhat out of favor recently, they are ideal options for autumn and spring. Earthy colors such as brown, khaki, gray, or beige integrate perfectly into smart casual ensembles. With their ribbed texture, it’s essential that the upper pieces of the outfit match this texture. Unlike all-season wool trousers, corduroys impose fewer restrictions. Colorful socks, suede shoes, or a cap are frequently seen among corduroy enthusiasts.
In conclusion, all-season wool trousers, chinos, jeans, and season-specific trousers like summer trousers or corduroys are the 5 types that deserve your attention. This way, you can be sure no occasion will catch you unprepared. Good luck!
