There’s an oft-forgotten space that lies between formal suiting and casual chinos and denim. While most guys have a surplus of denim for off-duty wear and a few suits for the office in their wardrobe, odd trousers seem to have fallen out of style over the past decade or so. However, odd trousers have a place in every man’s style arsenal. With the ability to be mixed and matched with various shirting and blazer options, a curated selection of odd trousers provides limitless styling options to see you through all types of occasions.
What are odd trousers?
Also known as dress pants or slacks, odd trousers are quite simply trousers that are designed to be worn alone rather than in tandem with a matching jacket (i.e. as part of a suit). Odd trousers can be worn with an odd blazer or with just a button-down shirt or t-shirt.
Technically, jeans and cargo pants are also odd trousers, however this article focuses on the garment in its truest sense — i.e. dress pants and slacks.
Odd trousers and slacks vs suit pants
Slacks and odd trousers are markedly different to suit pants, and the latter should never be used interchangeably with the former. Suit pants are composed of worsted wool (a finer, more lightweight wool) and look peculiar on their own. Suit pants should always be worn with their matching suit jacket.
How much of a break should your slacks or odd trousers have?
A break refers to the amount of fabric that makes contact with your shoes when you’re standing upright. For dressier odd trousers like grey flannel or wool, look for a slight break to no break. Double-pleated trousers should never be worn cropped and should ideally have a slight break.
However, for more casual wear, no break or slightly cropped trousers (either flat-front or with a single pleat) offer a more contemporary feel, particularly when styled with loafers or monk strap shoes.
Essential odd trousers and slacks for men
Grey flannel trousers
If you can only buy one pair of odd trousers, let them be grey flannel. Crafted from wool, cotton, or a synthetic blend, grey flannel trousers are a versatile wardrobe essential, working with plain navy hopsack blazers in the warmer months as well as tweed or heavy patterned wool jackets as it cools down. In terms of colours, mid-grey and charcoal never go wrong, while midweight or heavyweight fabric makes for an ideal composition.
LORENZO CIFONELLI FOR THE RAKE
Grey Flannel Trousers
KINGSMAN
Grey Slim-Fit Conrad Wool-Flannel Trousers
MJ BALE
Castelli Trouser
Light grey lightweight trousers
In the warmer months, a pair of light grey trousers in a lightweight fabric is a key staple. Their versatility lends them to being styled with other tailored separates and some smart loafers or brogues or dressed down with a knit polo shirt and leather sneakers.
MARNI
Wide Leg Tailored Trousers
UNIQLO
Men Kando Pants Glen Check
REISS
Brighton Pleat Front Trousers
Linen trousers
Another warm weather staple, linen has enjoyed a resurgence of late. Formerly found in ballooning, voluminous styles and exclusively worn by hippies, the linen trousers of today have had a contemporary makeover. To counteract the nonconformist associations of the fabric (not to mention its tendency to wrinkle), we recommend opting for heavyweight linen trousers in colours like cream, tan, or navy. Avoid lightweight high-waisted and/or doubled-pleated linen trousers, as these run the risk of veering into pyjama territory.
The best linen trousers for men boast slim, tapered silhouettes that are form-flattering and are crafted from linen blends that prevent creasing while keeping you cool. These work well paired with t-shirts or knit polo shirts for casual occasions, or dressed up with a button-down shirt and a linen blazer in a contrasting colour for summer weddings and soirees.
LARDINI
Slim-Fit Tapered Linen and Cotton-Blend Drawstring Suit Trousers
DEREK ROSE
Sydney Straight-Leg Linen Drawstring Trousers
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA
Slim-Fit Linen Trousers
Cavalry twill trousers
A finely worsted fabric, cavalry twill has a double weave and is more robust and slightly less formal than fabric like gabardine or covert twill. An ideal alternative to grey flannel trousers, cavalry twill trousers are good at holding their shape and can be worn well into the warmer months. Beige or light tan cavalry twill trousers pair well with pretty much anything, from an oxford shirt and navy odd blazer to a denim button-down shirt. Alternatively, while not strictly a style essential, a pair of olive green trousers add a little interest while giving off a more casual vibe, working well with t-shirts and knit polos.
NANUSHKA
Jun slim-leg cotton-blend cavalry-twill trousers
RUBATO
Cavalry Twill Trousers in Walnut
CHARLES WALL
Heavyweight Wool Worsted Cavalry Twill Trouser in Tan
Cotton drill trousers
Every guy needs at least one pair of hardwearing trousers that can take a beating. When it comes to work pants, look for straight leg or slightly wider cuts to allow for a full range of motion. Colours like deep grey, tan, olive green, or khaki work well. Team them with sturdy hiking or combat boots, a heavyweight t-shirt, and a chore jacket to take on weekend adventures in style.
DICKIES
Original 874 Pant
DRAKE’S
Stone Cotton Drill Single Pleat Trouser
The best dress pants or odd trousers for men in 2025
Still need help finding the perfect pair(s) of odd trousers? We’ve got you covered. From old-school dress slacks to performance-oriented technical trousers, these are the best odd trousers for men on the market.
1. P.Johnson Slim Chino Trousers
Cut from a cotton-linen twill, the P.Johnson Slim Chino Trousers are smart yet hardwearing, with the slim-cut proportions, flat-front closure, and absence of pleats contributing to a modern aesthetic. Side adjusters let you get the perfect fit sans belt, while the hem is left unfinished to allow for customisation of length. In addition to beige and olive green, the trousers are also available in navy and off-white.
Price: $375AUD
Best for: casual wear
Fabric composition: 75% cotton, 25% linen
2. Uniqlo Pleated Wide Pants
Their virality on TikTok has caused the women’s version of the Uniqlo Pleated Wide Pants to regularly sell out. Fortunately, while they boast the same quality and wearability, the men’s version is easier to get your hands on. We’re partial to the brushed twill variant; with a low-medium rise, pleated details, and wide leg opening, they’re both smart and comfortable. Their louche nature means they’re equally as well suited to streetwear fits as they are to office days; we’d recommend teaming them with a fitted crewneck t-shirt or merino half-zip for the latter occasion.
Alternatively, those who prefer a high-waisted fit would do well to look to the women’s version of the pant of the same name. A favourite across the AR team, the women’s Uniqlo Pleated Wide Pants come without the elasticated waistband of the men’s iteration and sit on the waist rather than the hips, resulting in a more elevated and considered aesthetic (particularly when belted).
Price: $59.90AUD
Best for: smart casual, office attire
Fabric composition: 60% polyester, 20% viscose, 20% nylon
3. MJ Bale Kelman Trousers
Designed with a slimmer, more athletic fit in mind, the MJ Bale Kelman Trousers offer a contemporary take on classic dress pants. We’re partial to the French Green and Burgundy colourways, which work well styled with a slim-fitting skit polo or henley. Best suited to those on the more svelte side.
Price: $199AUD
Best for: smart casual, casual, office attire
Fabric composition: 100% cotton
4. R.M. Williams Berwick Chinos
We’re of the belief that navy works best in chino form, with navy wool trousers often veering into orphan suiting syndrome (i.e. the term we just made up to describe trousers that look like they’re missing a jacket). Crafted from stretch cotton twill, the R.M. Williams Berwick Chinos are suitable for most body types, with their regular fit and front crease detail flattering the form and contributing to a cleaner, more refined casual look.
Price: $189AUD
Best for: casual
Fabric composition: 98% cotton, 2% elastane
5. Charlton Tobacco Lined Seersucker Suit Pants
While these trousers are technically marketed as suit pants, they don’t suffer from orphan suiting syndrome when separated from the matching jacket. Looking to Japanese menswear, the Charlton Tobacco Lined Seersucker Suit Pants feature a relaxed tailored fit, with the folded hem and no pant break contributing to a contemporary appearance.
Price: $330AUD
Best for: casual, smart casual
Fabric composition: 100% cotton seersucker
6. Venroy Tailored Pleat Trouser
Belt loops and double pleats contribute to the louche laidback appeal of these mid-rise relaxed fit trousers by perennial resort wear purveyors Venroy.
Price: $280AUD
Best for: casual, smart casual, resort wear
Fabric composition: 63% cotton, 37% modal
7. Informale T010 Easy Trousers
One pleat note enough? Here, it’s double or nothing, with the Informale T010 Easy Trousers reimagining the classic tailored wool trousers of the early 20th century for the modern day. Here, equal emphasis is placed on comfort and aesthetics; a full cut and double pleat contribute to a traditional appearance while concealed elastic panels allow the waistband to subtly move with the wearer’s waistline (particularly helpful after a boozy long lunch). Crafted from weighty wool flannel, they naturally lend themselves to smart casual outfits, but boast surprising versatility — cuff them as per the images above and team with a t-shirt or knit polo and loafers or minimalist sneakers for an off-duty look.
Price: $525AUD
Best for: casual, smart casual, office attire
Fabric composition: 100% wool
8. Aspesi Smooth Velvet Trousers
Wool slacks are both useful and versatile, however part of the appeal of odd trousers is trying patterns or fabrications you might be reluctant to commit a whole suit to. While a velvet suit requires a certain exuberance of personality to pull off, the material lends itself well to odd trousers. Crafted from smooth cotton velvet, these pleated relaxed-fit tapered trousers from Italian menswear brand Aspesi can be styled in a similar fashion to corduroy and work equally as well with a vintage band t-shirt and nylon bomber as they do with a finely knit roll neck sweater or patterned silk shirt.
Price: approx. $362AUD (€219)
Best for: smart casual, casual
Fabric composition: 100% cotton
9. Christian Kimber Italian Hopsack Travel Trousers
Remember the aforementioned essential grey wool trousers? Well, here they are. Cut from a mid-weight, high-twist tropical merino hopsack, the Christian Kimber Italian Hopsack Travel Trousers are designed with comfort and movement in mind. A high-waisted fit with a single pleat detail allows for comfort when in motion, while the tapered leg lends a contemporary element to the otherwise classic trousers. Clean, sober, and versatile, they’re a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
Price: $575AUD
Best for: formal, smart casual, office attire
Fabric composition: 100% wool
Words by Theo Rosen
