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.
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What are odd trousers?
Also known as dress pants or slacks, odd trousers are quite simply trousers that can 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.
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 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. However, for more casual wear, no break or slightly cropped trousers (particularly if styled with loafers) offer a more contemporary feel.
Essential odd trousers and slacks for men
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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. 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. Opt for heavyweight linen trousers in colours like cream, tan, or navy. 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.
4. 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 hold their shape well 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.
5. 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.
The best dress pants or odd trousers for men in 2024
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.
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: $299AUD
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. Todd Snyder Italian Linen Wythe Trousers
Solid colour slacks are both useful and versatile, however part of the appeal of odd trousers is trying a pattern you might be reticent to commit a whole suit to. With their charcoal hue, cinched waistband with relaxed fit, and double pleated details, the Todd Snyder Italian Linen Wythe Trousers exude retro style.
Price: $461AUD
Best for: office attire, smart casual
Fabric composition: 100% linen
8. Canali Grey Pants in 150’s Wool
Remember the aforementioned essential grey wool trousers? Well, here they are. Cut from 150’s wool (some of the finest, lightest wool possible), the Canali Grey Pants is a dartless, flat front, regular-fit tapered style that features a permanent crease. Clean, sober, and versatile, it’s a timeless addition to any wardrobe.
Price: $POA
Best for: formal, smart casual
Fabric composition: 100% wool
Words by Theo Rosen
