There are 12 main types of pants that cover almost every outfit, from jeans and chinos to leggings and palazzo pants. Each one below has a picture, what makes it different, and when to wear it.
Types of Pants at a Glance
| Pants | Fit | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Jeans | Skinny to wide | Everyday casual |
| Chinos | Slim or straight | Smart-casual |
| Joggers | Tapered, cuffed ankle | Casual and sport |
| Sweatpants | Loose | Lounging and sport |
| Leggings | Skin-tight | Exercise and casual |
| Dress Pants | Tailored | Office and formal |
| Wide-Leg Pants | Loose from the hip | Casual and office |
| Palazzo Pants | Very wide and flowing | Summer and dressy casual |
| Capri Pants | Cropped at the calf | Warm weather |
| Leather Pants | Slim | Evening and street style |
| Shorts | Above the knee | Hot weather |
| Overalls | Loose, with a bib | Casual and workwear |
Different Types of Pants with Pictures
1. Jeans
Jeans are pants made from denim, a tough cotton twill fabric, usually dyed blue. They were patented in 1873 by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis as hard-wearing workwear with metal rivets at the stress points. Today they come in many cuts, including skinny, straight, bootcut, and wide-leg, and they are the most worn casual pants in the world. See every cut in our full guide to types of jeans.
2. Chinos
Chinos are made from lightweight cotton twill and have a smooth, clean finish. They started as military uniform trousers and are now the standard smart-casual pant. Chinos are dressier than jeans but more relaxed than suit trousers, and khaki, navy, and olive are the classic colors.
3. Joggers
Joggers have a tapered leg that ends in an elastic or ribbed cuff at the ankle, with an elastic or drawstring waist. They were designed for exercise but are now everyday casual wear. The cuffed ankle is what separates them from other soft pants.
4. Sweatpants
Sweatpants are soft, loose pants made from cotton jersey or fleece, with an elastic or drawstring waist. They are cut roomier than joggers and are made for warmth and comfort during sport or at home.
5. Leggings
Leggings are skin-tight pants made from stretchy fabric such as cotton and elastane or polyester blends. They have no zip, buttons, or pockets in most designs. They are worn for yoga, running, and the gym, and as casual wear under longer tops.
6. Dress Pants
Dress pants, also called trousers or slacks, are tailored pants made from wool or wool-blend fabric, usually with a pressed crease down the front of each leg. They are worn with suits, blazers, and shirts for work and formal events.
7. Wide-Leg Pants
Wide-leg pants are fitted at the waist and loose from the hip all the way down to the hem. They are comfortable, they make the legs look longer when worn high on the waist, and they work in both casual and office outfits.
8. Palazzo Pants
Palazzo pants are very wide, flowing pants made from light fabric such as crepe, chiffon, or viscose. They flare out from the waist and move like a long skirt. They are a popular choice in hot weather.
9. Capri Pants
Capri pants are cropped pants that end between the knee and the mid-calf. They are named after the Italian island of Capri, where they became fashionable in the 1950s. They are a warm-weather alternative to full-length pants.
10. Leather Pants
Leather pants are made from real or faux leather and usually have a slim fit. They are linked with rock and biker style, and they are now common in evening and street fashion as well.
11. Shorts
Shorts are pants that end above the knee. Styles include denim shorts, chino shorts, athletic shorts, and Bermuda shorts, which are longer and stop just above the knee.
12. Overalls
Overalls are pants with a bib that covers the chest and two straps that go over the shoulders. They began as protective workwear and are usually made from denim. In the UK they are called dungarees.
How to Choose the Right Type of Pants
Think about the occasion first. For the office, choose dress pants, chinos, or tailored wide-leg pants. For weekends, jeans and joggers are the easiest choice. For exercise, go with leggings, joggers, or sweatpants. In hot weather, pick shorts, capri pants, or palazzo pants in a light fabric. To finish the outfit, see our guides to types of tops, types of jackets, and types of skirts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pants and trousers?
They are the same garment. “Pants” is the usual word in American English, and “trousers” is the usual word in British English, where “pants” means underwear.
What is the difference between joggers and sweatpants?
Joggers are slimmer and have a tapered leg with a cuff at the ankle. Sweatpants are looser and thicker, and often have an open or lightly gathered hem.
What is the difference between chinos and khakis?
Chinos are made from a lighter, smoother cotton twill and have a dressier look. Khakis are made from heavier cotton and have a more rugged, casual look. Khaki is also the name of the tan color.
What is the difference between palazzo pants and wide-leg pants?
Both are loose, but palazzo pants are wider and made from light, flowing fabric that flares from the waist. Wide-leg pants are usually made from firmer fabric and keep a straighter shape.
Which type of pants is the most comfortable?
Sweatpants, joggers, and leggings are the most comfortable because they are made from soft, stretchy fabric with an elastic waist.