Every man needs a few pairs of nice dress pants, especially if he works in an office setting. Like with all clothing, however, you have almost too many options to choose from. Here is some information to help you buy comfortable, good looking men's dress pants.
Fabric probably makes the biggest difference in the comfort and look of a pair of pants. There are also a couple of common style features that affect the garment.
Men's dress pants can be found in a variety of fabrics, and each has its benefits. Of course, many of today's dress pants are a blend of several different fibers. These try to feature the best qualities of every fiber in the blend, though not as well as a pair of pants made entirely from one fiber would.
Wool is a popular material for men's pants because it is lightweight and resistant to wrinkles. Wool is also an excellent insulator with a soft feel. It is more difficult to care for, since pure wool slacks should always be dry cleaned. However, wool is resilient and durable, and they stay in great condition for a long time, even when worn regularly.
Cotton pants are comfortable and easy to care for. Because cotton is such a versatile material, you have many options in cotton slacks. Corduroy and khaki pants are among the most popular. Most cottons are pre-shrunk and machine washable and, if you follow the care instructions precisely, they can last for years.
Polyester is a common synthetic fabric in men's slacks, usually blended with other materials. Polyester is crisp and wrinkle resistant, but it is also quite soft to the touch. It resists stretching and shrinking, and it also dries quickly. Polyester does collect static easily and doesn't have the same great looks as natural fibers, which are the prime reasons it is most often found in blends.
The two main style questions you need to think about with men's dress pants are pleat vs. flat and cuff vs. no cuff.
A cuff is a section of folded and sewn fabric around the bottom of each pant leg, usually one to two inches high. Some feel a cuff gives the pants a more finished appearance. However, a cuff will make it more difficult to tailor the pant legs later on. Many men with shorter legs avoid cuffed pants to help them appear taller.
A pleat is a pressed fold that runs from just below the waist to the upper thigh area. Pleated trousers have from one to four pleats, which range from a few inches to nearly a foot and may face the inside or the outside of the pants. Flat front slacks have no folds in the material. If you want a more relaxed fit and look, you'll probably want a pair of flat front pants. If you want something slightly roomier or more formal, go with pleats.
How can I make sure the clothing I buy online will fit?
Know your size before you make any purchases. To get some extra help, you can take a look at our men's sizing guide. We help you determine your pants, shirt and suit sizes, so you can shop in confidence. Most of our pants also come untailored, so you can adjust them to fit accordingly.
What is the easiest fabric to clean?
Most men's dress pants with any wool in the blend will only look their best when dry cleaned. You can also buy fabrics that won't need dry cleaning. Cottons and polyesters usually hold up well after machine washing. Whatever you choose, we make it easy for you. Every clothing description at Overstock.com describes basic care requirements for that garment, so make sure you look before you buy. To find washable slacks that could be used for dressier occasions as well as casual occasions, shop our men's casual pants.
In case you haven't noticed already, the fashion world is in a constant state of change. In order for you to be comfortable and stylish, you need to stay on top of those changes. Here are some ideas to help you be prepared with the right dress pants any time of year:
For chilly days, buy yourself a nice pair of wool pants. Wool is comfortable and will keep you well insulated without having to resort to 'long johns.' Overstock.com also offers you a variety of handsome men's blazers to help you stay warm. Purchase a couple so you can easily mix and match with all your new pants.
In warm weather, a few pairs of light cotton chinos would help you stay comfortable and cool, while allowing you to keep a professional appearance. Since you'll probably shed your jacket for most of the day, browse Overstock.com's assortment of men's dress shirts to find colorful, lightweight clothing for the top half. We also have plenty of ties to match your new shirt.
You know what they say--"You're never fully dressed without a smile." With Overstock.com's discount prices on dress pants and other men's business clothing, you're sure to be fully dressed every day of the year.