Slacks vs Dress Pants: Understanding the Difference and Finding Your Perfect Pair

Blog post written by: Shaoni Das

When it comes to choosing the right pants for work, special events, or daily wear, the terms "slacks" vs "dress pants" often come up. What’s the difference, anyway? Many people use these terms interchangeably, but there are subtle differences that set them apart – and we’re here to set the record straight. 

Knowing these differences can both inspire you to make better style choices and help you find the optimal pant option for various occasions.

Let’s explore what dress pants and slacks are, compare them to other types of pants, and help you find the best option for your needs!

What Are Dress Pants?

Dress pants: a wardrobe staple for both men and women, often linked to formal or business attire. Typically made from high-quality materials such as wool, polyester blends, or sometimes cotton, they represent a refined and polished aesthetic.

Dress pants are designed to be worn in professional settings, such as offices or conferences, as well as for formal occasions like weddings or galas.

In terms of material, most formal men’s dress pants are made of smooth, fine fabrics such as wool, gabardine, or a blend of synthetic materials that are chosen for their durability, comfort, and elegant appearance. Dress pants also have a more tailored fit, with a clean, straight leg or a slight taper. Plus, the waistband may feature belt loops, and more formal versions of dress pants are often lined to maintain structure. 

Common design features you’ll find include a flat front or pleats, a hidden zipper, button or hook-and-bar closures, and sometimes a crisp crease down the front to give them that polished, sharp finish. 

What Are Slacks?

Slacks, on the other hand, are often perceived as a more relaxed and versatile type of trousers. 

The term "slacks" comes from the Old English word “slæc,” meaning loose or not tight. Broadly speaking, slacks can be defined as formal wear that covers the bottom half of your body and stretches full length, extending from the waist to the ankles.

While “pants” is a rather broad category encompassing anything from jeans and cargo pants to the bottom half of a tuxedo, the word “slacks” brings a loose but dressier style to mind. 

Historically, slacks were often secured at the waist with a belt or suspenders and had a loose fit throughout the leg. They might not always need ironing, but they’re traditionally less likely to require it since they are meant to be more comfortable and casual. This is why they are made with lighter, softer fabrics like cotton, linen, or polyester blends, allowing them to remain breathable and comfortable for extended wear. This quality makes it easy to wear slacks casually and for semi-formal occasions, as they can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. With a looser fit compared to traditional dress pants, slacks often have a straight or slightly wider leg cut for a more relaxed silhouette. 

They are considered pleated pants and typically feature a more straightforward waistband. The overall construction is more relaxed, with less emphasis on a sharp crease or stiff lining.

Slacks vs Dress Pants: What’s the Difference?

Even though dress pants and slacks both fall under the same umbrella as trousers, they vary in key areas like material, style, construction, and formality. Let’s take a closer look at each of these factors. 

• Fabric: Dress pants are often made from heavier, more durable fabrics like wool or gabardine. Slacks, however, are crafted from lighter materials like cotton or linen, making them extra flexible and breathable.
• Styling Options: Dress pants look sharp with blazers, dress shirts, and formal shoes. Slacks can easily be dressed up with a blazer or dressed down with a polo shirt and loafers.
• Construction: Dress pants usually have a structured, tailored fit — similar to suit pants — while slacks offer a more relaxed and comfortable feel.
• Formality: Dress pants are typically reserved for professional or formal occasions, giving off a more polished effort. Slacks, meanwhile, are a bit more relaxed and work well in both semi-formal and casual settings.

While slacks, dress pants, and trousers are often used interchangeably, the current trend in dress pants actually highlights a range of semi-formal styles that are being dressed down for a more casual look.

Comparing Slacks and Dress Pants to Other Pant Types

To further understand the nuances of slacks and dress pants, it’s helpful to compare them to other common types of pants like khakis and jeans!

Dress Pants vs Slacks vs Khakis

Khakis are casual cotton men’s pants with a baggy cut. Khakis are usually made from heavyweight 100% cotton twill fabric. Khakis are pretty versatile and can be accompanied by similar footwear and accessories to slack pants. The most common khaki colours are brown and beige, and one distinctive trait of these pants is that the stitching is visible.

In contrast, most slacks have a slightly tighter fit, come in various colours, and are far more dressy than khakis. You wouldn’t wear khakis for semi-formal events – that’s a job for slacks or dress pants!

Dress Pants vs Slacks vs Jeans

While both jeans and more formal pants are designed to cover the lower half of the body, from the waist down to the knee, ankle, or foot, jeans have a unique place in the world of pants. 

Jeans are made from a special cotton twill weave known as denim, which gives them their durable, iconic blue colour. Jeans are perfect for casual style and everyday wear, thanks to their tough construction and ability to hold up well over time. On the other hand, pants or slacks in general aren’t as rugged or casual, but they do tend to come in a wider range of fabrics and styles.

Finding the Best Pant for You

Choosing the right pair of pants for your wardrobe shouldn’t be a complicated endeavour, but it is still a good idea to choose mindfully. The colour, type, and fit of the pants you choose will impact when and how you can wear the pants, as well as how you feel wearing them. What you choose to pair with your pants can make all the difference in leaving a great impression.

Some scenarios you’ll want to plan for include weddings and galas, a date night, work, transitional occasions, and casual outings. 

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Weddings and Galas

For events like weddings or galas, dress pants are your go-to. Wear dress pants with a well-fitted blazer, a dress shirt, and formal shoes. For a polished look, you can even pair your dress slacks with a matching suit jacket. Opt for classic colours like navy or grey to maintain a professional appearance. 

Date Nights

To impress someone on a date night, dress up your slacks with a well-fitted blazer or a stylish jacket. A nice dress shirt or a sophisticated sweater is another way to enhance the look. Finally, complete the outfit with dress shoes for a refined touch.

Business Casual Functions

Slacks are perfect for a business casual dress code. Combine them with a tailored button-down shirt or a smart polo shirt. For a more polished look, add a blazer, or go without for a more relaxed feel. Loafers or clean dress shoes work well here, and you can experiment with lighter fabrics and colours for added comfort!

Transitional Occasions

The best dress pants can easily transition from formal to casual – it all just depends on how you style them. Slacks with a dress shirt and blazer create a more professional look, but you can quickly create a more relaxed ensemble with a sweater or casual button-down and skip the blazer for a business-casual vibe.

Casual Outings

For casual outings, wearing slacks gives you versatility. Pair them with a casual t-shirt or a lightweight sweater. Choose comfortable loafers or sneakers to keep the look easy-going. You may want to opt for softer fabrics to ensure maximum comfort while staying stylish.

Regardless of the occasion, be sure that you choose pants that are the right length and fit for your body, and don’t forget to have fun playing with ways to dress down your style so that you can replace slacks with your favorite dress pants on all kinds of different occasions.

Conclusion

While it might initially seem complicated, buying the right pants for your closet is pretty simple with a few easy tips. 

Feeling confident in how you present yourself comes down to the whole ensemble, though. Ultimately, the best pants for you will depend on your personal style, the occasion, and how you want to express yourself.

Whether you choose dress pants, slacks, or both, Frank and Oak has a vast collection to meet every need. With options for every occasion, from formal to casual wear, their customizable pieces ensure you find the perfect fit for any event. Explore Frank and Oak to elevate your wardrobe with stylish outfits that are always on point.