Slacks vs Dress Pants: Key Differences Explained

Sartorial awareness means knowing the difference between slacks and dress pants. When you're clear about the key distinctions, you'll be able to confidently choose the perfect pair of pants for any occasion.

What Are Slacks?

You've heard the expressions, "take up the slack" and "give him some slack" — terms that refer to looseness and flexibility. Slacks are pants with a more relaxed, looser fit.

Slacks originated in the 19th century. The first to wear slacks were sailors in the British Navy. Because the pants were loose fitting, they were called "slaks", derived from the vintage Saxon word meaning loose.

Today, slacks refer to a comfortable, relaxed fit pant that can be worn for everything from casual to semi-formal occasions. Think of classic cotton twill chinos and khakis for year-round wear; cotton seersucker and linen slacks for warmer months; and wool blends for fall and winter.

Characteristics of Slacks

Slacks, a standard of men's fashion, are pants tailored with a looser fit. The legs of slacks are cut straight and sometimes are slightly tapered at the ankle. The relaxed fit design results in a more simple and straightforward pant. Slacks don't have the tailoring details that you'll find in dress pants, although some slacks will have pleats or cuffs.

Slacks are made with wool-based fabrics such as flannels, wool blends, and various wool weaves — fabrics that allow for versatility and comfort in cooler months. Cotton twill is one of the most common slacks fabrics that is popular for year-round wear. Slacks made from cotton and linen are a terrific choice for warm months of the year.

Slacks are a mainstay of a savvy man's wardrobe because they're so easy to dress up and down. Wear slacks for everything from semi-formal events to everyday occasions. Their versatility makes them a great choice for less formal weddings, conferences and business casual events, and dinner out with friends.

Slacks fashioned in a high-quality dark fabric can be considered dress slacks and will pair handsomely with a dress shirt, tie, and jacket. That same outfit can become relaxed and casual by opening the shirt collar and ditching the tie and jacket.

What Are Dress Pants?

Dress pants are designed to be more refined than slacks. Their tailoring and fit are more structured and precise. Dress pants are worn for formal and professional occasions.

The fabrics chosen for men's dress pants are more lightweight, elegant, luxurious, and higher quality than most slacks fabrics. They are usually designed with a higher rise and straight legs in a tailored fit, resulting in an elevated, polished, more sophisticated look.

Types of Dress Pants

Dress pants are available in various types, but all are defined by their elegant, refined fabric and tailoring. When you think of a suit, you think of a jacket and its matching dress pants.

But dress pants can also stand on their own and be worn with a variety of dress shirts, sweaters, and jackets. Dress pants are available in extra slim, slim, and classic straight cuts. They're also available in a wide range of fabrics — smooth wool gaberdines and worsteds for cooler months, and fine cottons and linens for warmer weather.

Tailoring details define dress pants. Fine construction, such as pleats, pockets, waist tab adjusters, belt loops, and high-level stitching, creates the elevated look of dress pants.

Key Differences Between Slacks and Dress Pants

Fit and Construction

Slacks: The fit and construction of slacks is looser and more relaxed than dress pants. Slacks are designed for all-day comfort.

Dress Pants: Cut with a closer fit, dress pants are usually constructed with a higher waist. The refined construction offers a more fitted, sophisticated, and elegant look.

Fabric Choices

Slacks: Commonly, slacks are constructed with wools, wool blends, cottons, and linens. Heavy-weight cotton twill is commonly used in chino and khaki slacks.

Dress Pants: Dress pants are made with fine quality fabrics that drape well and hold their shape. Look for lightweight wool gabardines, wool worsteds, and tightly woven cotton gabardines. Wool blends can contain some synthetic material with stretch, enhancing the comfort.

Formality Level

Slacks: Slacks can go from casual daily wear to dressier semi-formal occasions. But slacks are not appropriate for formal wear.

Dress Pants: Formal occasions call for a suit with its matching dress pants. Dress pants are also worn in professional settings, again, as part of a suit. However, dress pants can stand on their own and be worn without a jacket for less formal occasions.

Versatility

Slacks: Slacks’ versatility makes them a wardrobe mainstay. Slacks can be worn for any casual setting but can also be elevated to semi-formal wear, depending on the fabric and color. Lighter fabrics are well-suited to casual settings, while darker fabric slacks work well for fancier occasions.

Dress Pants: Because dress pants are constructed of high-quality fabrics with detailed tailoring, they're not as versatile as slacks. Dress pants are best worn for professional and formal occasions, but as mentioned above, they can be dressed down to maintain a sophisticated look in less formal settings.

How to Choose Between Slacks and Dress Pants

The occasion will dictate whether you choose slacks or dress pants. For formal and professional settings, wear dress pants. When you wear a suit, you'll be wearing dress pants. For semi-formal settings, you can wear either slacks or dress pants. For business casual, relaxed events, and everyday wear, choose slacks.

Also consider your personal style, comfort preference, and your body type.

• If you prefer a refined and elevated look, choose dress pants. The higher-quality fabrics, finer construction details, and more tailored fit of dress pants offer a more elegant look.
• If comfort is your goal, the more relaxed fit of slacks may be the best choice (as long as you're not attending a formal event or wearing a suit).
• Muscled and heavy-set men may prefer slacks because of their more generous and comfortable cut.
• Whatever your preferences, your choice should ultimately depend on the occasion and dress code.

How to Choose Pants for Any Occasion

Choosing between slacks and dress pants for various occasions and dress codes:

Formal: At formal weddings and dinners, galas, balls, operas, and other formal events you should wear a suit with dress pants. If the occasion specifies black tie, you'll wear tuxedo pants with a matching tuxedo jacket.

Semi-Formal: For corporate or professional events — dinner, cocktail, or holiday parties, graduations, and other semi-formal dress code events — you can choose either dress pants or slacks. Options include a suit, or if you prefer, dress pants or dark slacks with a blazer.

Business Professional: For interviews, conventions, meetings, and presentations, wear either a suit or dress pants with a blazer. A crisp dress shirt and tie complete the look.

Business Casual: Slacks are appropriate for business casual occasions such as Casual Fridays, relaxed meetings with peers, or a casual work environment.

Casual: Slacks are ideal for relaxed occasions. Go with khakis, chinos, and casual fabrics such as linen, cotton, or wool blends.

Styling Tips for Slacks and Dress Pants

Styling Tips for Slacks

• A white dress shirt, a patterned silk tie, dark gray slacks, and a navy blue blazer with black lace-up oxfords will look sharp and polished for semi-formal occasions.
• Go with a pale blue dress shirt, linen tie, tie clip, tan chino slacks, and brogues or monk strap shoes for a pulled together look for business casual occasions.
• For casual occasions, wear chino or khaki slacks with a button-down, polo, or t-shirt.

Styling Tips for Dress Pants

• Pair your dress pants and matching suit jacket with a dress shirt, a silk patterned tie, a complementary pocket square, and dress shoes for a professional occasion.
• A dark suit with matching dress pants, crisp white dress shirt, solid silk tie, pocket square, and dark dress shoes will work well for any formal event.
• Dress pants, a cashmere cardigan thrown over a dress shirt, and polished dress shoes will create a fashionable, sophisticated look for less formal occasions.

Caring for Your Slacks and Dress Pants

When your slacks or dress pants are in need of cleaning, follow the instructions on the care label. Some fabrics wash and dry well in your machines at home, while others, like certain wools, will fare better with dry cleaning.

Solid wood pinch clip hangers will keep your slacks and dress pants wrinkle-free. Draping trousers over a bar will leave a mark across the legs.

Follow the care label for ironing instructions. To avoid leaving a sheen on dark pants, always use a lint-free cotton cloth between the iron and the pants fabric.

Find Your Perfect Pair at The Tie Bar

Essentially, slacks are great for casual wear, and if constructed with a finer, darker fabric, can be worn to semi-formal occasions. Dress pants should always be worn in professional settings and to formal events.

Now you know which types of pants you need on hand for the various occasions in your life.

If you're ready to stock up or refresh your wardrobe with stylish slacks and dress pants, The Tie Bar has a collection of quality trousers for every event coming your way. Shop our pants collection now!