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Reddit
reddit.com › r/malefashionadvice › eli5: differences between dress pants, trousers, slacks and chinos?
r/malefashionadvice on Reddit: ELI5: Differences between dress pants, trousers, slacks and chinos?
November 27, 2017 - The term "slacks" is maybe slightly more precise than "trousers" in that I believe it's specifically referring to the slack fabric that you get in pleated pants, which tend to be dress pants or suit pants. ... In addition to what others have said, jeans generally are a five pocket pant. They also have outer back pockets and riveted buttons. Chinos usually have side cut pockets, like a suit pant, and they have sewn buttons, and sometimes an inner waist button.
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Nimble Made
nimble-made.com › blogs › news › what-are-slacks
What are Slacks & How They Differ From Dress Pants - Nimble Made
April 12, 2023 - In terms of fit, chinos are often designed to be more relaxed than slacks, with a straight leg and a lower rise. This makes them a good choice for men who prefer a more comfortable, more casual style of fit.
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Hockerty
hockerty.com › en-us › blog › slacks-vs-dress-pants
Slacks vs Dress Pants - Is it the same? - Hockerty
November 4, 2024 - ... The word slacks comes from an old Saxon term that meant loose. Somehow, slacks became the new term for dress pants. As dress pants, slacks are not tight, are not elastic and are different from jeans, chinos or khakis.
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Ready Sleek
readysleek.com › chinos-vs-slacks-dress-pants
Chinos Vs Slacks (Dress Pants): What You Need To Know • Ready Sleek
August 1, 2023 - Smoother And Shinier Texture – The wool of a dress pant has a shinier and smoother finish than chinos. No Jean-Like Qualities – You won’t find dress pants with features like patch pockets, bar tack over stress points, or decorative stitching.
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Next Luxury
nextluxury.com › next luxury › style › slacks vs. chinos: everything you need to know
Slacks vs. Chinos: Everything You Need To Know
November 30, 2023 - One of the big positives of this is the fact that you don’t have to worry about slacks sticking uncomfortably to your body. Slacks truly provide your body with an ample amount of room and breathability, making them some of the more comfortable and enjoyable men’s pants available. In general, chino’s are seen as being more casual than slacks.
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Paulbrownengland
paulbrownengland.com › blog › what-are-slacks
What Are Slacks | Pants, Chinos & Slacks
Slacks, on the other hand, specifically ... referring to a pair of trousers that go beyond the casual realm. Slacks are the middle ground between the more formal dress pants and the laid-back vibe of casual chinos....
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Black Lapel
blacklapel.com › thecompass › slacks-vs-dress-pants
Slacks vs Dress Pants vs Trousers: What's the Difference? – Black ...
September 24, 2024 - Cut to ye iPhone times and slacks generally refer to pants that are neither jeans nor chinos, but rather a pant made of a smooth, wool knit or a blended fabric that one would wear to look more dressed up than casual.
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Quora
quora.com › Can-you-explain-the-differences-between-mens-dress-pants-slacks-chinos-jeans-and-dress-trousers
Can you explain the differences between men's dress pants, slacks, chinos, jeans, and dress trousers? - Quora
Answer (1 of 3): In America I believe trousers are referred to as pants. In Europe, pants are underwear bottoms. Dress trousers are formal, tailored in a luxury fabric, often with a silk covered seam and with a sharp crease. Slacks are loose trousers with a slack, non tailored, cut - often made...
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/malefashionadvice › whats the difference between slacks, dress pants, slackers, and chinos?
r/malefashionadvice on Reddit: Whats the difference between slacks, dress pants, slackers, and chinos?
September 13, 2025 -

I am very confused.

Also what are pleated, double pleated, and flat front trousers? And whats the difference?

And are formal trousers and dress trousers the same thing?

Top answer
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Slacks and 'dress pants' are, as far as I'm aware, just American terms for smart (usually wool) separate trousers. No idea what 'slackers' are in a trousering context. Chinos are more casual trousers made in a cotton twill - almost always flat-fronted, as cotton doesn't hold a pleat as well (although other kinds of cotton weave trousers, like cords and moleskins, sometimes have pleats). Pleats are additional folds in the front of the trouser fabric - most commonly found on wool trousers including worsted separates, flannels, suit trousers, formal trousers etc. 'Single' or 'double' just refers to the number of folds on each leg; they are intended to provide more room around the wider part of the leg when needed, and have become associated with a more formal and/or old fashioned style. They are quite practical though. A fairly comprehensive guide can be found here: https://www.permanentstyle.com/2019/11/suit-style-7-a-guide-to-pleats-on-trousers.html
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Slacks / dress pants - smart trousers pressed with a crease, usually made out of wool Chinos - cotton trousers that sit between jeans and slacks in formality. Details like visible stitching, a pressed crease and how smooth the fabric is can make them more or less formal. Slackers - an American term for draft dodgers in WW1. Pleats are folds of fabric underneath the waistband of the trousers. Forward pleats face towards the fly, reverse pleats towards the pockets (Google can show you pictures). They give you extra room in the hips. They don’t affect formality and are best thought of as a stylistic choice. They are becoming more fashionable, after being out of fashion for over 15 years, but have been in and out of fashion for over 100 years.
Find elsewhere
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DUER
shopduer.com › blogs › uncuffed › chinos-vs-jeans-the-ultimate-comparison
Chinos vs. Jeans: The Ultimate Comparison
May 5, 2022 - Chinos are made from chino cloth and jeans are made from denim. Both materials are essentially cotton; however, chinos are made from chino cotton and jeans are made from cotton denim.
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Oliver Wicks
oliverwicks.com › article › what-are-slacks
What Are Slacks and When Should I Wear Them? A Guide for Men - Oliver Wicks
November 22, 2021 - The answer is linguistic, not fashionable, as all three are the same thing! Strictly speaking, if we had to define slacks, they’re formal wear that covers the bottom half of your body and stretches full length (i.e., waist to ankle).
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Mens Business Shirts
mensbusinessshirts.com.au › home › chinos vs. dress pants for men: key differences
Chinos Vs. Dress Pants For Men: Key Differences
November 14, 2022 - They offer durability and a laid-back ... or semi-formal occasions. Chinos, made from lighter cotton twill, provide a cleaner, tailored appearance that fits smart casual and business casual dress codes....
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SuitShop
suitshop.com › blogs › news › slacks-vs-dress-pants
Slacks vs. Dress Pants: What’s the Difference? | SuitShop
April 23, 2024 - Slacks and chinos are both versatile trouser options, but they have distinct differences. Chinos offer a more casual aesthetic than slacks and are characterized by a softer fabric, typically cotton twill, and a more relaxed fit.
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Tapered Menswear
taperedmenswear.com › blogs › tapered-blog › chinos-vs-dress-pants
Chinos vs Dress Pants & Trousers - What's the Difference? | Tapered – Tapered Menswear
October 15, 2025 - Chinos, made from cotton or a cotton blend, are lighter and more casual, offering a slim, straight fit without a crease. While slacks are ideal for traditional business environments, chinos offer versatility, bridging the gap between casual ...
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Quora
quora.com › What-are-chinos-and-how-are-they-different-from-jeans-or-trousers
What are chinos, and how are they different from jeans or trousers? - Quora
Answer: Chinos are a combination of casual trousers and jeans. When you are going to a function or an event and if you don’t know the dress code Chinos are useful since they are a combination.
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President Tailors
president-tailors.com › slacks-vs-dress-pants-guide
Slacks vs Dress Pants – Are They Really the Same?
July 22, 2025 - Over time, slacks became a modern way to refer to dress pants, especially those that aren’t tight or overly structured. Unlike jeans, chinos, or khakis, slacks are designed to be more refined, without stretch or tight fits.
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Pant Project
pantproject.com › translation missing: en.general.breadcrumb.home › pantology › pantology
Khakis vs Chinos: What's the Difference and How to Choose
March 14, 2024 - Casual Chic: With the shift towards more relaxed and versatile dress codes, khakis and chinos have found their place as the perfect middle ground between formal and casual wear. They offer an elegant yet comfortable option for those who wish to look put-together without the constraints of traditional formal attire. They are an alternative to jeans.
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Black Lapel
blacklapel.com › thecompass › chinos-vs-dress-pants
Chinos vs Dress Pants: What's The Difference – Black Lapel
November 13, 2023 - And some detergents can actually degrade the wool fabric, leading to fading and pilling of your pants. As such, most men get their slacks dry cleaned. This keeps them in their original condition for longer, but it’s no doubt a hassle to keep in mind when shopping. Chinos, on the other hand, are very easy to maintain.
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The Fedora Lounge
thefedoralounge.com › home › forums › apparel › general attire & accoutrements
Are these Slacks, or Chinos? | The Fedora Lounge
August 21, 2016 - I suppose you could call them chinos, but to me, chinos are a fancier version of khakis - cut in a more classic straight leg profile, but using a thinner, sleeker fabric and drapier cut. The younger man at right in second photo appears to be wearing more casual pants - traditional cotton drill khakis or even a 'jean' style of twill.
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UNIONBAY
unionbay.com › home › chinos vs khakis
Chinos vs Khakis: The Key Differences - A Guide | UNIONBAY
October 22, 2025 - Classic khakis are a heavy straight leg work pant that’s great for work and fun, inside and out. Basic khakis offer hidden stitching for the workplace while khaki jeans are a popular denim alternative that highlights the popular color. If you’re looking for a quick answer in the chinos vs.