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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 - Trousers usually refer to the pants that go to a suit. So they will be of the same fabric as the suit and have similar details to dress pants. Slacks more often refers to women's pants but it depends on the context.
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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 - Yes, they are. The term slacks and what we call dress pants are mentioning the same garment. Once clarified, it is also true that somehow the term "slacks" acquired some meaning more related to comfort and style.
Discussions

What is the difference between pants/dress pants and trousers?
Can somene recommend me a place to buy some pants/dress pants/trousers? Also, what fabric should i get and avoid. What about the color? I read online that you only need 2 colors and that was gray and black. I see that banana republic seem to charge a lot for their pants even though i heard the quality isn't that good as others. Thank you. ... Check out my Clothing Hacks & Reviews! ... Trousers can be pants and slacks... More on styleforum.net
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October 18, 2010
What is the difference between slacks and pants? (Women's clothing in particular) - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board
I was talking to a clothing/costume designer who told me that slacks and pants mean different things, especially when talking about women’s clothes. I had to dash, and couldn’t finish talking with him. Any thoughts? More on boards.straightdope.com
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February 27, 2013
american english - Difference between "slacks", "pants", and "trousers"? - English Language & Usage Stack Exchange
This is an AE perspective but, I would say that trousers and pants are synonyms. With both being any outer garment that covers both legs separately and goes from waist to ankles. Technically slacks is also a synonym, but the informal definition I most frequently hear is that slacks = dress pants. More on english.stackexchange.com
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ELI5: Differences between dress pants, trousers, slacks and chinos?
slacks = trousers = dress pants (not fully though) all generally have a crease with them and are generally made of wool (cotton/linen/etc exist) imo, dress pants are sold seperately, whereas trousers are a part of a suit. chinos are pants that are cotton, twill weave More on reddit.com
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November 27, 2017
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StudioSuits
studiosuits.com › blogs › articles › slacks-vs-dress-pants-whats-the-difference
Slacks vs Dress Pants: What's the Difference? – StudioSuits
May 3, 2021 - This loose-fitted construction is a defining characteristic of slacks. Dress pants, on the other hand, encompass a variety of types of formal and semi-formal men's dress pants. They are known as "dress pants" because they are used for "dressing up." If you're trying to create a formal or semi-formal outfit, you'll need to wear dress pants.
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Black Lapel
blacklapel.com › blogs › the-compass › slacks-vs-dress-pants
Slacks vs Dress Pants vs Trousers: What's the Difference? – Black Lapel
September 24, 2024 - Coined in the 1950s, the word ... dell’arte, a Venetian merchant who wears tight pants. There is virtually no difference between slacks and dress pants....
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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 offer a more relaxed silhouette and are crafted from materials like wool blends or flannel, making them versatile for both casual and semi-formal occasions. Dress pants typically feature a more structured construction and tailored fit, ...
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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
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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The Tie Bar
thetiebar.com › blogs › news › slacks-vs-dress-pants-key-differences-explained
Slacks vs Dress Pants: Key Differences Explained | The Tie Bar
July 17, 2025 - Slacks are designed for all-day comfort. Dress Pants: Cut with a closer fit, dress pants are usually constructed with a higher waist.
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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 - Slacks and chinos differ primarily in fabric, fit, and formality. Slacks are made from wool or wool-blend fabrics, providing a more formal appearance suitable for business and dressy occasions.
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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 - While “pants” is a rather extensive category covering anything from jeans and cargo pants to the bottom half of a tuxedo, the word “slacks” brings a loose but dressier style to mind.
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Styleforum
styleforum.net › home › forums › men's style › classic menswear
What is the difference between pants/dress pants and trousers? | Styleforum
October 18, 2010 - If someone I know says ... never heard). If someone says slacks, in my experience they usually mean khakis or chinos, unless they say "dress slacks" which refers to dress pants....
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Dhgate
smart.dhgate.com › home › casual slacks vs dress pants: are dress pants really dressier, or is it a myth?
Casual slacks vs dress pants: are dress pants really dressier, or is it a myth? - Smart.DHgate – Trusted Buying Guides for Global Shoppers
Casual pants vs dress pants really comes down to purpose and vibe—dress pants carry that polished, intentional sharpness while casual slacks lean into relaxed
Published   September 20, 2025
Views   8K
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Alberto-pants-USA
alberto-pants-usa.com › blogs › news › slacks-vs-dress-pants-what-is-the-difference
Slacks vs Dress Pants: What Is the Difference? – Alberto-pants-USA
May 27, 2025 - Slacks have a more relaxed fit, as you’ll recall, making them slightly more casual. However, these pants still maintain a sense of fashion-forward thinking. Dress pants focus more on the proper fit.
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Straight Dope Message Board
boards.straightdope.com › factual questions
What is the difference between slacks and pants? (Women's clothing in particular) - Factual Questions - Straight Dope Message Board
February 27, 2013 - I was talking to a clothing/costume designer who told me that slacks and pants mean different things, especially when talking about women’s clothes. I had to dash, and couldn’t finish talking with him. Any thoughts?
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My Suit Tailor
mysuittailor.com › blogs › grooming-blog › the-difference-between-slacks-and-dress-pants-a-complete-guide-for-men
The Difference Between Slacks and Dress Pants: A Complete Guide for Me – My Suit Tailor
October 29, 2025 - "Slack" is the term used in the modern day that has its origin in the Old English word "slack," which translates to loose. Just as the name suggests, slacks are usually looser in fit than traditional dress pants.
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Real Men Real Style
realmenrealstyle.com › home › slacks vs. dress pants (definitive style guide)
Slacks Vs. Dress Pants (Definitive Style Guide 2025)
March 21, 2024 - Their heavier construction makes the looser fit essential. A tight-fitting garment made from wool or corduroy would become a sweat disaster! Your skin would have no room to breathe. Dress pants are lighter in construction and material.
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Frank And Oak
ca.frankandoak.com › blogs › frank-and-oak-blog › slacks-vs-dress-pants-understanding-the-difference-and-finding-your-perfect-pair
Slacks vs Dress Pants: Understanding the Difference and Finding Your P – Frank And Oak Canada
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.
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Ask Andy About Clothes
askandyaboutclothes.com › home › forums › ask andy's style discussion › timeless style
Suit Pants versus Dress Pants fit | Men's Clothing Forums
July 26, 2010 - Suit trousers are not supposed to be tight, at least by traditional/classic standards of dress. Neither are odd trousers, though. ... From owning different types of suits over the years, I just presumed that the tailors themselves just chose to cut the pants a certain way. Sometimes the leg would be very roomy and other times, it would sit closer to the leg. My BB slacks fit me much more 'fitted' than literally any of my suit pants.
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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 - Overall, while slacks and dress pants share many similarities and are often used interchangeably, dress pants may refer to pants suitable for more formal events, while slacks may refer to a slightly more casual or versatile style of trousers.
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Mizzen+Main
mizzenandmain.com › blog › what-s-the-difference-between-chinos-and-dress-pants
From the desk of... What’s the Difference Between Chinos and Dress Pants? | Mizzen+Main
July 8, 2025 - Chinos(opens in new window) are casual-tailored pants made from cotton twill or performance blends, with a flat front and a slightly tapered leg. They offer a clean look that works for weekdays, travel, or casual evenings out. Dress pants, typically wool or wool blends, feature a structured silhouette, refined details, and a formal drape designed to pair with suits, blazers, or dress shirts for professional or formal occasions.
Top answer
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An excert from here:

Slacks implies pants of certain materials which are not part of a suit (jeans are not slacks, and you would not refer to the pair of trousers that came with a suit as "slacks".) It is also more common to use "slacks" to refer to pants worn by women, while men would wear "trousers". Meanwhile, "pants" could refer to slacks, or trousers, or jeans, or just about any form of two-legged outer garment for the lower body.

Note that in AE, "pants" by itself is never understood to mean underwear of any kind, and must be altered in some form (either as "underpants" or as "panties") to have that meaning.

Bill: What's this I hear that the boss walked into your office while you were changing your clothes and caught you in your underwear? Tom: No, but she nearly caught me in my underwear; luckily, I had just put my pants on.

This is an AE perspective but, I would say that trousers and pants are synonyms. With both being any outer garment that covers both legs separately and goes from waist to ankles. Technically slacks is also a synonym, but the informal definition I most frequently hear is that slacks = dress pants. I.E. Pants that you might wear if you were trying to look nice.

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I know the question is tagged AmE - but that wasn't in the original, and hasn't (yet) been confirmed by OP, so I don't see anything wrong with answering from a BrE perspective.

In the UK, pants almost always means underpants. And as OED says, slacks are loosely-cut trousers for informal wear, esp. those worn by women.

I think for many Americans, pants and trousers are effectively synonyms. But so far as I'm aware, "esp. those worn by women" tends to apply to slacks on both sides of the Atlantic.