The Best Corduroy Pants For Men

Since it was first utilized in the country-style clothing of the British Isles many centuries ago, corduroy has grown to become one of the world's favorite fabrics today. The iconic ridged patterning is uniquely warm and comfortable, and its stately appearance imbues the wearer with a sophisticated air that fits in both formal and causal contexts. Whether you've been wearing corduroy for years or you're searching for your first pair, we've compiled this list of some of the best pants we could find.

What to Look For

As you scour the options for your perfect pair, it’s worth bearing in mind a few key features that can set these pants apart from each other: Is the fit slim or loose? How many pockets are there and how are they arranged? How thick are the corduroy’s ridges? Our favorites overall are the Tailgate corduroy pants from IZOD. This classic-fitting design might not step far from the status quo, but the result is a versatile and highly wearable pair of pants that will stand the test of time. If you’re looking for something a little looser for casual wear, check out the pleated cords from Idealsanxun. Read on below to discover the rest of our top picks.

IZOD Tailgate Corduroy Pants

Bold and simple

These natural all-rounders will fit the bill for all kinds of occasions.
Best Overall

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These standard-issue cords from IZOD keep things simple with a design that’s sure to be a welcome addition to any wardrobe. Thanks to the pants’ rich, 99-percent cotton fabric composition, you’re sure to enjoy the familiar fuzzy snugness of quality corduroy both outside and in. A touch of spandex in the blend gives this pair a little more stretch than pure cotton alternatives, giving you room to maneuver as you go about your day.

Pros:

  • This easy-care fabric is machine-washable for your comfort and convenience.
  • A wide range of waist and length measurement combinations means that most are likely to find an ideal fit.
  • This resilient corduroy fabric can withstand some punishment. It could even serve well when worn as workwear.

Cons:

  • The fly on these pants is longer than usual, which can result in an uncomfortable fit for some.

Goodthreads Slim-Fit Comfort Stretch Corduroy Pants

I can't believe its not denim

This jeans-inspired design combines the subtle softness of corduroy with a familiar fit.
Best Slim-Fit

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Whatever your day has in store, it pays to have pocket space available for your gadgets and valuables while you’re out on the go. This jean-inspired design from Goodthreads comes equipped with five high-capacity pockets, leaving you with plenty of room for all essentials. With their familiar button and fly closure, they’ll be a natural transition for any jeans wearer looking to experiment with their first pair of cords.

Pros:

  • This soft-touch fine-wale corduroy fabric features slimmer ridges than most for a delicately smooth feel.
  • These pants come in a range of classic hues to suit any season or outfit.

Cons:

  • Where this fine fabric excels in comfort, it slightly lacks insulation compared to thicker corduroy.

Idealsanxun Pleated Straight Leg Corduroy Pants

Baggy trousers

Embrace a downtempo look with these chilled-out, loose-fitting cords.
Best Casual

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Baggy pants are having a bit of a revival these days. These straight-leg pants let you get in on the trend while enjoying the breezy and flexible comfort of looser-fitting fabric. This lush corduroy is the real deal with its exquisitely soft 100-percent cotton composition. And with larger, thicker ridges than most, these pants are sure to keep you warm and snug during colder seasons despite the roomy fit.

Pros:

  • These spacious belt loops are built to accommodate wider belts.
  • If you’re not a fan of the sometimes constricting feel of jeans-style pockets, these large side pockets could offer a comfortable alternative.
  • The detailed sizing chart won’t confuse you while you search for the ideal fit.

Cons:

  • Without an elasticated waistband, the fit at the closure isn’t as flexible as with some other pairs.

Haggar Stretch Expandable Waist Corduroy Pants

Flex free

Despite its suave aesthetics, this stretch fabric provides next-level comfort and flexibility.
Best With Stretch

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If your current impression of corduroy is that it’s a dense and inflexible material, these stretch pants from Haggar will make you think again. This blended cotton and spandex fabric is exceptionally maneuverable without compromising on warmth and softness. The pants fit with a classic silhouette, making them shine for both formal get-ups and comfortable casual outfits.

Pros:

  • We love the wide color selection on offer here, including a few unorthodox shades for the more adventurous.
  • These off-seam side pockets won’t bulge when empty.

Cons:

  • This classic fit might be baggier than you expect if you’re used to wearing slim pants.

Haorun Corduroy Bell Bottom Flares

Groovy, baby

Channel an iconic style from years gone by with these vintage-inspired flares.
Best Flare-Style

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Take a leaf out of the style books of old with these retro flares from Haorun. You’re sure to catch an eye or two with this throwback style, and their wide ankle openings leave plenty of room to flaunt showstopping footwear beneath. This iconic look might not be a choice for all occasions, but with a comfortable stretch fit and exceptionally soft corduroy, you’re sure to find more use for them than simply as a fancy dress piece.

Pros:

  • The slim upper gives these pants a comfortably snug fit above the knee.
  • If you’re looking for bold and unconventional color choices, these cords are the ones for you.

Cons:

  • Be mindful that these pants are sold in Asian sizing. Make sure to check the size comparison chart before ordering to avoid disappointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are “wales” in corduroy fabric?

Corduroy fabric achieves its distinctive ridged appearance through extra sets of fiber that are woven into the cotton base. These are called wales. Wales in corduroy fabrics vary in their width, with thicker wales often resulting in greater insulation and a more distinctive striped appearance. The wale count of a corduroy fabric measures the number of wales per inch of fabric, with 11 wales being the standard.

Can I machine-wash my corduroy pants?

Despite its fuzzy appearance, most corduroy is safe for machine-washing. Its high cotton composition means you can wash it alongside similar items like linens and pure cotton garments. When in doubt, always check the manufacturer’s label for advice on temperature and spin cycle.

About the Author

Living in the fashion-forward city of London, Jack is always keen to absorb the latest looks. He typically prefers classic styles, like corduroy pants and Italian coats, but anything is fair game. He believes we all deserve to look our best. But so many choices in the world of fashion, Jack wants to help people find the coolest looks at the best prices.

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