Corduroy Is Soft, Stylish and Versatile — Here’s Why It’s Our Favorite Pant in 2020
Shop one of the most wearable trends around.
As you’ve probably noticed, 70s and 80s (and even some 90s) trends are back with a vengeance. One of the most wearable clothing trends to wear right now is men’s corduroy pants. Corduroy can be worn throughout the year and has a soft velvety touch. The most used type of corduroy is the baby wale; that’s a very fine corduroy that at first glance doesn’t seem to have any ribbing at all.
The fabric is easy to wear with either a T-shirt or a blazer. Designers have played with the fabric and created various styles of men’s corduroys in joggers, jeans and trousers.
We all need a jolt of new stuff to wear now and then, so scroll on through and find a pair or three of the best men’s corduroy pants that you can rock at home or out and about — even if it’s just a trip to the market.
1. Weekday Sunday Corduroy Trousers
BEST OVERALL
Swedish-based Weekday is one of H&M’s satellite brands, and they have a reputation for creating cool street style fashion that’s good for the environment. Their Sunday trousers have a dropped crotch, medium-rise and a tapered fit. That means they’re a bit wider (or generous) in the seat and thighs, then narrow down the leg.
2. Bershka Skinny Corduroy Pants
BEST SPORTY
They have a subtle all over shadow plaid, so it adds a sporty almost golf vibe to them. Cut like a chino; these corduroy pants have side slash front pockets, sit at the waist, and two faux back pockets.
3. Les Tiens Cotton Corduroy Pants
MOST RELAXED
We’ve already established that corduroy is ridiculously soft, and when you find a pair of men’s corduroy pants that are comfortable and fashionable, you know you have a winner. Say hello to your new weekend or weekday cords. They have an elasticated waist, piping down the legs and side slit pockets. Les Tiens added more comfort by giving them a tapered fit, wider at the thigh and butt, and a little narrower down the leg.
4. J. Crew Ludlow Slim Fit Suit Pant in Italian Cotton Corduroy
BEST OFFICE FRIENDLY
Sadly, we all need a pair of “adult pants” now and again, these very soft cotton corduroy men’s pants do the trick. These navy pants have a very fine wale, front slash pockets, two back buttoned pockets and a slim leg. You can go casual by pairing them with a sneaker or driving shoe on the bottom, and a sweatshirt or relaxed cut button-down shirt.
5. Levi’s 1970s Corduroy Pants
BEST THROWBACK
If you’re going to channel the 70s trend, why not go right to the source? Levi threw open their design vaults, dusted one off and updated a vintage design for today. They have a narrow rib and are one of their few designs that don’t have their signature stitching on the back pockets.
6. Aimé Leon Dore Graphic Embroidered Relaxed Fit Tapered Trousers
BEST NEW DESIGNER
Queens, New York-born Teddy Santis is the designer behind Aimé Leon Dore. He’s not fond of interviews and prefers to let the work speak for itself, like this pair of car embroidered corduroy pants. Unique and fun, they have a mid-rise waist and tapered fit.
7. Madewell Straight Corduroy Jeans
BEST FOR ALL BODY TYPES
Once on, you may never want to take off Madewell’s corduroy jeans. Made with stretch, these soft jeans can go from laidback with kicks and a tee to work (or date) with lace-up boots and a cotton sweater. They also come in a soft brown. These men’s corduroy pants are sized from 28 to 44, it’s a jean that works for everyone.
8. John Varvatos Wight Fit Corduroy Jeans
MOST DETAILED BY HAND
John Varvatos is one of the few designers who effortlessly combines a rock n’ roll sensibility with exquisite tailoring. These corduroy pants have been hand sanded for extra softness. They have five pockets and are made in a lightweight cotton blend.
9. Izod Tailgate Corduroy Pants
BEST CLASSIC STYLE
Like a little variety in your life? Izod’s Tailgate cords come in 15 colors, so you’ll never get bored wearing this style. The cotton blend cords have front slash pockets, two back button pockets and a slightly relaxed fit.
Buy: IZOD Men's Tailgate Corduroy Pants (Havana Brown, 32W x 32L) $69.99
10. Flint & Tinder 365 Corduroy Pants – Slim
MOST VERSATILE
Flint & Tinder’s 365 corduroy pants are designed to be worn all year long, hence the “365” tag. Made with stretch, and pre-shrunk, they promise comfort and style. The pants come in three shades and also come in a more relaxed straight fit.
11. Eleventy Cargo Slim Stretch Cotton Corduroy Trousers
BEST EURO STYLE
Born in Milan in 2007, Eleventy’s mission is to make luxury clothing with sensible prices. An obsession to detail, high-quality fabrics and a modern sensibility are imbued in all their wares. Their men’s corduroy pants have sleek cargo pockets, a mid-rise waist and slim leg.
