The Best Khaki Pants for Men Are the Coolest Idea the Army's Ever HadThe Military Industrial Complex is nefarious and far-reaching, but sometimes it yields a product actually worthy of your tax dollars.Even the best khaki pants for men can spark a bit of pre-teen PTSD: memories of getting “dressed up” for eighth grade graduation, some older cousin’s wedding, a friend’s bar mitzvah. At the time, you might've wondered: Do adults actually like wearing these?Now that you are one (we're assuming here), the answer is pretty obvious. Khakis are king because they can do a lot without demanding a lot. They may not qualify as formalwear once you’re old enough to take the PSAT, but a great pair solves plenty of other style conundrums. They’re crisp, comfortable, and play nice with almost every shoe, sweater, or shirt in your closet, going from job interview to JFK cosplay without losing a beat—maybe even in the span of a single day. Go blue-collar with a chore coat and Red Wings; go blue blood with boat shoes and a blazer.The blessing of khakis is also their curse: you’ll want more than one pair. Especially since we're starting to see some real khaki…kreativity. Sure, there’s still no shortage of straightforward riffs that replicate a design that’s been around since the mid-19th century. But we’ve also watched J.Crew’s Giant-fit chinos break the internet—or at least, the pants department. Pleats have made a comeback; bagginess is back (in moderation). A few intrepid designers have even taken khakis from a casual Friday staple to a runway Monday swerve.The uniting through line is that all the best khakis we’ve found remain the endlessly versatile, eminently wearable pants you’ve always been looking for. From mall-brand classics to painstakingly-reproduced throwbacks, these are the 15 best khakis for men in 2026.The Best Khakis OverallJ.Crew Classic Chino PantRead moreThe Best Budget KhakisDockers Classic Fit Easy Khaki PantsRead moreThe Best Upgrade KhakisTodd Snyder Relaxed Fit Japanese Selvedge ChinoRead moreThe Best Pleated KhakisNoah Twill Double-Pleat PantRead moreThe Best Hard-Working KhakisDickies Original 874 Work PantRead moreMore Khakis We LoveWhat to Look for in a Great Pair of KhakisHow We Test and Review ProductsHow We Make These PicksBest Khaki Pants Overall: J.Crew Classic Chino PantJ.CrewClassic Chino PantProsThe fit is like a Levi’s 501: flattering on everyoneThe 31.5 inseam can be cuffed by short kings or leave a little sock showing for taller fellasConsYou and everyone else at the function will be wearing themHard to know the weight of the fabric without trying them onJ.Crew has been through some ups and downs in the last 15 years or so, but we’re pleased to see its mall brand mojo is back. As proof, take the properly named J.Crew Classic Chino* Pant, a staple of the brand since 1983.Inspired by 1940s military-issue khakis, these khakis come with a hardy cotton-twill fabric, high-rise fit, and wide hems—nice for cuffing or for a little extra ankle-height drama. Everything about these says “right now” while also being a pair you could wear another 20 years in the future. Best of all, you can probably pick up a pair within a 15-minute drive from your house.*Just so we’re all clear: Chinos are the type of pants; khaki is the color. All khakis are chinos, but not all chinos are khaki. Cool? Cool.Best Budget Khaki Pants: Dockers Classic Fit Easy Khaki PantsDockersClassic Fit Easy Khaki PantsProsClassic silhouetteStretchy comfortValueConsEntry-level fabricIf there’s one thing you know Dockers for, it’s khakis. The brand has been so successful with the business casual pant that it’s nearly reached the point of genericization. But it would be all for nought if its flagship product was middling. We’re glad to say that ain’t the case…if you’re on a budget. For just about $40, these are the best-fitting, most versatile khakis. Where you save money is the fabric, which is a blend of cotton, polyester, and elastane. So while these may not feel like traditional all-cotton khakis, the calculated melange of materials gives them a graceful drape not unlike a decent pair of dress pants (the added stretch is a comfy bonus as well).They have a trend-proof mid-high rise and a classic relaxed fit through the thighs and leg which looks ace over a pair of svelte loafers or hefty boots, with a button-up tucked in or a simple tee. And if you’re not keen on the pleats, Dockers offers them in a clean flat front version as well.Best Upgrade Khaki Pants: Todd Snyder Relaxed Fit Japanese Selvedge ChinosTodd SnyderRelaxed Fit Japanese Selvedge ChinoProsHigh-qualityPerfect relaxed-almost-baggy fitConsWorth 3 J.Crew chinosPraying for a hardier take on classic khaki pants? Todd the God will provide. Snyder teamed up with the legendary Kuroki Mill in Japan to recreate the feel and fit of a true vintage military khaki, weaving them on old, traditional shuttle looms for authenticity.The design is based on a pair of wide-legged khakis from Todd's personal archive. And the result? A pair of tough-as-nails trousers in a heftier-than-usual cotton that could survive basic training, nevermind brunch. They’re selvedge, too, which means they’ll age like your favorite jeans: gracefully, and with just the right amount of attitude.Best Pleated Khaki Pants: Noah Double-Pleat Baggy PantsNoahTwill Double-Pleat PantProsHigh-quality materials and constructionSolid fit and feelConsOnly available in a single inseamWhen designer Brendan Babenzien helped reboot J.Crew, his first home run was the Giant-fit Chino—an archive revival that introduced every mall-going man in America to the Bigger Is Better mantra. Funny thing: Babenzien also runs Noah, so you shouldn’t be surprised that the Supreme offspring also makes some sick khakis of its own. These feature a righteous double-pleat front with a mid-high rise, full thigh and leg.Unlike the J.Crew Giant-fit Chino, these don’t come with a built-in cuff (that’s a good thing). They do, however, only come in a single fixed length, so if you’ve got particularly long legs, you may be out of luck. The cotton twill is thick and sturdy, like a pair of blue jeans, so you can take these out for a few skate sessions and expect them to keep up. And for the rest of the population who can’t stand on a board without spraining an ankle, they’ll last you even longer.Best Hard-Working Khaki Pants: Dickies 874 Work PantsDickiesOriginal 874 Work PantProsAffordableDurableVersatileMany color optionsFitConsFabric is fairly roughA little too informal for certain occasionsDickies is known for workwear that’s built to handle sheet rock more than spreadsheets. But its iconic 874 Work Pants proves it knows its way around a corporate office. Paired with a button-down shirt and a foulard tie, some chunky wingtips, and a handsome watch and you’ve got a proper business casual fit ready to go from casual Friday to a raucous Saturday morning.For around thirty bucks you get a pair of tough-as-nails khakis that probably don’t belong at the office, but can certainly clean up well with a crisply ironed crease and perhaps five minutes to undo the logo patch at the back. Hell, they’ve even been known to grace the red carpet. (But you’re neither Kanye nor Pete Davidson, are you?) Outside of more formalized dress codes, simply toss on a denim jacket and a trusty flannel, or go for the matching set with a Dickie’s jacket.More Khakis We LoveBuck MasonBig ChinosBuck Mason's Big Chinos just hit the shelves, but they're already one of our favorite pairs of khakis. These take cues from vintage mid-century pairs (the Golden Era of khakis, in our opinion) and feature a high rise, roomy thighs with a straight wide leg. Details like the wide belt loops, busted seat seams, Talon zippers, and corozo nut buttons makes them a dead ringer for a pair of deadstock military issue chinos. You could spend a ton of time hunting for the perfect vintage pair, but Buck Mason proves you really don't need to.Flint and Tinder365 Chino PantsFrom Pedro Pascal’s rugged waxed jacket in The Last of Us to an easy-wearing pair of khakis, Flint and Tinder likes its rugged Americana. The brand’s pants are built to move, with a lightweight 8-oz. twill and a hint of stretch. We also like that they come in four different fits: classic, straight, athletic-tapered, and slim. So once you find your fit (and you will find your fit), it’s dangerously easy to stock up in every color.Jack DonnellyOriginal Twill 002 StraightJack Donnelly is a brand that only makes chinos, so you know it’s not just dabbling. Inspired by the O.G. WWII classic version, these chinos are handmade in Los Angeles from 100-percent cotton twill. They’re relaxed through the hip, thigh, and leg, and they come with a whopping 39-inch inseam—because Jack Donnelly believes in freedom. Specifically, the freedom to hem them exactly how you like.NN07Aden 1923 Classic Fit Stretch Organic Cotton ChinosCopenhagen-based brand NN07 makes some of the best minimal, no-fuss menswear out there. These khaki pants are proof, with just enough stretch to justify lounging like a Scandinavian yacht dad, even if your waterfront property is just a folding chair on the porch overlooking a bird bath.Alex MillStraight Leg Pant in Vintage Washed ChinoAs the name reveals, these have been treated to feel like a soft, strong vintage pair right from the off. And it's Alex Mill, so you know the fit's going to be flattering, and the service is going to be solid.Drake'sWide-Leg Cotton-Twill ChinosThe higher rise and ever-so-slightly flared leg on these Drake's khakis take them into a dressier zone. Incredibly clutch for when it's boiling out, but the dress code still calls for smart-casual.Save Khaki UnitedThe Weekend ChinoSave Khaki United's sub-$200, peachy soft, perfectly relaxed Weekend Chinos are of the best sleeper deals in menswear. Take it from my colleagues, multiple of whom wear them often.MfpenCommission ChinoYou can't see it in the picture, but two of the coolest features of this Mfpen design are slightly distressed rear pockets, and a satisfying hook closure above the fly.The Real McCoy'sCotton Khaki 1945 TrousersThe Real McCoy’s built its reputation on reproducing some of the most iconic military pieces ever made, and its khaki chinos are no exception. These are a stitch-perfect recreation of the much-loved, much-replicated 1940s pair (a.k.a. the golden era of chinos). They’ve got it all: reinforced jetted front pockets, two welted back pockets, and sturdy metal buttons. Save yourself scrolling through eBay for a perfect vintage pair and grab these instead.Merz b. SchwanenWide-Leg ChinosMerz b. Schwanen has had a hard time stocking its tees since Jeremy Allen White rocked them on The Bear—but the German brand’s got way more up its sleeve. These pants are cut from a beefy 9.2-oz cotton twill that's been rinsed for softness. The wide-leg fit is roomy enough to smuggle a jumbo pretzel, and the corozo nut buttons will outlast your next three relationships.What to Look for in a Great Pair of KhakisThere are some criteria that khakis have to meet in order to pass muster for the GQ Recommends squad. It boils down to materials, construction, fit, and price.Materials: High-quality khakis should be made of a top-shelf cotton twill which is densely woven, sturdy, and durable. They’re often lighter than your typical pair of denim jeans, but heavier than poplin. Some khakis will use polyester and stretch for comfort, range of motion, and durability, but often at the expense of overall quality.Construction: Well-built khakis should be constructed with finished or felled seams throughout and structural reinforcement via bar tacks. Some higher-end khakis will come with a sewn-in waist curtain to neatly cover the internal construction. That said, many high-quality khakis forgo the waist curtain which is more often seen on dress pants.Fit: Classic khakis are cut with a mid-high rise, full thighs and straight leg. That said, you can find khakis in every silhouette under the sun from barrel fit to slim fit. At a certain point, just make sure your khakis fit your body and complement your outfit.Price: While everyone’s budget will vary, what we look for is overall value. You shouldn’t have to pay more than $100 for a nice pair of khakis that will last you a long time. But if you have the cash to splash and are picky about details, there are plenty of high-end options to choose from.How We Test and Review ProductsStyle is subjective, we know—that’s the fun of it. But we’re serious about helping our audience get dressed. Whether it’s the best white sneakers, the flyest affordable suits, or the need-to-know menswear drops of the week, GQ Recommends’ perspective is built on years of hands-on experience, an insider awareness of what’s in and what’s next, and a mission to find the best version of everything out there, at every price point.Our staffers aren’t able to try on every single piece of clothing you read about on GQ.com (fashion moves fast these days), but we have an intimate knowledge of each brand’s strengths and know the hallmarks of quality clothing—from materials and sourcing, to craftsmanship, to sustainability efforts that aren’t just greenwashing. GQ Recommends heavily emphasizes our own editorial experience with those brands, how they make their clothes, and how those clothes have been reviewed by customers. Bottom line: GQ wouldn’t tell you to wear it if we wouldn’t.How We Make These PicksWe make every effort to cast as wide of a net as possible, with an eye on identifying the best options across three key categories: quality, fit, and price.To kick off the process, we enlist the GQ Recommends braintrust to vote on our contenders. Some of the folks involved have worked in retail, slinging clothes to the masses; others have toiled for small-batch menswear labels; all spend way too much time thinking about what hangs in their closets.We lean on that collective experience to guide our search, culling a mix of household names, indie favorites, and the artisanal imprints on the bleeding-edge of the genre. Then we narrow down the assortment to the picks that scored the highest across quality, fit, and price.Across the majority of our buying guides, our team boasts firsthand experience with the bulk of our selects, but a handful are totally new to us. So after several months of intense debate, we tally the votes, collate the anecdotal evidence, and emerge with a list of what we believe to be the absolute best of the category right now, from the tried-and-true stalwarts to the modern disruptors, the affordable beaters to the wildly expensive (but wildly worth-it) designer riffs.Whatever your preferences, whatever your style, there's bound to be a superlative version on this list for you. (Read more about GQ's testing process here.)Production CreditsPhotographs by Bowen Fernie and Natalie PiserchioStyled by Tyler AustinGrooming by Laramie using RéVive and OribeGerald Ortiz is a style commerce writer for GQ covering fashion, grooming, and occasionally lifestyle. Previously, he was the style writer for Gear Patrol and the managing editor at Heddels. He graduated from the University of California, Davis with three degrees, none of which directly relate to fashion (so it ... Read More
15 Best Khaki Pants for Men 2026, According to GQ Editors
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