15 Best Corduroy Pants of 2024 That Are Effortlessly Cool

Corduroy pants are the cooler-weather cousin to chinos—a step up in formality from jeans, and a bit more casual than wool flannel trousers, plus looser, comfier. They’re a vibe all their own. Once relegated to preppy, professional corners, the best corduroy pants for men are now a wardrobe necessity.

“Cords are back for a few reasons,” says Elliot Aronow, founder of Minor Genius and editor of its newsletter. “One is that they never went out of style, so if you wear them now, you won’t look trendy. Sure, they may be rooted in the university look of the ‘50s and ‘60s (think OG Ralph Lauren), but they’re really an every-person type of look.”

And, well, they’re called cords for a reason: It’s all about that texture—the soft, cozy feel that’s ideal for hanging on the couch or going out to a nice dinner. (Those ridges, by the way, are known as “wales.”) The best corduroy pants offer a one-of-a-kind texture and nattiness to complete your overall look. “Cords bring a certain air of easiness that you just can’t get with any other fabric. For one, their texture is eye-catching, but not in an obnoxious way,” Aronow adds. “Cords say, ‘I’m relaxed and know who I am.’ They’re not trying too hard.” 

Whether you’re dressing them up or down, the best corduroy pants should have the right mix of style, comfort, and durability, the trifecta of versatility. After scouring the many cords for men, we picked Proper Cloth Stratton Stretch Corduroy as the best overall corduroy pants, but we can’t overstate how many amazing cords are out there to suit every taste, budget, and situation. Better yet, why stop with just one pair?

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Best Men’s Corduroy Pants at a Glance

• Best Corduroy Pants Overall: Proper Cloth Stratton Stretch Corduroy Chino
• Best Brown Corduroy Pants: Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Full Saddle Pant
• Best Wide-Wale Corduroy Pants: Brooks Brothers Regular Fit Cotton Wide-Wale Corduroy Pants
• Best Tailored Corduroy Pants: Todd Snyder Slim Fit 5-Pocket Corduroy Pants
• Best Budget-Friendly Corduroy Pants: Quince Organic Stretch Corduroy 5-Pocket Pants

Best Corduroy Pants for Men in 2024

Best Corduroy Pants Overall: Proper Cloth Stratton Stretch Corduroy Chino

Crafted from Italian corduroy, Proper Cloth Stratton Stretch Corduroy Chino pants boast a velvety feel that elevates the already cozy texture. They’re made primarily of cotton with a touch of lyocell for breathability and three percent elastane (usually two percent) for extra stretch and comfort. The mid-range wale leans toward the narrower side, making them versatile enough for formal and casual occasions, while the fit sits in between tailored and relaxed. Available in various colorways from neutrals to jewel tones and finished with a unique dye that adds a lived-in look, these pants pair just as effortlessly with a merino sweater and hiking boots as they do with dress shoes and a blazer. My favorite thoughtful details include the tab button waistband closure, which gives a heritage yet hip feel; the back flap button pockets for character; and the horn buttons for an extra touch of refinement.

Best Heritage Corduroy Pants: Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Full Saddle Pant

Buck Mason pays homage to menswear’s utilitarian and military roots, reinterpreting apparel in a highly wearable, modern way. They respect the history of these clothes, and it shows. Brown corduroy comes to mind when we think of the ’60s or ’70s, as inseparable as Starsky & Hutch. But don’t be scared off them: Brown corduroy, when done right, is a style swerve. The Buck Mason Craftsman Corduroy Full Saddle pants are the cool kids on the corduroy block. With a lush pile, a handsome brown hue, and a relaxed fit, they pay tribute to the textile while updating it for the guy of today. Pair them with sneakers or boots, and tuck in a T-shirt. It all works.

Best Everyday Corduroy Pants: Lands’ End Traditional Fit Comfort-First Fine Wale Corduroy Pants

The Lands’ End Traditional Fit Comfort-First Fine Wale Corduroy Pants are perfect for hanging-at-home wear and even versatile for most other situations. They’re understated by design, so much so they might warrant a second glance to notice their rich, ribbed corduroy texture. These pants are delightfully soft and durable, with a higher 19-wale count and a fitted yet relaxed silhouette. They can just as easily be dressed up at home gatherings with a fine merino knit. Available in various colors and with a bit of stretch, these are your off-duty go-to pants in fall.

Best Wide-Wale Corduroy Pants: Brooks Brothers Regular Fit Cotton Wide-Wale Corduroy Pants

We’d be remiss not to include Brooks Brothers, as uniquely American design is a cornerstone of its rich history. While wider-wale trousers are available, they can sometimes be too robust and lack versatility. Brooks Brothers Regular Fit Cotton Wide-Wale Corduroy Pants strike the perfect balance—heritage-leaning yet adaptable for most guys. We particularly appreciate the extra clasp and relaxed fit, both of which are callbacks to the brand’s storied past. These are the kind of cords Wes Anderson would likely favor: tried, true, comfortable, with a chunky pattern that cord enthusiasts  love.

Best Tailored Corduroy Pants: Todd Snyder Slim Fit 5-Pocket Corduroy Pants

Todd Snyder is a fallback in the best way, as there’s virtually no aspect of menswear the designer doesn’t excel at. Take these impeccably tailored olive green Todd Snyder Slim Fit 5-Pocket Corduroy Pants. They offer just the right amount of room around the thighs before tapering to a fitted silhouette at the ankles. The 14-wale cord provides a finer, more refined texture that pairs beautifully with tailored pieces, while the slight stretch ensures ease of movement throughout your day. With a five-pocket design, they work for weekend wear but truly shine in more formal settings (think fall workday meetings and off-the-clock winter parties).

Best Weekend Corduroy Pants: Patagonia Organic Cotton Corduroy Jeans

We all know Patagonia makes some of the best outdoor gear in the world, with enough style for flexing on city streets. But the brand’s lifestyle offerings, like these Patagonia Organic Cotton Corduroy trousers, tend to fly under the radar. As we said, corduroy isn’t in the technical world; it’s a natural textile with inherent comfort and heft. These incredibly comfortable corduroy pants are crafted with just the right amount of stretch in a versatile 14-wale fabric, making them perfect for both hikes and errands. And they’re made from organic cotton and produced in a fair-trade facility, staying true to Patagonia’s ethos.

Best Stretch Corduroy Pants: L.L.Bean Men’s BeanFlex Corduroy Pants

You know L.L.Bean for duck boots, wool flannel outerwear, and canvas bags, so it’s no surprise L.L.Bean Men’s BeanFlex Corduroy Pants are of equal caliber. They feature a classic five-pocket, jean-style cut crafted from a soft, midweight corduroy in a versatile straight-leg fit. The addition of BeanFlex gives these already comfortable pants an extra dose of stretch. While a belt might be necessary to keep them snug, they’re designed to move freely but securely with every step.

Best Corduroy Joggers: Marine Layer Saturday Slim Straight Corduroy Pant

Corduroy… joggers?! Absolutely. Marine Layer offers the most relaxed, stylish hybrid in its Saturday Slim Straight Corduroy Pant. With an elastic drawstring waist and built-in stretch, these joggers are built for cozy fall weekends at home (they’re called the Saturday Pant, after all), running errands, or early autumn beach hangs. Made from a thinner wale cord, they have a slightly refined look, making them versatile enough for casual weekend hangs.

Best Loose-Fit Corduroy Pants: Polo Ralph Lauren Whitman Relaxed Fit Corduroy Pant

Ralph Lauren offers an impressive range of corduroy cuts and styles, which makes sense for the brand synonymous with luxury American heritage. Polo Ralph Lauren Whitman Relaxed Fit Corduroy Pant is an advanced style swerve for the guy looking to elevate his corduroy game. These aren’t the pleats of an ’80s newscaster—they’re the kind you’d see on a street-style savvy guy. With a relaxed silhouette that’s right on trend, they look even better with a slight cuff. With the soft cotton corduroy, slightly wider wale, and a coin pocket, the tribute to tradition is all there, too. While all the jewel tones are striking, the tan option perfectly balances fashion-forward and timeless. Wear whichever feels right with confidence—it’ll pay off.

Best Corduroy Utility Pants: Aether Corduroy Fatigue Pant

Leave it to luxury technical brand Aether to create corduroy pants that are both incredibly soft and impressively utilitarian. This season’s new Aether Corduroy Fatigue pants are designed with (light) outdoor activities in mind. They feature a tape drawcord at the waist for a secure fit and a reinforced seat panel for extra durability. Ample storage comes in two slant pockets, two cargo pockets, and two back welt pockets. These utility cargo pants blend elastane for added stretch and are cut in a roomy, stylish silhouette. Consider them a blissful sidekick for all your fall and winter hikes, drives, and hangs.

Best Luxury Corduroy Pants: Drake’s Mid-Wale Corduroy Flat Front Trouser

Since 1977, the British luxury brand Drake’s has attracted a cult following in the U.S., and helped spearhead today’s “trad” (short for traditional) movement with its printed scarves, tweed blazers and corduroy. Drake’s Mid-Wale Corduroy Flat Front Trouser pants are not cheap. They’re undeniably luxurious and a worthwhile investment. Crafted from versatile mid-wale corduroy, the half-lined trousers feature meticulous details like an extended tab front, French bearer buttoning (an additional inside button), interior waistband curtaining (to prevent the pants from rolling), and a prong keeper for securing a belt buckle. The 100-percent cotton is incredibly soft, with a sumptuous hand feel that almost mimics velvet. Crafted in Italy, these trousers are designed to endure, transitioning between formal and casual occasions with equal ease.

Best Jean Cut Corduroy Pants: Levi’s Premium 511 Slim Fit Corduroy Jeans

When we refer to a “jean cut,” we’re talking about the classic five-pocket style, back yoke, front button and zipper, and denim-inspired back patch. Levi’s Premium 511 Slim Fit Corduroy Jeans are your classic-cool corduroys. With a bit of stretch for comfort, they’re perfect for weekend outings. The thinner 14-wale cord looks better on a jean cut, but the fit really sets these apart. Narrow through the seat and thigh, they maintain a straight silhouette down to the ankle, avoiding the overly skinny look that doesn’t usually flatter corduroy. These pants look and fit just like a great pair of jeans.

Best Budget-Friendly Corduroy Pants: Quince Organic Stretch Corduroy 5-Pocket Pants

We sing the praises of Quince’s supremely affordable yet noticeably stylish menswear, and Quince Organic Stretch Corduroy 5-Pocket Pants are no exception. Crafted from versatile 11-wale corduroy with a touch of stretch, they’re perfect for everyday wear and tear. The brown color (more of a salmon tone) is great for early fall or even spring, while the black and green hues work better in late fall and winter. The standout is the fit: not too slim nor loose, with roomier thighs that taper slightly at the ankle. This silhouette flatters most body types.  

Best Narrow-Wale Corduroy Pants: Spoke London Cord Fives, The Autumn Original

A key styling tip: Wider-wale corduroy is more casual, and narrow-wale corduroy suits a dressier, sleeker appearance. While we’re all about American heritage represented by other brands here, our friends across the pond—especially in the British countryside—also have corduroy woven into their bones, or at least their natty fits. Spoke London Cord Fives, The Autumn Original embody refined luxury. Made with Italian corduroy and enhanced with added stretch, they’re cut in a five-pocket style and available in a range of fall colors. With a discreet, narrow wale, they can be paired with a merino crewneck for an easygoing vibe or dressed up with a shirt and jacket for those fall events.

Best Pleated Corduroy Pants: Alex Mill Standard Pleated Pant in Corduroy

Leave it to Alex Mill to create universally cool corduroy pants with pleats that feel fresh, not dated: Alex Mill Standard Pleated Pant in Corduroy is light years away from your grandad’s old-fashioned pleats. Though pleated corduroys can lean into stuffy territory, the revival of pleats and corduroy as a timeless yet fashionable textile makes this pairing right on-trend, if that’s something you check in on. What really makes these sing is the fit: With a relaxed silhouette and subtle taper, the pants look great cuffed. Featuring a versatile mid-wale texture and available in a range of fall neutrals, they’re worth investing in for the colder months ahead.

How We Chose the Best Corduroy Pants

All the corduroy pants on this list are of a notably high quality, with great (hand) feel, and made almost entirely with cotton (except those with stretch). Each pair is the best in its respective category available now. The best wide-wale cord pants are plush and suit casual situations, whereas the best tailored pants have a slimmer cut and mid-wale for a dressier look. The utility cargos can handle outdoor activities, while the corduroy joggers are your friend when lounging and running errands. And, naturally, we selected these cords with style at top of mind.

What to Look for in the Best Corduroy Pants

Wale

The wale count is one of the most important factors when choosing the best corduroy pants. “Wale” describes the number of ridges or cords within each inch of the fabric. A lower wale count (10 or less) means thicker, wider cords, giving the pants a more casual and plush appearance. These include wide wale or broad wale. Conversely, a higher wale count (12 or more) results in finer, narrower cords, which lend themselves to a more refined, dressier look. These include regular wale, pinwale, and up.

“As a general rule, the thinner the fabric, the fancier the item,” says Aronow. “This applies to shirts, suits, sweaters, and corduroy pants. If you want a more refined look, go for a thinner wale. If you want a more casual weekend look, opt for a more substantial or wider wale.” 

Depending on your cord fixation, you might want to own a few different pairs to suit various occasions and moods. If you’re shopping online and can’t examine the fabric in person, it’s a good idea to zoom in on the product images to get a better sense of the wale and texture.

Fit

Given that corduroy has an inherently casual vibe, the fit can make all the difference, depending on the look you’re going for. A slim fit gives you a modern, tailored silhouette without being too tight—great for pairing with blazers or fitted shirts when you need to dress things up. A regular fit offers more room and versatility, giving you that classic, timeless look ideal for everyday wear. If you aim for a more relaxed, laidback aesthetic, a looser fit assures comfort for casual settings.

Style

Corduroy pants are wonderfully flexible, but how you plan to wear or style them will help guide your choice. Corduroys look chic when paired with a chunky cable-knit or Fair Isle sweater for a sitting-by-the-fire vibe, or an Oxford shirt for a more polished appearance. Pleats can work, but they’re smartest with a fashion-forward approach (see: Ralph Lauren and Alex Mill). 

Color

When it comes to cords, you can get creative with color. Classic shades like brown and khaki are perennial. Neutrals like navy, black, or even olive can add an elegant touch to your outfit. They’ll pair effortlessly with most tops. Forest, or emerald green, is particularly eye-catching, and deeper jewel tones like mustard, burgundy, and sapphire blue can add a rich depth, especially in the fall. Darker shades are ideal for cooler months, while lighter tones work well year-round. Whatever your favorite hues, have some fun with it.

What Are Corduroy, or ‘Cord,’ Pants Exactly?

Corduroy traces its origins back to ancient Egypt, where “fustian” was created as a heavy cotton fabric. By the 18th and 19th centuries, corduroy had emerged as a practical and durable material for workwear, prized by laborers and farmers for its warmth and resilience. As the years went on, cord went beyond its utilitarian roots, becoming a symbol of academic and intellectual circles, thanks partly to brands like Brooks Brothers and Ralph Lauren. As more niche brands like Drake’s and Rowing Blazers give it new life, corduroy has firmly established itself as a menswear staple when the temp drops and chinos won’t do, blending heritage with contemporary appeal. Today, it’s a celebrated, versatile fabric that effortlessly complements a wide range of clothes.

What Is That Corduroy Texture All About?

Corduroy is typically crafted from cotton, often now with a touch of stretch for added comfort. Its natural warmth and durability come from the distinctive ridges, or “wales,” that define the fabric. While stretch might be included, corduroy is not designed as a technical garment or to be combined with high-performance menswear. Corduroy is a lifestyle fabric—sartorial, comfortable, and graced with a soft hand. There’s a surprisingly rich variety on the markets: Among the best corduroy pants, options range from wide-wale, thicker cords perfect for rugged weekends to finer needle cords that pair well with tailored pieces. There are even hybrids like jogger cords or utility cords, all of which carry the familiar comfort and timeless appeal that make corduroy a perennial favorite.

Why You Should Trust Me

In addition to writing for Men’s Journal, I’ve covered topics ranging from menswear to fragrances, watches, grooming, and styling for InsideHook, Robb Report, Esquire, and Men’s Health. I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were not only worth the investment but also made for compelling stories and good advice for our readers. I also conceptualized and wrote many fragrance stories for Esquire and most of the grooming pages.

Along with following my own style hunches, I consulted with Elliot Aronow, founder of Minor Genius and editor of its newsletter, on some key factors to keep in mind when looking for the very best corduroy pants.

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