The Best Khaki Pants for Men Are the Coolest Idea the Army’s Ever Had

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 11 best khakis for men in 2025.

The Best Men’s Khaki Pants, According to GQ

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The Best Khakis Overall

J.Crew Classic Chino Pant

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The Best Budget Khakis

Dockers Classic Fit Easy Khaki Pants

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The Best Upgrade Khakis

Todd Snyder Relaxed Fit Japanese Selvedge Chino

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Best Khaki Pants Overall: J.Crew Classic Chino Pant

J.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 Pants

If 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 Chinos

Praying 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.