Casual trousers are commonly called chinos, khakis, slacks, joggers, cargos, cords, and drawstring pants.
If you’ve heard friends use five different names for the same pair of pants, you’re not alone. The fashion world borrows words from fabric, color, fit, pockets, and even history, so casual trousers go by several labels. This guide translates those names, shows where each one fits, and helps you pick the right pair for daily wear without second-guessing the dress code.
Casual Trouser Names At A Glance
| Type | Defining Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Chinos | Cotton twill “chino” cloth; clean front; tapered leg | Office casual, dinner, travel |
| Khakis | Heavier twill in khaki (light brown) shades; visible stitching | Casual Fridays, relaxed weekends |
| Slacks | Looser, soft drape; dressier than jeans, lighter than suit pants | Business-casual outfits |
| Joggers | Elastic cuffs; drawstring waist; knit or soft woven fabric | Streetwear, lounging, flights |
| Cargo Pants | Roomy thigh pockets; durable twill or ripstop | Outdoor errands, utility wear |
| Corduroys | Ribbed “wale” fabric; warm and textured | Cool weather casual looks |
| Drawstring Trousers | Hidden or exposed drawcord; relaxed rise | Laid-back offices, travel, weekends |
| Five-Pocket Pants | Jeans-style pocket layout; can be denim or twill | Smart-casual outfits |
| Linen Trousers | Light, breathable weave; airy drape | Warm climates, resort wear |
What Are Casual Trousers Called? The Names People Use
In day-to-day speech, several labels answer the question “what are casual trousers called?” The most common is chinos, which originally referred to the cotton twill fabric and, by extension, the trousers made from it. You’ll also hear khakis (a color that turned into a garment nickname), slacks (a relaxed, non-suit trouser), and task-specific terms such as cargo pants and joggers. Regional English can add another wrinkle: in the US people say “pants,” while in the UK “trousers” is the everyday term.
Chinos, Khakis, And Slacks: Where The Lines Sit
Chinos use chino twill and carry a trim look with minimal stitching. Khakis started as a color and often come in a slightly sturdier twill with visible seams. Slacks are relaxed trousers that sit between dress pants and weekend wear; the cut drapes a bit and the fabric feels softer than denim or work twill. In short, chinos lean clean and polished, khakis lean rugged and classic, and slacks slot into business-casual territory.
Why The Terms Get Mixed
Retailers sometimes market chinos as “khakis,” and many shoppers use both words for any tan cotton trousers. That’s why looking at the cloth and stitching helps: chino cloth with streamlined seams points to chinos; heavier twill with pronounced stitching leans khaki. If the cut is looser with a soft drape, “slacks” fits.
What Are Casual Trousers Called In Everyday Wear? Names That Stick
Beyond the big three, you’ll hear casual names that point to features. Joggers call out the elastic cuffs and tapered leg. Cargo pants call out the bellows pockets. Corduroys shortcut to the ribbed fabric. Five-pocket pants borrow the jeans pocket map in non-denim cloth. Drawstring trousers flag an adjustable waist that wears well on long days. Each label clues you into fabric, function, or fit, which makes shopping faster.
What Casual Trousers Are Called In Different Regions
Words change with place. In British English, “trousers” is the standard term. In American English, “pants” is the usual word, and “trousers” can sound dressy or old-school. In US retail, “khakis” can mean a style or simply a tan color, which is why a navy pair of the same cut would be sold as chinos, not khakis. If you shop across countries, read the fabric and details more than the tag name.
Quick IDs: How To Tell One From Another
Scan a few cues: chinos show streamlined stitching in chino twill; khakis skew tan with rugged seams; slacks drape softly; joggers have cuffs and a drawcord; cargo pants add thigh pockets; corduroys show ribs called wales; five-pocket pants mirror jeans pockets; linen trousers look airy and lightly textured.
Fit, Rise, And Fabric: Pick What Works
A great pair starts with three choices: fit, rise, and fabric. Slim or straight fits keep outfits neat. Mid-rise sits at the natural waist on most bodies, while a slightly higher rise can tuck shirts cleanly. For fabric, look for breathable cotton twill for all-season wear, stretch blends if you move a lot, linen for heat, and corduroy when the temperature drops.
| Style Goal | Trouser Type | What To Pair With |
|---|---|---|
| Office Casual | Chinos or slacks | Oxford shirt, loafers, knit blazer |
| Weekend Errands | Khakis or cargos | Henley or tee, casual sneakers |
| Travel Days | Drawstring trousers or joggers | Merino tee, lightweight jacket |
| Cool Weather | Corduroys | Flannel shirt, boots |
| Smart-Casual Dinner | Chinos or five-pocket pants | Polo or button-down, suede shoes |
| Outdoorsy Plans | Cargo pants | Utility overshirt, trail-style sneakers |
| Hot Climate | Linen trousers | Short-sleeve shirt, espadrilles |
Care Tips So Casual Trousers Last
Care
Wash cool, turn inside out, and skip high heat. Steam for a smooth finish; brush cords with the wale to keep texture even.
When To Wear Each Type
For a meeting where suits would be too much, chinos or slacks read polished without feeling stiff. For school drop-off and a grocery run, khakis or five-pocket pants handle scuffs and movement. Travel asks for comfort, so joggers or drawstring trousers shine on long flights. Cool days call for corduroys; warm evenings call for linen trousers. Cargo pants still earn a spot when pockets and tough fabric help.
Two Names That Confuse Shoppers
Khaki: Color Or Pant?
Khaki started as a dusty light-brown color used on military uniforms; over time people used the color name for the trousers themselves. So you can find “khakis” next to navy chinos in the same store.
Chino: Cloth Or Pant?
Chino began as the twill fabric and now commonly names the garment. Many brands still reference the cloth in the label to signal a neat, flat-front style.
How Retailers Label Casual Trousers
Expect overlap. A product named “khaki pant” may in fact be a chino pattern made in tan. Some brands reserve “slacks” for softly draped, dress-leaning trousers. Outdoor labels lean on “cargo” for the pocket layout and “ripstop” for the weave. Athletic brands keep “jogger” for cuffed, tapered fits with stretch.
Reference Meanings That Settle The Names
Lexicographers define these names clearly. “Slacks” are “trousers especially for casual wear,” and “chino” describes the twill cloth and the trousers made from it. In British English, “trousers” is the common word for what Americans call “pants.”
Check the entries here: slacks definition and trousers meaning.
Buying Checklist That Keeps You On Track
Ask three things in the fitting room: Is the rise secure when you sit and stand? Do the thighs move without pocket pull? Does the leg opening suit your shoes? Slim works for sneakers and loafers; a wider opening balances boots.
Fabric Notes
Cotton twill is the workhorse for chinos and khakis. Stretch blends add comfort. Linen brings airflow; corduroy adds warmth. Ripstop and canvas suit cargos. Knit jerseys and soft wovens keep joggers smooth.
Simple Outfit Formulas You Can Rely On
Try navy chinos, a pale blue shirt, and loafers for a neat office look. For coffee, switch to sand khakis and white sneakers. Flying soon? Soft drawstring trousers, a merino tee, and a light jacket travel well. On cool days, cords with a flannel and chukka boots feel right.
Fit Guide By Body Type
Athletic Build
Straight or athletic cuts in chinos prevent thigh pull while keeping the calf clean. A mid-rise gives room for a tucked shirt. Stretch twill helps when you’re on the move.
Fuller Midsection
A slightly higher rise and a relaxed-tapered leg keeps the line smooth from waist to shoe. Drawstring trousers with a hidden cord add comfort without reading sporty.
Answers To What Stores Call Things
When a tag says “khaki,” treat it as a color unless the brand explains a distinct build. Many “khaki” pants are chino patterns made in tan. If the tag says “slacks,” expect a soft drape and a dress-leaning look. If it says “five-pocket,” think jeans layout in a cleaner fabric. This decoding helps shoppers who keep asking, what are casual trousers called? The answer depends on which feature the label is naming.
Common Mistakes And Easy Fixes
- Leg twist at the thigh: size up for the seat or switch to a cut with more room in the upper leg.
- Baggy jogger cuffs: pick a pair with ribbed cuffs that sit at the ankle bone, not lower.
- Cargo pockets puff out: choose low-profile pockets and avoid stuffing every compartment.
- Cords feel bulky: look for narrow-wale corduroy; it lies flatter and pairs well with dressier shoes.
Quick Decision Guide
Need one pair that works for meetings and weekends? Pick mid-weight navy chinos. Want off-duty comfort with polish? Choose drawstring trousers with a hidden cord. Need storage for hands-on tasks? Grab cargos with slim legs. Want cold-weather texture under a sweater? Reach for cords. If you still wonder what are casual trousers called?, remind yourself that the name follows the cloth, pockets, or cut.
Trusted Reference Meanings
Lexicographers define these names clearly. “Slacks” are “trousers especially for casual wear,” and “chino” describes the twill cloth and the trousers made from it. In British English, “trousers” is the common word for what Americans call “pants.”
Answering The Big Question One More Time
So, what are casual trousers called? In shops and everyday speech you’ll see chinos, khakis, slacks, joggers, cargos, corduroys, drawstring trousers, five-pocket pants, and linen trousers. Read the fabric and details, and you’ll know what you’re buying—no matter what the tag says. Clarity.