As the temperature drops, you should have at least a few pairs of specialty cold-weather pants. You may only use them a couple times a year, but you’ll be happy to have them when you need them. Below are the best winter pants for men. We’ll also go over the style situations they cover.
- Jeans
- Flannel or moleskin casual pants
- Corduroy
- Flannel or tweed slacks
- Long underwear/base layers
Traditionally, we think that pants for extreme weather will lack style, since they’re so focused on functionality. This doesn’t always have to be the case, and we’ll explore options to look good when the temperature dips.
Jeans
You likely already have a solid pair of jeans or two. The heartier denim is perfect for cold weather casual wear. If you live somewhere especially cold, a flannel-lined pair will serve you well.
As always, a pair of clean, dark denim looks sharper and can keep your casual look appropriate for more situations. You can experiment with other washes and denim colors to vary your look, but dark denim remains the safest choice.
You can consider colored denim as another viable option for colder weather. Brown, grey, or even olive denim can bring a pop of color to your cold weather looks. Black denim is a great option for all-black winter looks, if that’s your thing.
Denim pairs great with sweaters and flannel shirts, as well as corduroy sport coats. It can also dress down dressier outerwear (overcoats and pea coats), as well as match with more functional outerwear (parkas, puffer jackets/vests, field jackets).
Canvas or moleskin casual pants
These fabrics favor more casual looks and can provide a great option if you want to venture away from jeans while keeping a casual vibe. They also function well for outdoor pursuits in cold weather.
Canvas pants are very sturdy and durable and do a great job blocking out the wind. If you work outside when in the cold, these will serve you well.
If you’ve never heard of it, you should check out moleskin pants. Moleskin is a tough, densely woven material that has a soft feel – similar to velvet or corduroy. Unlike corduroy, moleskin does not have ribs. The fabric is sheared for an even finish that gives it a velvety or suede-like feel.
Many companies make pants with this fabric. Due to their durability and functionality, moleskin pants work well for outdoor pursuits in cold weather. But the drape and feel of the fabric would not look out of place with some dressier casual looks. The unique texture can add some visual interest to your cold weather outfits.
In terms of matching, you can stick to the same rules as denim.
Corduroy
The classic winter pants for men, these have remained in fashion for a reason. The ridges and tight weave of the fabric provide more insulation against wind and cold weather, while adding texture to your cold weather looks.
Corduroy can sometimes look a bit old-fashioned, depending on the width of the wale (this refers to the ridges in the fabric). Those with a wider wale can look straight from the 70s (although in some circles this style is making a comeback of sorts). For a more modern look, you can find a ton of options with a narrower wale.
A more casual five pocket style works if your style leans more casual. Or you can find plenty of options in a more traditional chino-like cut. The classic brown color works well, but it can be nice to add a pop of color in the cold weather – burgundy, pine/olive green, steel grey, and navy can create some interesting outfit combinations.
These pants are usually dressier than jeans. Try them with nicer sweaters over an OCBD, matched with heavier outerwear (you can go dressy like the gentleman below, or more casual with a field jacket or parka). You can even pair these with a flannel or tweed sport coat.
Flannel or tweed slacks
For dressy or business-casual cold weather style, you cannot beat flannel and tweed slacks.
Tweed looks great for those situations in between casual and dressy. Something like a nice dinner with your significant other, drinks at a more upscale spot, or dressing for the holidays. These could work well in a more casual work setting too. I love how the texture can play off more layered looks.
Flannel slacks sport less visible texture than tweed, making them perfect for dressier occasions and business casual attire. A grey pair will match with most winter attire. Merino or cashmere sweaters match particularly well, as does more formal outerwear (long overcoats and sleeker pea coats).
Long underwear / base layers
Quality long underwear is the key to withstanding a cold winter. Invest in a few good lower body base layer pieces, and thank yourself later.
Cold weather experts back the utility of this garment too. Even if your legs don’t get cold, you can lose a lot of heat through your lower body. That’s why thermal underwear can keep your entire body warmer, as they help keep your body heat from escaping.
Since most modern base layers can fit under most of the pants you already own, you don’t have to sacrifice style to stay warm and comfortable.
These winter pants for men will keep you warm while looking good. Since it can be hard to do both at the same time, you’ll look extra stylish if you can pull off looking good in the cold.
