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Jeans and chinos are both wardrobe staples, but there are times when they can limit your abilities. Sometimes you want something more robust, something versatile–this is exactly what you can get from the best tech pants for men.
So what exactly are tech pants? Tech pants are not made with historically conventional clothing materials such as cotton. They’re most commonly built with polyester, nylon, elastase, and spandex. They also tend to include additional features like zipper pockets and gusseting for more security. As a result, tech pants can offer a ton of flexibility to any man who wears them, while still retaining a sleek and modern design. They really are the perfect balance between style and comfort, which should be an enticing offer to anyone searching for some of the best pants to buy.
If all of this makes you feel like you need a pair of tech pants in your life, you might ask yourself which ones should you buy? This list should provide some guidance on the best tech pants for men and what will fit your lifestyle. There are plenty of different kinds of tech pants out there, ranging from casual to formal. So buckle up and let’s take a look at how you can upgrade your trousers.
Key Takeaways
While conducting research for this list, I sifted through some of the best tech pants on the market, ultimately landing on these 8 options. Each of these selections stands out in its own way while adhering to the basics like style, fit, and features. The defining tech pant on the market right now is the Kühl Radikl Outsider. These pants were designed with utility and comfort in mind, receiving many accolades as a result. Another excellent option has to be the Truwerk T2 Werkpants with their durable construction.
Why they’re great: The Kühl Radikl Outsider Pants offer everything you could want from a pair of tech pants. These pants are made from an advanced rip-stop fabric which includes a ventilation system for both warm and cool temperatures. Additionally, they feature 8 pockets, abrasion-resistant zipper protectors, and adjustable leg cuffs. The design of these pants is both modern and rugged, able to outmatch offerings from even the best jean brands.
How they feel: These pants are flexible and durable, designed specifically to stretch in all of the right places while you move around.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: These pants are not resistant to wrinkles by any means. This is likely due to the use of polyester and nylon which are materials that both tend to hold onto wrinkles. The best way to circumvent this issue is to use the steamer on them after washing.
Material: Cotton, Polyester, Nylon | Sizes Available: 30Wx30L-40Wx34L | Colors Available: 4 | Gusseted: Yes | Fit: Regular
Why they’re great: These hybrid tech chino pants strike the perfect balance between casual and classy. The modern design elegantly incorporates an elastic waistband, side pockets, and welt back pockets. Not only are these pants luxurious, but they’re also made using sustainable practices so you can purchase them with a clean conscience.
How they feel: The Italian fabric for these pants is stretchy, breathable, and water-resistant all while being extremely comfortable.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: While these pants are an excellent luxury option, unfortunately, they’re only available in two different colors (navy and beige). It would be great to see a few more colors offered to accommodate those who may need something beyond what is offered at the moment.
Material: Technical Stretch Fabric | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Colors Available: 2 | Gusseted: No | Fit: Slim
Why they’re great: These Tropicfeel pants can convert into shorts on a whim, which makes them an excellent choice when traveling to different climates. Additionally, they can be packed down into a tiny square if you need to store them in luggage. Not to mention, there are multiple zipper pockets to ensure you never lose valuables on the road like your passport or wallet.
How they feel: These zip-off pants are lightweight and stretchy, which should make them comfortable enough to wear for your travels on trains, planes, and automobiles.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: There aren’t that many size options available for these pants. If you happen to fall in between sizes, there’s a chance these pants won’t fit comfortably.
Material: 79% Cotton BCI-sourced, 19% TENCEL Lyocell, 2% Spandex | Sizes Available: S-XL | Colors Available: 3 | Gusseted: No | Fit: Regular
Why they’re great: These Unionbay lightweight travel chinos are some of the best Amazon has to offer. They’re made with a two-way fit, nylon, and spandex blend that is both water-resistant and machine-washable. These pants also feature a classic chino-style cut, with the addition of a mesh-lined zipper pocket on the right leg that can help you tote valuables.
How they feel: These tech chinos offer a bit more legroom than slimmer cuts, while the fabric itself offers excellent stretch.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: These pants are a heavier weight than some other tech pants out there, which means they won’t fare very well in hot weather. However, this means they could serve as a great pair of fall and winter pants.
Material: 94% Nylon, 6% Spandex | Sizes Available: 30Wx30L-40Wx32L | Colors Available: 8 | Gusseted: No | Fit: Regular
Why they’re great: Old Navy is ol’ reliable when it comes to high-quality, inexpensive clothing. These ultimate tech chino pants have a flexible waistband and feature never-fade technology which will keep them looking brand new time and time again. The slim cut makes these pants a great choice for formal outfits, but they can easily be dressed casually as well.
How they feel: The material of these pants is super soft and stretchy for all-day comfort. The flexible waistband ensures they never feel too tight around your waist or midsection, even after a hefty dinner.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The sizing of these pants may be a bit difficult to nail down as some reviewers claim they didn’t fit well. The fact that these are slim-fit pants may play a factor in your sizing decision; however, they’re also available in straight and athletic cuts for men with different body types.
Material: 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester | Sizes Available: 28Wx30L-54Wx34L | Colors Available: 6 | Gusseted: No | Fit: Slim
Why they’re great: While these pants are designed for hunting, they can also serve as a great option when going on a simple hike or camping trip. The Duraflex hardware and YKK zippers ensure these pants will be durable even against the most unforgiving conditions. They also feature Toray Makspec Odor Control, which makes them great for continuous usage when you’re away from the washing machine.
How they feel: These pants are made of high-density nylon fabric, which makes them super lightweight yet durable. They’re also available in short, tall, and regular cut options to accommodate pretty much any body type out there.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The material of these pants is fairly lightweight so they will work best when worn in warm and hot weather. This also means they aren’t the best for colder conditions, at least not without a base layer.
Material: Toray Primeflex 100% Stretch Nylon | Sizes Available: 30-42 | Colors Available: 9 | Gusseted: Yes | Fit: Regular
Why they’re great: Truwerk is a brand that specializes in work apparel which makes these pants perfect for hard work on the job site. Inspired by military gear, these pants feature plenty of specialized pockets and double-stitched seams for durability. The articulated knees and gusseted crotch will prevent tears even when working in awkward positions. The fabric is tear-resistant and the DWR (durable water repellent) treatment makes them capable to wear from fall to spring.
How they feel: These pants are midweight, so they won’t be too heavy or lightweight for work. The flexibility of the fabric makes them capable of completing tough jobs while remaining comfortable the entire time.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: These pants are designed for use from fall to spring, enduring mostly mild conditions. They’re not suited for particularly hot or cold conditions, which is why the brand also offers the T1 and T3 pants respectively.
Material: 50% Nylon, 40% Polyester, 10% Spandex | Sizes Available: 28Wx30L-44Wx36L | Colors Available: 6 | Gusseted: Yes | Fit: Regular
Why they’re great: The UPF 50+ sun protection from these Somewhere Sunny joggers makes them great for long days in the sun. The use of recycled polyester helps out the environment, yet these pants can still be machine-washed and tumble-dried for your convenience. The front pockets are lined with bamboo and feature hidden media compartments, while the rear pocket has a zip closure to secure valuables.
How they feel: The 4-way stretch of these polyester and spandex joggers makes them super lightweight and hardly noticeable when slipped on.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Every size option for these joggers has the same inseam length, 30 inches. This is great for men of average height but it might make sizing difficult for shorter or taller men.
Material: 92% Recycled Polyester, 8% Spandex | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Colors Available: 3 | Gusseted: No | Fit: Jogger
Buying Considerations For The Best Tech Pants For Men
Style
Tech pants come in several different styles, ranging from casual to formal. Some offerings are reminiscent of joggers or tactical pants and can be worn with casual outfits. These types of pants can also be worn while working out or participating in physical tasks like hiking. On the other hand, some tech pants are designed like chinos or suit pants to be worn for formal occasions. These offerings are typically more comfortable than standard chinos or suit pants, while still featuring that classic design and silhouette.
Fit
The fit of your tech pants is another factor to take into consideration before purchasing. Do you want slim pants that will create a sleek silhouette when paired with a nice outfit? Or do you want a looser fit that can be worn while being active, like sweatpants or joggers? If you’re on the shorter or taller side, it also helps to see if the brand you’re eyeing offers short and tall options for the best fit possible. Even the best tech pants out there won’t make life easier if they don’t fit very well.
Features
Features are another big factor prevalent in the best tech pants for men. These types of pants are designed to make life easier, and various features can reflect this mentality. Some tech pants offer a ton of pockets to secure every little thing you might need to carry. Others are reinforced in hotspot areas to prevent an early retirement of your pants. You can even find tech pants with UPF sun protection and odor resistance, among other useful features.
Why You Should Trust Us
As a writer at Fashion’s Digest, I’ve done my fair share of research into men’s attire and style trends. I’ve also been putting these principles into practice for over a decade, trying out different brands and determining what’s best. Tech pants are an incredibly versatile style of pants. So, I made sure to include only the very best on this list, narrowing down dozens of options in the process. Hopefully, these recommendations can inform you of what to expect when searching for the best tech pants for men.
Final Verdict
To sum it up, the best tech pants for men are the Kühl Radikl Outsider Pants. They exude the tech pant style with plenty of design elements and features to simplify your life on a daily basis. You also can’t go wrong with the Truwerk T2 Werkpants if you want something reliable to wear to work.
FAQ
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Tech pants are designed and built for high levels of activity. They’re typically made with water-resistant, breathable, and flexible fabrics like polyester, nylon, and elastane. As the name implies, tech pants offer a level of technology that can translate to a more versatile pair of pants, even when pitted against modern jeans.
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The washing process for tech pants can vary depending on the materials used in the fabric. In general, tech pants can be machine-washed or hand-washed with cold water. Tumble drying is also okay most of the time; however, some options might recommend hang drying instead.
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There are a few different types of tech pants out there, but the two main styles really boil down to casual and formal. Casual options can be thrown on with activewear or basic outfits when comfort is a priority. Formal tech pants can be dressed up for everything from classy dinners to wedding celebrations.
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Ryan is a writer, filmmaker, and all around content creator. Over the years, he has written screenplays, short stories, and nonfiction informational pieces. Ryan is currently working to build up his YouTube channel (@ryan-jamison) via creative video essays that combine his love of filmmaking and writing. He also *occasionally* posts some photography on his Instagram (@ryanjamison99). When away from the keyboard, Ryan loves running, hiking, reading, and he’s also a total boot nerd.