The 7 Best Athletic Fit Dress Pants for Men

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A modern day pair of dress pants is more than just a formal clothing essential. They are also a great way to create a unique weekend outfit. With the new found popularity and versatility of dress pants its important to get a pair that fits you well and gives you enough flexibility for whatever the day may bring. This can be an especially difficult task for gym goers and athletes who want to show off their gains and look nice at the same time. This is wear athletic fitting dress pants can be useful since they give you room in the thigh but have a nice taper down the leg to hug the calves. We have found the best athletic fit dress pants for men so you can make the best decision with your money to suite your unique style. Check them out below!

What are the best athletic fit dress pants?

Best Overall: State and Liberty

State and Liberty have made a name for themselves over the last few years for being the premier spot for athletic fitting high end mens apparel. Their dress pants are specifically designed with built guys in mind, with a four way stretch material and a tapered fit you’ll have the look of slim fit dress pants with the mobility of a jogger. Their fabric is low maintenance and features wrinkle free technology to reduce the need for cleaning or dry cleaning, cause yes these can be machine washed. They also feature a hidden hem line with excess fabric to adjust the length if needed. These are all round some of my favorite dress pants to wear for anything. They fit amazing and make my legs look jacked without restricting my movement. Definitely give these a try!

Lululemon ABC Slim Fit

Many people know Lululemon for their athletic clothing, what most people don’t know is that they have applied that same technology to their dress pants. WIth their ABC slim-fit trouser you get their premium warpstreme fabric which is flexible, wrinkle resistant, and quick drying to keep you cool and comfortable in any situation. They have tons of color options to choose from so you can find something to match any shirt or pair of shoes. If you have an active job, commute, or plan to wear your dress pants on the weekend these are some of the best athletic fit dress pants you can buy.

Bonobos Weekday Warrior

Bonobos really blew up a few years back when their blend of fun unique blend of high fashion with comfortable fabrics and colorful designs stood them out from the rest of the crowd. Their Weekday Warrior stretch dress pants are one of my favorite products they have come out with. They are super stretchy and machine wash friendly making them comfortable and easy to care for. Their athletic fit gives you room above the knee but maintains their slim taper below the knee. They have lots of styles that are constantly being updated and if you want something that will be comfortable and help you stand out I highly recommend these. 

Barbell Apparel Anything Dress Pants

If it wasn’t clear from the name Barbell Apparel is a brand that is dedicated to providing amazing apparel for athletic body types. Their athletic fit dress pants are super soft and ready for anything the day throws at you. In addition, if you are not happy with your order you can return it within 30 days for a no questions asked full refund, making these basically a no-risk purchase.

Ted Baker London Lancet

For those with a little bit more money to spend and a slimmer fit, Ted Baker London is a great brand to look at. Their pants are some of the highest quality dress pants on the market and are sure to garner compliments from anyone and everyone.  While their high-quality wool and linen fabric makes these pants harder to care for than some of the others on this list, if you are simply looking for a great option to wear to the office an stand out from your co-workers there is no better option than Ted Baker.

Express Slim Dress Pant

On the flip side, Express makes some great, and far more affordable dress pant options for guys shopping on a budget. I am a big fan of their all-black pointe knit suit pant, since they match with lots of different shoes and shirts, but they have tons of options for any of your needs. Their designs have a slimming fit which is tapered through the thighs and calves to reduce excess fabric and avoid a baggy appearance. 

Haggar Premium Comfort Dress Pant

Haggars premium comfort dress pant round out our list as one of the best options for those looking for a comfortable and easy-to-care-for pant option. These pants feature a comfort flex waistband that hugs shirts to keep them tucked in throughout the day, regardless of how active you are. Their fabric is also machine washable and resistant to wrinkles so you never have to worry about bringing these to the dry cleaners. They are also the most affordable option on our list coming in at only $70. Picking up a pair of these to try, especially if you have an active commute or workday is a great idea.

Athletic Fit Dress Shirt FAQs

What is the difference between athletic fit and slim fit dress pants?

Athletic fit dress pants tend to have more room through the thighs and only begin to taper below the knee. This is because those with athletic body type still tend to fill out a larger thigh. Slim fit dress pants taper from the waist down to give a more slimming look.

What is the difference between classic fit and athletic fit?

Classic fit or straight leg pants tend not to have a taper and are mainly made to be comfortable. Athletic fit pants offer all the same comfort as classic fit pants by only tapering below the knee and using modern stretch fit fabrics.

What is performance fit pants?

Performance fit pants are similar to athletic fit pants but tend to have even more emphasis on the stretch material and have a less intense taper below the knee to give you the room you need for anything.

What is the best fit for pants for guys?

This heavily depends on the person but for guys who hit the gym regularly the best fit pants are usually athletic fit pants. They will give you the room you need to feel comfortable with a nice taper to have you looking slim and jacked!

How do I choose pants for my body shape?

More muscular men will want to go with an athletic fit pants. Men who tend to have low body fat but not lots of muscle will want to go with a slim fit pant and men with lots of body fat will want a straight leg pant. The reason for these differneces is the level of comfort and taper that each style has making them better for different body types.

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