Pant vs. Trouser — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 28, 2024
Pants refer generally to any outer garment covering the body from the waist to the ankles, while trousers are a type of pants tailored for formal wear.
Difference Between Pant and Trouser
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Key Differences
Pants cover various types of garments worn from the waist to the ankles, encompassing everything from jeans to leggings. Whereas trousers specifically denote a more formal or tailored type of pants, commonly worn in professional settings.
In American English, 'pants' is the generic term used for all such lower-body garments, while in British English, 'trousers' is more commonly used to refer to what Americans would call dress pants.
Pants can be made from a wide variety of materials, including denim, cotton, and polyester, adapted for casual, sport, or work environments. On the other hand, trousers are typically made from finer fabrics like wool, linen, or synthetic blends suitable for business or formal occasions.
The fit and cut of pants can vary greatly, ranging from tight leggings to loose sweatpants. Whereas trousers usually have a straighter, narrower cut, emphasizing a clean line suitable for formal or office wear.
While pants might feature a range of colors and patterns suitable for various personal tastes and fashions, trousers generally stick to neutral colors like black, grey, or navy, which enhance their formal appearance.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Any garment worn from waist to ankles
Specifically tailored for formal wear
Usage
Casual, sports, or work environments
Professional and formal settings
Material
Denim, cotton, polyester, etc.
Wool, linen, synthetic blends
Cut
Varies widely
Straight, narrow cut
Color/Pattern
Wide range, various patterns
Neutral colors, minimal patterns
Compare with Definitions
Pant
Any lower garment worn from the waist to the ankles.
She chose comfortable pants for the long flight.
Trouser
Another term for trousers, emphasizing the formal style.
His dress pants were perfectly pressed for the wedding.
Pant
A type of pants made from denim.
He wore his favorite jeans to the concert.
Trouser
Casual trousers made from a light cotton fabric.
He wore khakis to the casual office event.
Pant
Stretchy, skin-tight pants.
She wore leggings to yoga class.
Trouser
Often used interchangeably with trousers, generally implying a slightly less formal variant.
He prefers wearing slacks for everyday office wear.
Pant
Pants characterized by multiple large pockets.
He packed his cargo pants for the hiking trip.
Trouser
A type of trousers made from chino cloth, less formal than dress pants.
He chose chinos for a smart casual look.
Pant
Loose, soft pants intended for exercise or comfort.
He lounged around in sweatpants all weekend.
Trouser
Tailored pants typically worn in professional settings.
He bought a new pair of trousers for the interview.
Pant
To breathe rapidly in short gasps, as after exertion.
Trouser
A pair of pants, especially when extending from waist to ankles.
Pant
To beat loudly or heavily; throb or pulsate.
Trouser
(used attributively as a modifier) Of or relating to trousers.
Trouser leg
Pant
To give off loud puffs, especially while moving.
Trouser
(in clothing retail and fashion) A pair of trousers.
And this is our linen trouser, sir.
Pant
To long demonstratively; yearn
Was panting for a chance to play.
Trouser
To put (money) into one's trouser pocket; to pocket.
Pant
To utter hurriedly or breathlessly
I panted my congratulations to the winner of the race.
Trouser
To secretively steal (an item or money) for personal use.
Pant
A short labored breath; a gasp.
Trouser
To take and keep (something, especially money, that is not one's own); to pocket.
Pant
A throb; a pulsation.
Trouser
Garment designed for or relating to trousers;
In his trouser's pocket
He ripped his left trouser on the fence
Pant
A short loud puff, as of steam from an engine.
Pant
An outer garment that covers the body below the waist, usually to the ankles, and is divided into sections to fit each leg separately
She decided to wear pants instead of a skirt. He bought a new pair of pants.
Pant
Underpants.
Pant
A quick breathing; a catching of the breath; a gasp: the panting of animals such as a dog with their tong hung out- as a form of thermoregulation.
Pant
(figurative) Eager longing.
Pant
(obsolete) A violent palpitation of the heart.
Pant
(fashion) A pair of pants trousers or underpants.
Pant
(used attributively as a modifier) Of or relating to pants.
Pant leg
Pant
Any public drinking fountain.
Pant
(ambitransitive) To breathe quickly or in a labored manner, as after exertion or from eagerness or excitement; to respire with heaving of the breast; to gasp.
Pant
(intransitive) To long eagerly; to desire earnestly.
Pant
To long for (something); to be eager for (something).
Pant
(intransitive) Of the heart, to beat with unnatural violence or rapidity; to palpitate.
Pant
(intransitive) To sigh; to flutter; to languish.
Pant
(intransitive) To heave, as the breast.
Pant
(intransitive) To bulge and shrink successively, of iron hulls, etc.
Pant
To breathe quickly or in a labored manner, as after exertion or from eagerness or excitement; to respire with heaving of the breast; to gasp.
Pluto plants for breath from out his cell.
Pant
To long eagerly; to desire earnestly; - often used with for or after.
As the hart panteth after the water brooks.
Who pants for glory finds but short repose.
Pant
To beat with unnatural violence or rapidity; to palpitate, or throb; - said of the heart.
Pant
To sigh; to flutter; to languish.
The whispering breezePants on the leaves, and dies upon the trees.
Pant
To breathe forth quickly or in a labored manner; to gasp out.
There is a cavern where my spiritWas panted forth in anguish.
Pant
To long for; to be eager after.
Then shall our hearts pant thee.
Pant
A quick breathing; a catching of the breath; a gasp.
Pant
A violent palpitation of the heart.
Pant
A single leg of a pair of pants. See pants.
Pant
Of or pertaining to pants.
Pant
The noise made by a short puff of steam (as from an engine)
Pant
A short labored intake of breath with the mouth open;
She gave a gasp and fainted
Pant
Breathe noisily, as when one is exhausted;
The runners reached the finish line, panting heavily
Pant
Utter while panting, as if out of breath
Common Curiosities
What are pants?
Pants are any outer garment covering from the waist to the ankles, suitable for various activities.
What are trousers?
Trousers are a type of pants tailored for formal or professional settings.
Can trousers be casual?
Typically, trousers are designed for formal settings, but casual styles like chinos exist.
What's the best choice for office wear, pants or trousers?
For most professional settings, trousers are preferred.
Are trousers suitable for all seasons?
Yes, but the fabric type should be chosen according to the season for comfort.
Are jeans considered pants or trousers?
Jeans are a casual type of pants and not typically categorized as trousers.
Can leggings be considered trousers?
No, leggings are considered casual wear and are more akin to tight-fitting pants.
What's the difference in material between pants and trousers?
Pants can be made of various materials, whereas trousers are usually made from finer fabrics for a formal look.
Is there a difference in fit between pants and trousers?
Yes, pants can vary widely in fit, while trousers usually have a straighter cut.
What colors are typical for trousers?
Trousers often come in neutral colors such as black, grey, or navy.
What are cargo pants?
Cargo pants are a type of pants known for their multiple large pockets, not typically considered trousers.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
