Slacks vs. Trousers — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 8, 2024
Slacks are often considered less formal and more comfort-oriented, whereas trousers are a broader category encompassing all types of formal and casual legwear.
Difference Between Slacks and Trousers
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Key Differences
Slacks and trousers are both types of legwear in men's and women's fashion, but they serve different purposes and have distinct connotations. Slacks are typically made from lighter, more comfortable fabrics and are designed for less formal or business casual settings. They offer a relaxed fit and are often associated with a more leisurely or business casual appearance. On the other hand, trousers are a more general term that can refer to any type of outerwear worn on the lower part of the body, regardless of the level of formality. Trousers can be made from a variety of fabrics, including wool, cotton, and synthetic blends, and can range from highly formal to casual in style.
Slacks are usually characterized by their relaxed fit and lightweight, comfortable fabrics, making them a preferred choice for business casual and less formal environments. They often feature a straight or slightly tapered leg and may come in a variety of colors and patterns. Whereas trousers encompass a wider range of styles, including both formal and casual options. They can be found in various fits, from slim to wide leg, and are appropriate for a wide array of occasions, from office wear to formal events.
In terms of versatility, slacks are often considered more limited to casual and business casual settings due to their relaxed fit and informal appearance. They pair well with polo shirts, casual button-downs, and sweaters. Trousers, however, are highly versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the fabric, fit, and styling. They can be paired with dress shirts, blazers, and dress shoes for a formal look, or with casual shirts and sneakers for a more laid-back outfit.
When it comes to fashion trends, slacks tend to follow the casual and business casual trends, focusing on comfort and ease of wear. They may feature elastic waistbands, soft pleats, or stretch fabrics for added comfort. Trousers, however, are influenced by a broader range of fashion trends, including formal wear, tailored looks, and even avant-garde styles. They can feature high waists, cuffs, pleats, and unique fabrics to make a fashion statement.
The choice between slacks and trousers often depends on the occasion, personal style, and desired level of formality. Slacks offer a comfortable, relaxed option for less formal settings, while trousers provide a wide range of styles suitable for almost any occasion, from everyday wear to formal events.
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Comparison Chart
Formality
Less formal, suited for business casual environments.
Ranges from casual to formal, versatile in use.
Fit
Relaxed and comfortable.
Can vary widely, from slim to wide leg.
Fabric
Lighter, comfortable fabrics like cotton or synthetic.
Wide range, including wool, cotton, and synthetics.
Occasions
Business casual, leisure.
Any occasion, from casual to formal events.
Fashion Trends
Focus on comfort and ease of wear.
Influenced by a broader range of fashion trends.
Compare with Definitions
Slacks
Usually featuring a relaxed fit and may include features like elastic waistbands.
The elastic waistband on his slacks made them perfect for long days at work.
Trousers
A general term for all types of outer legwear, regardless of formality.
His wardrobe was filled with trousers for every occasion, from formal to casual.
Slacks
Often made from soft, breathable materials for ease of movement.
Her slacks were so comfortable, she could wear them all day.
Trousers
Essential for formal attire, often paired with dress shirts and blazers.
For the board meeting, he chose a sharp pair of charcoal trousers.
Slacks
Can be found in a variety of colors and patterns, suited to personal style.
The bright patterned slacks added a pop of color to her outfit.
Trousers
Styles vary from slim to wide leg, accommodating various fashion tastes.
She loved the wide-leg trousers for their retro vibe and comfort.
Slacks
Lightweight, comfortable pants designed for casual or business casual wear.
He chose a pair of navy slacks for the casual Friday at the office.
Trousers
Versatile in styling, suitable for both formal events and casual outings.
On weekends, he preferred to wear his cotton trousers with a casual tee.
Slacks
Associated with a leisurely or business casual appearance.
For the networking event, he opted for slacks to maintain a business casual look.
Trousers
Can be made from a range of materials, including wool for formal occasions.
The wool trousers were his go-to for winter weddings.
Slacks
Not tense or taut; loose
A slack rope.
Slack muscles.
Trousers
Trousers (British English), slacks, or pants are an item of clothing that might have originated in Central Asia, worn from the waist to the ankles, covering both legs separately (rather than with cloth extending across both legs as in robes, skirts, and dresses). In the United Kingdom, the word pants generally means underwear and not trousers.
Slacks
Lacking in activity; not busy
A slack season for the travel business.
Trousers
An article of clothing that covers the part of the body between the waist and the ankles or knees, and is divided into a separate part for each leg.
The trousers need to be shortened.
Why can women wear trousers when men can’t wear skirts?
Slacks
Moving slowly; sluggish
A slack pace.
Trousers
A garment worn by men and boys, extending from the waist to the knee or to the ankle, and covering each leg separately.
Slacks
Lacking in diligence or due care or concern; negligent
A slack worker.
Trousers
(usually in the plural) a garment extending from the waist to the knee or ankle, covering each leg separately;
He had a sharp crease in his trousers
Slacks
Flowing or blowing with little speed
A slack current.
Slack winds.
Slacks
(Linguistics) Pronounced with the muscles of the tongue and jaw relatively relaxed; lax.
Slacks
To make looser or less taut
Slacked the sail.
Slacks
To make slower
Slacked our pace.
Slacks
To be careless or remiss in doing
Slack one's duty.
Slacks
To slake (lime).
Slacks
To be or become slack.
Slacks
To be inactive or avoid work
Slacked around the house all day.
Slacks
A loose part, as of a rope or sail
Hauled in the slack.
Slacks
A period of little activity; a lull
A slack in business.
Slacks
A cessation of movement in a current of air or water.
Slacks
An area of still water.
Slacks
Unused capacity
Still some slack in the economy.
Slacks
Slacks Casual pants that are not part of a suit.
Slacks
A mixture of coal fragments, coal dust, and dirt that remains after screening coal.
Slacks
A small dell or hollow.
Slacks
A bog; a morass.
Slacks
In a slack manner
A banner hanging slack.
Slacks
Plural of slack
Slacks
(dated) Semi-formal trousers which are less formal than those that are part of a suit but nowadays are considered suitable casualwear in most offices. (Takes a plural verb even when referring to a single pair; may be referred to as a pair of slacks.)
Slacks
(usually in the plural) pants for casual wear
Common Curiosities
How do slacks differ from jeans?
Slacks are typically made from lighter fabrics and offer a more relaxed fit, whereas jeans are made from denim and often have a tighter fit.
What are trousers?
Trousers refer to all types of outer legwear for men and women, ranging from casual to formal.
What type of shirt pairs well with slacks?
Polo shirts, casual button-downs, and sweaters are good options for slacks.
What makes trousers versatile?
Their wide range of fabrics, fits, and styles make trousers suitable for nearly any occasion.
Can slacks be worn for formal occasions?
Generally, slacks are more suited for business casual or less formal events rather than strictly formal occasions.
Are trousers suitable for casual wear?
Yes, trousers can be styled for casual wear, depending on the fabric and fit.
What are slacks?
Slacks are lightweight, comfortable pants designed primarily for casual or business casual settings.
Can trousers be considered slacks?
In some contexts, the terms can overlap, especially when referring to less formal trousers.
Are slacks and trousers interchangeable in business casual settings?
While both can be suitable, slacks are often preferred for their relaxed fit and comfort.
What's the best way to choose between slacks and trousers?
Consider the occasion, required level of formality, and personal style preferences.
Are there specific fabrics best suited for slacks?
Fabrics like cotton, linen, and synthetic blends are common for slacks, emphasizing comfort and ease of movement.
How should trousers be styled for a formal event?
Pair them with a dress shirt, blazer, and dress shoes for a formal look.
Do slacks come in different colors and patterns?
Yes, slacks are available in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing for personal expression.
Can women wear trousers for formal occasions?
Absolutely, women can wear trousers as part of formal attire, often styled with dress shirts and blazers.
How can I make slacks suitable for a business environment?
Choose slacks in neutral colors and pair them with a well-fitted blazer and dress shoes for a business-appropriate look.
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Written 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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
