Best Men’s Corduroy Pants for Every Fit and Budget
Last year, I read a couple of articles in GQ and Vogue claiming skinny jeans are coming back.
I don’t buy it.
In men’s fashion, I haven’t seen any sign of skinny jeans returning anytime soon.
Why would men go back to something that’s not so stylish and absolutely not comfortable when they’ve already known how comfortable and stylish looser options can be?
But something is returning and having a moment right now: men’s corduroy pants.
Last year, I bought a pair from Levi’s, and it felt like a memory I could touch. The soft feel of grandpa’s corduroy jacket, hiding in it when playing with my brother. The smell of tobacco and the barn mixed together. All back again.
I know it sounds cliché, but it really felt that way. I grew up wearing jeans, added chinos and wool pants later, and that was my first experience with corduroy.
So I fell into a rabbit hole. Searching for and comparing corduroy pants across different brands, styles, fits, and more. I think that’s a habit I picked up from my job. When I see something new, I need to figure it out.
And now I’ve made a list of men’s corduroy pants, along with some key features to look for when buying them, using everything I know about corduroy. I hope it helps you understand corduroy a bit better and choose the right pair in a sea of options.
What Makes Corduroy Pants Worth Buying
Before I tell you about specific pants, let me tell you what to look for.
Because understanding these things helps you get men’s corduroy pants better.
The Wale
The “wale” is those distinctive ridges you see in corduroy fabric.
Here’s why it matters:
Fine wale corduroy (14+ ridges per inch) gives a sleeker, more refined look. Great for dressy-casual occasions.
Medium wale (8–11 ridges) is the most versatile, and where most corduroy sits. Works for almost everything from weekend brunch to the office.
Wide-wale corduroy pants (6 or fewer ridges) look bolder and have a vintage vibe. They’re also warmer.
The Fabric
100% cotton corduroy is the traditional choice. It breaks in beautifully.
But many brands now add 2-5% elastane, which is where “men’s stretch corduroy pants” come from. It gives more comfort without reducing the traditional corduroy texture.
Weight matters too. Lightweight corduroy (under 9 oz / 255 g) is great for layering. Mid-weight (9–12 oz / 255–340 g) is the most versatile. Heavyweight (12+ oz) is warmer and ideal for cold winters.
And if you care about sustainability, look for organic cotton or brands with transparent supply chains, like Patagonia.
The Construction
This applies to all pants, not just corduroy.
Check for reinforced stitching at stress points: crotch and back pockets.
Look at the hardware. Check if the zippers move smoothly. Check if the buttons are metal or flimsy plastic.
Put your hands in your pockets. Well-made pants have deep, lined pockets that won’t sag or tear.
The Fit
This is where it gets personal, because everyone has a different body build. But here’s a rule of thumb:
- Men’s slim-fit corduroy pants work great if you have an athletic or lean build. They create a modern, tailored silhouette
- Regular or straight fit is the most versatile. It works for almost everyone and never looks dated
- Relaxed fits offer maximum comfort, perfect if you prioritize ease of movement or prefer a vintage aesthetic
- Wide-leg corduroy pants for men are trending right now. They make a statement, but they’re not for everyone
Don’t overlook these small details. They’re key to whether your hoodie will last for years or fall apart after a few wears.
The Price to Value Ratio
Budget doesn’t always mean cheap. What matters is the price-to-value ratio. A $150 pair that lasts five years has more value than a $35 pair that wears out in one.
10 Best Corduroy Pants for Men
1. Best Overall Corduroy Pants — Left Field NYC Japanese 8 wale Corduroy Miners
If you want one of the best men’s corduroy pants and you’re willing to pay for quality, this is it.
They’re made from Japanese velvet corduroy. That doesn’t mean it’s a velvet blend. It just means the corduroy is super dense and feels almost like velvet to the touch.
The eight-wale fabric hits the sweet spot between refined and casual. You could wear them to dinner or on the weekend. However, the cut pushes them more toward the casual side.
They have a relaxed Coal Miner cut. That means a medium-to-high rise, room through the thighs, and straight or gently tapered legs. Think of pants that are made for squatting, bending, climbing, crouching, and doing long days of hard work in the mines.
The construction is top-notch. They’re cut and sewn in the United States. Nineteen-forties-style painted metal buttons. Red, white, and blue striped pocket lining. A coin pocket. Felled seams – a technique that creates incredibly strong, flat seams.
If you’re looking for corduroy pants that blend vintage workwear with a modern sensibility, this is the one.
2. Best Budget Corduroy Pants — Levi's 505 Regular Fit Corduroy Pants
This is the one I bought last year.
It’s a good option for first-time corduroy buyers or anyone who doesn’t want to spend over a hundred dollars on pants.
It’s made from Fourteen-wale corduroy, which is in the fine-wale range. And it’s not 100% cotton. Lev’s also added elastane and polyester to give it stretch, comfort, and durability.
The 505 fit has been around since 1967. Straight leg. Regular rise. The kind of silhouette that works whether you’re 25 or 65.
One thing I appreciate is that Levi’s put a zipper fly on these instead of their signature buttons, which makes them more convenient to wear.
Will these develop the same rich patina as premium corduroys? No. But for someone buying their first pair or anyone who just needs solid basics, they’re good.
3. Best Dressy Corduroy Pants — Jack Victor Sage Corduroy Trousers
Corduroy pants were originally designed and worn as work pants and eventually became everyday pieces. But most corduroy pants still lean casual.
These don’t.
The fabric is a blend of cotton and cashmere, made in Italy with refined European tailoring. Fine wale. Soft to touch.
What makes them dressy, beyond the premium materials, is the cut. They’re cut like dress pants.
Tapered legs toward the ankles. Extended waistband. Back flap pockets with concealed buttons. A notch at the center back of the waistband for comfort. Double pleats that add ease and visual interest.
Altogether, they work in more dressy settings where regular corduroys would feel too relaxed.
4. Best Slim Fit Corduroy Pants — AG Tellis Slim Fit Corduroy Pants
AG is known for making some of the best denim in the world.
Their corduroy is also worth trying.
These pants are made from premium Japanese corduroy that is a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex.
The cut is slim, mid-rise, and tapered from thigh to ankle for a cleaner and intentional look. But don’t worry, they won’t feel restrictive. One percent spandex means the fabric moves with you.
Five-pocket styling and the autumn wash make them feel like your favorite jeans, pairing perfectly with everything from white sneakers to Chelsea boots.
If you are someone with an athletic or slim build or prefer contemporary fits, these pants are for you.
5. Best Relaxed Fit Corduroy Pants — Norse Projects Mogens Relaxed 5 Pocket Wide Wale Corduroy
These corduroy pants embody the Scandinavian design philosophy: prioritizing function and simple elegance.
8-wale Italian corduroy. 320g weight. Relaxed fit with a longer rise and a wider leg that tapers slightly from knee to hem. Heavy contrast stitching. Quality hardware. These are the most versatile and comfortable pants on the list.
It’s also the kind of silhouette that’s having a moment in menswear right now.
If you want a pair of pants that balance style and comfort, or you’re a fan of Scandinavian minimalism, these are your pants.
6. Best Cargo Corduroy Pants — Wrangler Casey Jones Corduroy Cargo Pants
Cargo is a versatile silhouette.
Originally, cargo pants were made for utility. It’s always like that, isn’t it? First workwear, then it slowly becomes part of everyday closets.
Traditionally, cargo pants were made from cotton twill, which is soft, breathable, and durable. Later on, there are versions in canvas, heavier twills, and even denim.
And now, we are talking about corduroy cargo pants.
Wrangler has a long reputation for making durable workwear. Mostly denim, and these corduroy pants are also made with utility in mind.
Around 9 ounces of pure cotton is durable without being heavy. Straight-leg cut. Relaxed through the seat, loose through the leg are for moving around comfortably. Front slant pockets, back flap-patch pockets, cargo flap-patch pockets. That’s a lot of storage.
That said, these are totally okay for casual wear. If you are an outdoor enthusiast or a streetwear fan. Or you just need functional pockets, go for it.
7. Best Corduroy Jeans — FRAME L'Homme Corduroy Slim Jeans
Corduroy jeans are cut like regular jeans but made from corduroy fabric.
The L’Homme is FRAME’s bestselling denim fit: slim straight leg, mid-rise waist, and a slight taper at the hem. Classic five-pocket construction, just like your favorite jeans.
Made from 98% cotton and 2% elastane, with just enough stretch for comfort without losing authenticity.
If you love denim and want a corduroy texture, or are building a refined casual wardrobe, this is for you.
8. Best Heavyweight Winter Corduroy Pants — Cordings Corduroy Trousers
These weigh 17 ounces (520g)—nearly twice as heavy as most corduroys.
The fabric is woven by Brisbane Moss, a British mill operating since 1940.
Pure cotton, 8-wale construction.
These pants are designed to be timeless, not trendy: flat front, classic cut, button fly (zipper available on request), tunnel-top side adjusters, and one back jetted pocket with button. All details reflect British tailoring traditions.
If you live somewhere winters get brutally cold, or you’re a menswear enthusiast who appreciates British craftsmanship, these are perfect.
9. Best Sustainable Corduroy Pants — Patagonia Organic Cotton Corduroy Jeans
Patagonia is a pioneer in sustainable clothing, and we appreciate that.
Made from 100% organic cotton, 12-wale corduroy, garment-washed for immediate softness. No harsh chemicals, pesticides, or synthetics.
The cut is a smart take on jeans. Five-pocket. Mid-rise. Straight from hip to leg opening. A classic silhouette that never looks dated.
Construction is also solid, with nickel shank-button closure, brass zip fly, copper rivets, and seven double-needle belt loops.
Beyond environmental benefits, these are also made in a Fair Trade Certified factory. The workers who made them earned a premium for their labor.
If you’re an environmentally conscious buyer who is building a sustainable wardrobe. Patagonia won’t let you down.
10. Best Fashion Forward Corduroy Pants — Polo Ralph Lauren The Big Corduroy Chino
Wide-leg silhouettes are having their moment.
If you want to lean into that trend, these Ralph Lauren corduroys are how you do it.
The oversized fit has an eleven-inch rise and a twenty-inch leg opening in size thirty-two. This is dramatically different from everything else on this list.
Ralph Lauren adds contrasting corduroy patches throughout. A deconstructed, almost repaired aesthetic that feels current.
Belt loops. Button fly with buttoned closure. Side on-seam pockets, right hip coin pocket, two back buttoned pockets. A label above the back right pocket that says Polo Cords Ralph Lauren.
Pure cotton. Machine washable, though the coloring may rub off initially.
These are statement pants. You build outfits around them.
More Great Corduroy Pants
How to Care for Corduroy Pants
Caring for corduroy isn’t complicated. But a few simple practices will extend their life dramatically.
Turn them inside out before washing. Cold water. Gentle cycle. This prevents the wales from crushing and helps colors stay vibrant.
Air dry when possible. If you must use a dryer, use low heat only. High heat can crush the wales permanently.
Iron inside out on low heat if needed. Never iron directly on the ridges.
Hang them. Folding can create permanent creases. If you must fold, do it gently along existing lines.
If the wales get flattened, brush them gently with a soft clothes brush. This restores texture without damaging fabric.
Conclusion
Corduroy pants for men offer something denim can’t. Texture that ages beautifully. Warmth without weight. Versatility that works across seasons.
If you want my recommendation for most people, it’s the Left Field NYC Japanese 8-wale Corduroy Miners. Yes, they’re expensive. But the quality and construction might outlive you.
On a budget? The Levi’s 505 delivers reliability at a price that’s accessible.
The most important thing is to match the pants to your life.
Consider what fit works for your body.
Whether you prioritize warmth, style, or versatility.
Your budget and how long you want them to last.
How formal or casual your wardrobe tends to be.
Answer those questions honestly.
And you’ll end up with corduroy pants you actually wear.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely like and think you’ll enjoy.
