21 Of the Best Corduroy Pants to Buy Right Now

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There's something decidedly adult about wearing corduroy, like after your parents reprimanded you for acting too childish you did, in fact, go upstairs and put on "your big-boy pants." In my mind, wearing corduroy should make you feel a long-tenured professor at some small liberal arts college who teaches a seminar or two on Cultural Anthropology but mostly spends his time puttering around an office stuffed with odd curios he's accumulated from a lifetime of traveling.

You know the type. He'd pair his corduroys with a sturdy cable-knit, a thick, tweed-y looking sport coat—no matter the temperature outside—and perhaps a good ol' Chelsea boot, or some brown Merrell hiking boots. (All of which, incidentally, would make for an absolutely huge fit today!) "Corduroys?" you might be saying incredulously to yourself. "In this economy?!" Oh, ye of little faith! Think of them as sweatpants' not-so-distant cousin, especially if the style you're eyeing comes with all the forgiving acceptance of your favorite elastic-waisted sweats, or hell, a full-on drawstring, too.

The best corduroy pants today are soft and durable and sit beautifully on top of a studier winter shoe when cut with a thicker cuff, but look downright elegant gracefully skimming the tip of a loafer when left slightly cropped. Traditionally, I'd tell you to stick to a thinner wale—the term used to refer to the number of ridges per inch on each pant—but there's something about the heftiness of a wider wale style, especially when paired with an outfit that offsets the silhouette's preppy origins, that looks so charmingly retro right now. In other words, you really can't go wrong.

And who knows? You might be a bit of burgeoning cultural anthropologist yourself.

365 Corduroy Pants

Flint and Tinder's line of aptly named 365 essentials are made to hold up day after day (after day) of wear.

Corduroy 5-Pocket Pants

These might be slim-fitting, but they have just the right amount of stretch for maximum comfort.

Wide Wale Corduroy Weekend Pants

Todd Snyder, as usual, has a versatile style that you'll want to wear everywhere. These are chic and classy, with a contemporary, straight-leg silhouette, but they have an elastic waistband and drawstring tie to ensure all-day comfort, too.

Giant-Fit Corduroy Pants

If you love J.Crew's Giant-Fit line (we sure do), these corduroy pants are a must-have. They aren't too wide-legged, but they're not a slim-fit, either; instead, you get a happy, stylish medium.

Corduroy Straight Officer Pants

BR is infallible when it comes to a good ol' straight leg pant. With ultra-fine wales, these have all the classiness and comfort of corduroy, but with a subtle, chic appearance.

Corduroy Utility Pants

Gramicci neatly combines utility and streetwear. These baggy, wide-legged pants have an elasticized waistband and they come with an adjustable belt, so whether you wanna wear 'em high-waisted or let 'em drop low, you're all set.

Corduroy Pants

And if streetwear is your thing, you're undoubtedly familiar with Carhartt WIP, the perfect combination of fashion and function. The brand's relaxed-fit cords, with big pockets and a low-rise waistband, are a style you'll reach for again and again.

Indigo Corduroy Pants

Chic and classy, RRL's cords are professor-ready (or, whatever else your office job is). Pair with your sharpest blazer and a button-down for instantly elevated vibes.

Corduroy Five-Pocket Pants

Vineyard Vines, the purveyor of all things preppy, has a pair of five-pocket corduroy pants that go with everything. Whether with loafers or sneakers, a tee or a sweater, don't overthink this style.

L'Homme Slim Corduroy Pants

Like slim-fit jeans, but better, because they're corduroy. In a sleek, sharp black, these are easily transitional from day-to-night, work-to-play.

Slim Straight-Leg Cotton-Blend Corduroy Trousers

The Tom Ford signature: Classy, cool, classic. Oh—and they're soft as hell, too.

Straight-Leg Pleated Cotton-Corduroy Trousers

If you want a slightly looser fit, Brunello Cucinelli makes a damn chic pair of pleated cords. With a tailored fit and straight legs, these are practically begging to be paired with your favorite shirt and a leather belt.

Craftsman Corduroy Full Saddle Pants

It's all about durability and style with Buck Mason's corduroy chinos. With a high-rise fit, straight legs, and a rich, chocolate brown fabric, these are easily transitional between all seasons.

Tellis Slim Fit Corduroy Pants

Comfortable and stylish, AG's corduroy pants are perfect for the everyday. Snag a pair while you still can.

Corduroy Pants

Vuori makes some of the most comfortable workout clothes on the market, so it comes as no surprise that the brand has a cozy take on corduroy pants, too. With a relaxed fit and drawstring waistband, you can lounge in style or go out in comfort.

Baggy Corduroy Beach Pants

For a modern style, UO has baggy, wide-legged corduroy pants that are cozy AF. Dress these up with loafers, or dress 'em down with slides—either way, they work with just about everything.

Ultra-Wide Wale Corduroy Trousers

Rowing Blazers does preppiness better than most, and its corduroy pants are proof. In bright blue, these are cool and contemporary, but don't skimp on the classic style and slim silhouette.

Straight-Leg Stretch Organic Cotton-Corduroy Trousers

With a stretchy, elasticized waistband and chic, stylish straight-leg design, these pants have it all. The only thing they're missing is a fashion-forward guy willing to style 'em.

Straight Fit Corduroy Pants

Everlane's casual, everyday cords are selling out quickly, so snag them while you can. Whether you wear these with a cashmere sweater, a boxy tee, or an Oxford shirt, you're in good hands.

Democratic All Day Pants

Like khakis, only better, because these are corduroy. Wear these as you would any typical khakis, though, and watch as you look just that much better.

Corduroy Pants with Gucci Web Label

Cool and contemporary, Gucci's pleated, wide-legged pants are as funky as the brand itself.

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