The Ultimate Guide to Trousers & Pants (with Expert Styling Tips)

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Personal wardrobe stylist Yvette Jordan goes over the most popular & functional trousers for men & women
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When you’re looking for the perfect pair of trousers or pants, you may find there are more styles than you can keep up with. We’re here to help in your quest to be fashionable and find the best trousers for your needs. Read on for 30 types of trousers with information on how to style them, what occasion they work best for, and the materials they tend to use, with help from professional stylists.

The Most Common Types of Trousers

An illustration of different types of trousers and pant styles.

Personal wardrobe stylist Yvette Jordan says some of the best and most functional trousers include cargo pants, high-waisted wide leg pants, straight leg trousers, and pleated trousers. Other common types of trousers include:

  • Chinos: Have a flat front, a fitted waistband, and a tapered or straight-leg cut.
  • Jeans: Made of denim and known for their durability and casual style.
  • Dress pants: Formal with a tailored fit, and pleats or a flat front.
  • Joggers: Loose-fitting with a drawstring closure and a tapered leg.
1

Cargo Pants

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  1. Cargo pants are known for having multiple storage pockets.
    They have large patch pockets on each leg, usually located on the thighs. Jordan notes that cargo pants are functional, due to the large number of pockets, and comfortable.[1] Cargo pants can be slim-fit, relaxed-fit, or baggy.[2]
    • How to style cargo pants: Pair with a more fitted or crop top for balance.
    • Occasion: Outdoor activities (hiking, camping)
    • Common materials: Cotton, canvas, nylon
    • Carpenter pants are a type of cargo pants with a loop for a hammer and pockets made for tools.

    Meet the wikiHow Experts

    Yvette Jordan is a personal wardrobe stylist with over 15 years of experience. Her styling helps inspire confidence in her clients.

    Susan Kim is a professional stylist and the owner of Sum+Style Co., with over 5 years of experience in the fashion industry.

    Kathi Burns, CPO®, is a fashion stylist with over 17 years of organizing experience, who has been featured on Better Homes and Gardens and Good Morning America.

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2

Chinos

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  1. Chinos have a flat front, a fitted waistband, and a tapered or straight-leg cut.
    They’re known for their versatility and can be dressed up or down. Chinos come in a wide range of colors, so they’re a popular style to buy more than a single pair of.[3]
    • How to style chinos: Wear them casually with a t-shirt or dress up with a blazer.
    • Occasion: Everyday wear, casual, and semi-formal events
    • Common materials: Cotton twill
3

Jeans

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  1. Jeans are recognized by their denim material, durability, and casual style.
    They usually have belt loops and either a zipper or a button-fly. Once known as dungarees, jeans come in a variety of types, washes, fits, and styles, from skinny to bootcut.[4]
    • How to style jeans: Keep it casual with a t-shirt or dress it up with a silk blouse or dress shirt.
    • Occasion: Casual everyday events, semi-formal dinners, or get-togethers
    • Common materials: Denim
    • When it comes to choosing a fit for jeans, professional stylist Susan Kim believes that “it depends on what body part you want to emphasize.”[5] If you want to highlight your calves, a slim fit may work best, whereas a relaxed fit can camouflage them.
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4

Dress Pants

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  1. Dress pants are formal trousers with a tailored fit, along with pleats or a flat front.
    When dress slacks they may be made from more casual materials. Dress pants usually have pleats down the leg and can be straight-leg or slim fit.[6]
    • How to style dress pants: Wear them with t-shirts or blouses, or dress them up with a suit.
    • Occasion: Professional settings, formal occasions
    • Common materials: Wool, linen, synthetic blends
    • Suit trousers are dress pants designed to be worn as part of a suit. They include a sharp crease and a tailored fit.
    • Kim states that “fit is vital in finding dress pants—consider where they hit on your hips. They can't be too tight because you're just going to be uncomfortable."[7]
5

Joggers

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  1. Joggers are loose-fitting pants with a drawstring closure and a tapered leg.
    Among the different types of trousers, joggers (also called sweatpants) are the most comfortable and casual. They are typically made from soft, absorbent materials like cotton or fleece. Joggers have an elastic waistband and usually cuffs.[8]
    • How to style joggers: Wear with a sweatshirt or t-shirt to exercise or for a casual look
    • Occasion: Exercising, outdoor activities, lounging at home
    • Common materials: Cotton, fleece
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6

Bell-Bottoms

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  1. Bell-bottoms fit closely along the thigh, then flare from the knee to the hem.
    Also called flared pants, they’re fitted along the waist and hips, as well. Bell-bottoms grew in popularity during the 1960s and 1970s, and came back into fashion during the 1990s. They’re also known as hipster pants, sailing pants, and yachting pants.[9]
    • How to style bell-bottoms: Pair them with a fitted or tucked-in top for balance, and a chunky shoe.
    • Occasion: Casual outings, formal events
    • Common materials: Woven fabric, denim
7

Khaki Pants

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  1. Khakis have visible pockets and fronts that are flat or pleated.
    They’re known for being functional and comfortable for everyday wear, but started as camouflage army pants. Khaki pants are considered more comfortable and versatile than chinos, which always have flat fronts.[10]
    • How to style khaki pants: Pair them with a white t-shirt or graphic t-shirt.
    • Occasion: Business casual, travel, outings
    • Common materials: Heavyweight cotton twill
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8

Straight-Leg Pants

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  1. Straight-leg pants have the same width from the waist to the bottom hem.
    Jordan notes that they’re very functional, and are especially great for the office.[11] They have menial shaping, and can vary from jeans to dress pants. The fit of straight-leg pants can vary from relaxed to slim.[12]
    • How to style straight-leg pants: Pair them with fitted or loose tops, combine with a t-shirt and sneakers, or wear with a blazer and heels.
    • Occasion: Casual to professional, or dressy events
    • Common materials: Denim, twill, wool
9

Corduroy Pants

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  1. Corduroy pants are known for their ribbed texture and durability.
    They’re associated with cooler weather due to their grooves (called “wales”), which insulate the trousers. Corduroy pants are sometimes referred to simply as “cords.”[13]
    • How to style corduroy pants: Pair them with t-shirts, sweaters, button-down shirts, and blazers, and wear them with sneakers, boots, or loafers.
    • Occasion: Casual to smart-casual events or work, outdoor activities
    • Common materials: Corduroy
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10

Culottes

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  1. Culottes are knee-length trousers that look similar to a skirt.
    As one of the many types of female trousers, culottes are technically a mix of pants and shorts. They can be wide-legged, knee-length, or ankle-length pants that create a flowy, skirt-like silhouette.[14]
    • How to style culottes: Wear them with fitted or tucked-in tops, like a t-shirt, crop top, or blouse.
    • Occasion: Office, daytime events, weekend outings
    • Common materials: Cotton, linen, denim
11

Wide-Leg Pants

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  1. Wide-leg trousers are fitted at the waist and flare out from the hips.
    They’re known for their overall loose, flowing style and comfort. Wide-leg trousers are quite versatile and can be dressed up or down.[15]
    • How to style wide-leg pants: Pair them with a fitted or cropped top, a tucked-in shirt, or a belt to define your waist.
    • Occasion: Everyday casual, professional settings, formal events
    • Common materials: Cotton, linen, rayon, denim
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12

Capri

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  1. Capri pants are 3/4-length trousers that end at the mid-calf.
    They can be loose or form-fitting; capri pants are technically wide-leg capri pants. Capri pants can also be knee-length trousers, which are sometimes cropped just below the knee. Their length makes them a popular choice for warmer weather.[16]
    • How to style capris: Wear them with a button-down shirt, blazer, or fitted tee, and choose dressier footwear.
    • Occasion: Casual outings, brunch, travel, date night
    • Common materials: Cotton, linen, denim, polyester, spandex
13

Cropped Pants

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  1. Cropped trousers have a shorter length than regular trousers.
    They typically end above the ankle to help focus on footwear. Cropped trousers are also a favorite for warmer-weather wear.[17]
    • How to style cropped pants: Pair with a fitted or tucked-in top, and shoes that don't cut the leg line, like thin sneakers, heels, or flats.
    • Occasion: Casual outings, everyday errands, semi-formal events
    • Common materials: Cotton, denim, linen, stretch fabrics, polyester
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14

High-Rise Pants

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  1. High-rise pants have a waistline that begins at the wearer’s natural waist.
    Also called “high-waist pants,” high-rise pants typically sit at or above the natural waistline. They’re known for elongating the legs and creating a flattering silhouette, as well as being stylish and versatile.[18] Jordan adds that they’re a super functional choice and are especially great if you’re feeling bloated or want to conceal your belly.[19]
    • How to style high-rise pants: Tuck them in your top to define your waist or do a half-tuck for a casual look, and add a belt to cinch in your waist.
    • Occasion: Work, casual outings, formal events
    • Common materials: Cotton, denim, polyester
    • Kim notes that “high-rise denim gives the illusion that your legs are longer than they actually are,” which makes high-waisted jeans a good choice for shorter people who want to elongate their legs.[20]
15

Stirrup Pants

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  1. Stirrups are slim-fit pants with a strap at the bottom of the pant leg.
    The strap goes around the foot and was first designed to hide knee-length boots worn by equestrians. Stirrup pants are usually a kind of leggings, and were popular in the 1980s (and recently).[21]
    • How to style stirrups: Wear them with an oversized blazer, sweater, or button-down shirt, along with heels, loafers, or pumps.
    • Occasion: Casual errands, workouts, work, travel
    • Common materials: Cotton, polyester, nylon, spandex
    • Jodhpurs are another type of stirrup pants that are loose and fitted at the ankles.
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16

Low-rise Pants

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  1. Low-rise pants have a waistline that begins below the belly button.
    They can vary, but most typically sit at varying points below the natural waistline. Low-rise pants became popular in the early 2000s and offer a bold, but casual look for jeans, pants, or leggings.[22]
    • How to style low-rise pants: Pair them with a tight-fitting or cropped top, or an oversized top.
    • Occasion: Casual everyday wear, brunch, errands, relaxing at home
    • Common materials: Denim, cotton, polyester
17

Track Pants

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  1. Track pants are comfortable and loose-fitting, with a straight or slightly tapered leg.
    Known for their lightweight material, they were originally designed to be worn over athletic clothing. Track pants often feature stripes or other athletic detailing on the sides.[23]
    • How to style track pants: Dress them up with a blazer or heels, or pair them with a graphic tee and chunky sneakers.
    • Occasion: Working out, sports, casual everyday wear
    • Common materials: Polyester, nylon, cotton
    • Matching track pants and jackets are called tracksuits.
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18

Baggy Pants

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  1. Baggy pants are known for their loose fit and roomy design.
    They’re a casual choice that became popular through the hip-hop culture of the 1990s and early 2000s. Baggy pants feature an oversized silhouette, which can vary between styles. They’re similar to relaxed fit trousers, but are less structured.[24]
    • How to style baggy pants: Pair with a fitted or cropped top like a tank top, tee, or tucked-in blouse.
    • Occasion: Casual everyday wear, business-casual events
    • Common materials: Cotton, cotton-polyester, linen
19

Pleated Trousers

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  1. Pleated trousers feature folds of fabric at the waistband.
    The pleats add depth and structure, along with volume and comfort, as an alternative to flat-front trousers. Pleated pants are often linked to vintage or retro vintage styles, but are almost always in fashion.[25] Jordan adds that they’re also great if you’re feeling bloated.[26]
    • How to style pleated trousers: Wear them with a tucked-in, fitted top, or a tucked-in t-shirt and sneakers.
    • Occasion: Business meetings, relaxed social gatherings, formal events
    • Common materials: Wool, linen, cotton
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20

Bootcut Pants

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  1. Bootcut pants are close-fitting along the thigh with a slight flare from the knees down.
    They flare from the knees to the bottom hem, but not as much as bell-bottoms. Their original content was to be worn over boots rather than tucked in. Bootcut pants continue to be a popular style for jeans when paired with boots.[27]
    • How to style bootcut pants: Pair them with a fitted, cropped, or layered top, and pointed-toe shoes or chunky heels (or boots).
    • Occasion: Errands, casual outings, semi-formal events
    • Common materials: Cotton, denim, polyester, nylon
    • Fashion stylist Kathi Burns, CPO® suggests that if you don’t want to wear boots with your jeans, you may not choose bootcut styles over a skinny or straight leg jean.[28]
21

Tapered Trousers

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  1. Tapered trousers are wide at the hips and narrow at the ankles.
    Once called “peg-leg” trousers, they narrow toward the ankle to create a distinctive silhouette. Tapered trousers are considered a mix of loose and tight-fitting pants, which makes them very versatile.[29]
    • How to style tapered trousers: Pair them with a fitted or loose t-shirt, a blazer, and sneakers, loafers, flats, or ankle boots.
    • Occasion: Errands, office or business casual, semi-formal events
    • Common materials: Cotton, denim, corduroy, wool, linen
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22

Relaxed-Fit Pants

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  1. Relaxed-fit pants are generously cut through the hips and legs.
    They’re known for their roomy seat and thighs, along with a higher-rise waistband. Relaxed-fit pants usually have straight or slightly tapered legs. They differ from baggy pants, which are cut even wider and have a more oversized, shapeless silhouette.[30]
    • How to style relaxed-fit pants: Wear them with a fitted or cropped top, a belt or cinched jacket, and sneakers, ankle boots, or block heels.
    • Occasion: Weekend outings, travel, work-from-home
    • Common materials: Cotton, denim, linen
23

Cuffed Pants

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  1. Cuffed pants have a folded (turned-up) edge at the bottom hem.
    Instead of traditionally folding up pants to create a cuffed hem, cuffed pants cuffs are usually added on by sewing them into the pants. This unusual example of types of trousers for guys can include angled cuffs, which allow the back part of the trouser leg to reach the heel, revealing more of the shoe.[31]
    • How to style cuffed pants: Pair them with a suit or pair with a preppy look (formal shoes, blazer, sweater over shirt).
    • Occasion: White collar work, professional and formal events
    • Common materials: Wool, flannel, tweed
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24

Drawstring Pants

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  1. Drawstring pants have adjustable waistbands for a customized fit.
    Drawstring pants have an adjustable cord or string at the waist to secure or loosen the fit at any time. Their relaxed style sometimes features colorful, decorative designs to make them stand out.[32]
    • How to style drawstring pants: Wear them with a tucked-in t-shirt or a fitted blouse, or a hoodie.
    • Occasion: Relaxing at home, vacation/travel, errands
    • Common materials: Cotton, linen
25

Leather Pants

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  1. Leather pants are unique because of their leather material and form-fitting design.
    Known for looking bold and edgy, they can come in a variety of fits, from skinny and wide-leg to bootcut. Most leather pants come in faux or vegan options as an alternative.[33]
    • How to style leather pants: Wear them with soft fabrics, a simple t-shirt, or dress them up with sequined tops.
    • Occasion: Date night, evening events, rock concerts
    • Common materials: Leather, vegan/faux leather
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26

Leggings

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  1. Leggings are close-fitting, elastic-band pants made of stretchy material.
    They’re known for being tight-fitting, but can also be quite comfortable, depending on the material and fit. Some yoga pants are considered leggings, while denim leggings are called jeggings.[34]
    • How to style leggings (or jeggings): Pair with a fitted top or loose layer, along with flats, sneakers, or loafers.
    • Occasion: Exercise, yoga, casual wear
    • Common materials: Spandex, Lycra, nylon
    • Yoga pants are similar to leggings but are designed specifically for yoga and exercise. They are typically made from stretchy, moisture-wicking fabrics.
27

Palazzo Pants

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  1. Palazzo pants are wide-legged trousers that flare out from the waist.
    Palazzo pants are usually high-waisted with a wide leg that flares from the waist to the hem. Usually made from lightweight fabrics, their wide leg provides a flowing silhouette, along with comfort and versatility.[35]
    • How to style palazzo pants: Pair them with a fitted or tucked-in top, tank top, or t-shirt, along with sneakers or flats, or heels and a blazer.
    • Occasion: Lounging at home, casual outings, semi-formal events
    • Common materials: Cotton, linen, rayon, chiffon, silk
    • Palazzo pants are more extremely wide than wide-leg pants, use lighter, flowier fabrics, and create a more dramatic shape.
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28

Skinny Trousers

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  1. Skinny trousers are fitted throughout the entire leg.
    They are close-fitting from the waist all the way through the ankle hem. Skinny trousers are typically made from stretch fabrics and are known for their sleek, figure-hugging look, especially skinny jeans.[36]
    • How to style skinny trousers: Wear them with an oversized top or blazer, a fitted jacket, or heels.
    • Occasion: Errands, casual outings, semi-formal events
    • Common materials: Cotton, spandex, polyester
29

Cigarette Trousers

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  1. Cigarette trousers are ankle-length skinny pants with a high waist and a slim fit.
    The entire leg has a close-fitting look and a straight leg. Known for looking sleek and sophisticated, cigarette pants are also called pencil pants.[37]
    • How to style cigarette trousers: Wear them with a tucked-in blouse or button-down, along with a blazer and heels, or a t-shirt/crop top.
    • Occasion: Brunch, casual outings, formal events
    • Common materials: Cotton, wool, rayon
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30

Harem Trousers

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  1. Harem trousers are loose-fitting pants with a low crotch.
    They’re known for being extremely baggy at the hips and thighs, while having a slight taper at the lower leg. Inspired by traditional Middle Eastern clothing, harem pants gather at the ankle for a relaxed, comfortable fit.[38]
    • How to style harem trousers: Pair them with a fitted top, t-shirt, or tucked-in blouse, or a structured jacket, flats, or mules.
    • Occasion: Lounging/relaxing, travel, beach, errands
    • Common materials: Cotton, linen, rayon, silk

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References

  1. ↑ Yvette Jordan. Personal Wardrobe Stylist. Expert Interview
  2. ↑ https://www.textileschool.com/10715/trouser-types-a-comprehensive-guide-to-styles-history-and-modern-trends/
  3. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-pants
  4. ↑ https://www.textileschool.com/10715/trouser-types-a-comprehensive-guide-to-styles-history-and-modern-trends/
  5. ↑ Susan Kim. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-pants
  7. ↑ Susan Kim. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-pants
  9. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-pants
  1. ↑ https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/types-of-pants/
  2. ↑ Yvette Jordan. Personal Wardrobe Stylist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://sewguide.com/different-styles-of-pants/
  4. ↑ https://www.realmenrealstyle.com/types-of-pants/
  5. ↑ https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/guide/types-of-pants/
  6. ↑ https://www.textileschool.com/10715/trouser-types-a-comprehensive-guide-to-styles-history-and-modern-trends/
  7. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-pants
  8. ↑ https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/guide/types-of-pants/
  9. ↑ https://www.textileschool.com/10715/trouser-types-a-comprehensive-guide-to-styles-history-and-modern-trends/
  10. ↑ Yvette Jordan. Personal Wardrobe Stylist. Expert Interview
  11. ↑ Susan Kim. Professional Stylist. Expert Interview
  12. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-pants
  13. ↑ https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/guide/types-of-pants/
  14. ↑ https://www.textileschool.com/10715/trouser-types-a-comprehensive-guide-to-styles-history-and-modern-trends/
  15. ↑ https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/guide/types-of-pants/
  16. ↑ https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/guide/types-of-pants/
  17. ↑ Yvette Jordan. Personal Wardrobe Stylist. Expert Interview
  18. ↑ https://www.textileschool.com/10715/trouser-types-a-comprehensive-guide-to-styles-history-and-modern-trends/
  19. ↑ Kathi Burns, CPO®. Fashion Stylist. Expert Interview
  20. ↑ https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/guide/types-of-pants/
  21. ↑ https://www.lee.com/editorial-post-pages/denim-glossary/fit.html
  22. ↑ https://youtu.be/cvy0Lp62tBI?si=HnLDtPGNkX8X9dHm&t=12
  23. ↑ https://sewguide.com/different-styles-of-pants/
  24. ↑ https://www.fashiongonerogue.com/guide/types-of-pants/
  25. ↑ https://sewguide.com/different-styles-of-pants/
  26. ↑ https://sewguide.com/different-styles-of-pants/
  27. ↑ https://www.textileschool.com/10715/trouser-types-a-comprehensive-guide-to-styles-history-and-modern-trends/
  28. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/types-of-pants
  29. ↑ https://sewguide.com/different-styles-of-pants/

About This Article

Yvette Jordan
Co-authored by:
Yvette Jordan
Personal Wardrobe Stylist
This article was co-authored by Yvette Jordan and by wikiHow staff writer, Maryana Lucia Vestic, MFA, M.Phil.. Yvette Jordan is a wardrobe stylist based in New York City, NY. With over 15 years of industry experience, she specializes in styling, organizing, merchandising and visual art. She previously worked as the head stylist for a modeling agency on South Beach and then in visual management in retail stores like Victoria's Secret, Gap, BCBG. In 2020, Yvette transitioned to full-time wardrobe styling, helping inspire confidence in her clients and design a wardrobe they love. This article has been viewed 1,813 times.
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