Where to Buy Slacks? Your Slacks Shopping Guide for 2023
It’s time to stop slacking off your fashion game and, well, put on some slacks! As with many key items of menswear, it’s easy to get lost in the subtle nuances when discussing wardrobe items every fashionable man should have. And in the men’s fashion world, few things confuse quite as much as the vagueness of the term ‘slacks’. Luckily, you have the experts on the Oliver Wicks team to help you navigate these muddier areas of the men’s fashion world and ensure you find the fit that suits you every time. Today we answer the burning question of what men’s slacks really are, and will help you find some quality items to start building your wardrobe, too.
Why Slacks? What Are They?
The word ‘slacks’ may sound sloppy, but the reality is far from it. While everything worn from the waist down on a man technically falls in the ‘pant’ category, that can cover everything from your Wrangler jeans to your best suit. So some clarity is very much needed! Strictly speaking, the term ‘slacks’ covers easy-to-wear but dressy pant options that fit into both semi-casual and formal arenas elegantly but without the true formality of made-to-match items like suit pants and tuxedo pants. So if it’s a dressy pant but can be worn as a standalone item, it fits in the slacks category. They come with both flat and pleated fronts.
If you’re already wondering how that differs from dress pants, don’t worry- it doesn’t really. Some people will draw a distinction between ‘dress pants’ as slightly more fitted and formal than ‘dress slacks,’ but at the end of the day, it’s a linguistic choice more than a fashion one. The terms are mostly interchangeable. It is worth remembering that semi-casual options, like chinos and even khakis, can be included in the wider ‘slacks’ category but wouldn’t work in the same venues as true dress slacks/pants, but that’s a very subtle distinction. The term is very confusing (you can learn more about slacks here if you’re curious), but the net effect on your wardrobe isn’t. Slacks and dress slacks are what men who have stepped away from their band shirt and jeans era into sartorial elegance default to when the occasion doesn’t call for a suit or formal outfit.
How Much Should Men’s Slacks Cost?
While a lot depends on the brand and quality, as well as whether you’re opting for off-the-rack or custom fitted, men's slacks can cost anywhere from $50 to $150, with higher-end options costing upwards of $500. Ultimately, the price you should pay for men's slacks will depend on your budget (of course) and the level of quality, style, and customization you are willing to spend.
Remember, a great deal of the impression your slacks (or any other wardrobe item, for that matter) will create hinges not on a brand name or style but on how you wear it. And a great fit is a critical part of that. The master tailors on the Oliver Wicks team have created an easy-to-use measurement guide that will leave you confident in your body and needs, and you can access it immediately if you have an account with us- no purchase necessary! You can create an account right now from any page on our website, so don’t be shy.
Where to Buy Slacks in 2023
So slacks are a critical part of any man’s stylish wardrobe- but where can you find the best quality and value for money? As a staple of any man’s wardrobe, you will find a broad range of slacks of various formalities at almost any retailer that stocks men’s clothing, so don’t feel limited by our list. Here are a few of the best brands and stores you can trust, however.
Oliver Wicks
If you’re looking for the very best combination of quality, style, and price, be sure to check out the Oliver Wicks slacks and pants options, as well as our signature custom suits. Made to measure to your exact specifications, we use only the best English and Italian fabrics to make our ranges. Our European master tailors ensure every item meets our strict quality standards, matching the latest in European suiting trends, and you can leverage our alteration coverage to ensure the perfect fit every time. If you’re looking for superb quality at reasonable prices to build the core of a stylish, elegant slack wardrobe, look no further. Our dedication to creating the fit that suits you, rather than expecting you to conform to cookie-cutter standard measurements, will leave you feeling and looking fantastic, no matter where you wear your slacks or how you style them.
ASOS
An option for your slack needs that may appeal to younger men taking their first steps in dressing well, ASOS specifically caters to the young adult demographic. They stock a vast range of brands. While many of them cater to ‘fast fashion’ trends that will not make an excellent investment, there are some solid entry-level options on offer that could form the core of your first ‘adult’ wardrobe. Although British-based, ASOS may be particularly appealing to those of you who need a wealth of online ordering options, as they offer shipping to well over 100 destinations. There are no tailoring or customization options here, however. Because of the wide variety of clothing on offer, you will want to pay very careful attention to both the brand and quality of the purchase you are making and stick to those with a reputation for quality. Remember, nothing is ever as fashionable as looking great!
Nordstrom and Bloomingdales
Large and trusted luxury American department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdales offer a wealth of entry-level and mid-range men’s slacks in both dress and more casual options aimed at the adult market. This makes them a great place to start for working men who need to build a professional wardrobe on a budget, as well as those of you looking for smart, budget-friendly options for weddings and similar once-off events. You will find everything from true budget options to some recognized high-end tailors in their catalogs, too. Some larger stores also offer tailoring and entry-level customization on-site to help ensure a great fit.
SuitSupply
Stepping up a little from the basic entry-level department store offerings, we have Suitsupply. Known for some rather provocative ad campaigns, they offer both online and brick-and-mortar options, which can be a solid option if you plan to reorder specific items to flesh out your wardrobe. They have also recently entered into a well-known fair trade agreement if you are worried about labor ethics with off-the-rack garments. They lean towards more unstructured, modern styles and slimmer fits, however, so they best appeal to younger men and those who don’t mind a trendy, youthful look.
Abercrombie & Fitch
Built on the idea of ‘casual luxury,’ Abercrombie & Fitch leans into casualwear more than formalwear but can be a fantastic source of less formal slack styles for men. While they do chase trends in their regularly rotating collections, their slacks and other clothes are well-made, and they keep a core of timeless styles in their repertoire. They offer a range of chinos and khakis that could be a great addition to your casual wardrobe at a solid price with better-than-average quality.
Burberry
Stepping away from more cost-effective options, we have Burberry straddling the line of reasonable affordability and luxury High Street design. In addition to the actual retailer, you will find the Burberry brand sold through a wealth of other retailers, making them easier to access than some of the other top-end menswear brand names. Plus, if you’re feeling jazzy, they offer a wealth of semi-formal slacks in their signature plaid pattern.
The ‘High Street’
If you’re looking to step away from the standard retail market into luxury brand names, you will find a wealth of made-to-measure, custom, and bespoke slack options available to you through designer labels. From well-known general designer options like Dolce & Gabbana to those best-known for high-end luxury suiting like Paul Smith and Reiss, there’s a wealth of options to explore, ranging from bespoke creations to off-the-rack options.
J. Crew
Widely available online as well as through a network of stores globally, J.Crew offers some solid, budget-friendly offerings for those looking to build a smart slack wardrobe from scratch. They lean preppy in style, and their catalog rotates frequently, but their pieces are well-made and modern with high-quality fabrics.
Thrift Options like Goodwill
We are in the thrift era, and if you’re lucky enough to be in an area where stock rotates frequently, it’s worth putting some thrift options on your radar. From online options like thredUP to the classic Goodwill, you may be able to score luxury and designer brands for a lot less. Obviously, you will be limited to choice, but you never quite know what treasure you will find.
Conclusion
The effortless, breezy elegance of slacks is an essential component in any stylish man’s wardrobe. Straddling the fine line between ‘classic’ and ‘comfortable’ will power up your wardrobe with sartorial style and help you break away from the jeans and cargo pant roulette. Luckily, you will find a wealth of fantastic slack options available at a range of price points, so there’s plenty to choose from.
If you’re ready to elevate your fashion game to the next level with an Oliver Wicks offering, feel free to get hold of our expert team at custom@oliverwicks.com with any questions or comments- we love hearing from you!