Slacks vs. Trousers: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Slacks are usually less formal, loose-fitting pants, whereas trousers are a more formal, tailored garment.
Key Differences
Slacks often refer to casual or dress pants that are not part of a suit, commonly used in American English, while trousers are a more general term for all types of pants, more commonly used in British English.
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Nov 27, 2023
Trousers are known for their tailored fit, suitable for formal attire and professional settings, whereas slacks might have a more relaxed fit and could be considered less formal.
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The term slacks is sometimes used to describe lightweight, comfortable pants for informal occasions, while trousers can encompass a wide range of styles, including those appropriate for formal, business, or work attire.
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In terms of fabric, slacks are often made from softer materials like cotton or synthetic blends, making them ideal for casual wear. Trousers, on the other hand, are frequently made from sturdier fabrics like wool or tweed, affirming their formality.
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While the word slacks may conjure images of comfort and ease, trousers evoke a sense of formality and are often associated with traditional professional dress codes.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Made from a variety of fabrics, often lighter.
Often made of wool or finer fabrics.
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Association
Casual business or leisure wear.
Professional and formal settings.
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Slacks and Trousers Definitions
Slacks
Dress pants typically lighter in fabric.
Her slacks were perfect for the summer heat.
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Trousers
The British term for the outer garment covering the body from the waist to the ankles.
She prefers classic trousers for work.
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Slacks
A term for trousers used mainly in the U.S.
Slacks are her preferred attire for casual Fridays.
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Trousers
Often part of a matching suit.
The trousers matched his blazer perfectly.
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Slacks
Casual pants that are not jeans or chinos.
He wore a pair of gray slacks to the barbecue.
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Trousers
A garment for the lower body that is tailored.
His suit trousers were impeccably pressed.
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Trousers
Any full-length pants.
The hikers donned waterproof trousers for their trek.
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Slacks
Lacking in activity; not busy
A slack season for the travel business.
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Trousers
Pants worn for formal or professional attire.
He had to buy new trousers for the interview.
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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?
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Slacks
Lacking in diligence or due care or concern; negligent
A slack worker.
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Trousers
A garment worn by men and boys, extending from the waist to the knee or to the ankle, and covering each leg separately.
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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
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Slacks
(Linguistics) Pronounced with the muscles of the tongue and jaw relatively relaxed; lax.
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Slacks
A mixture of coal fragments, coal dust, and dirt that remains after screening coal.
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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.)
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Oct 19, 2023
Slacks
Pants with a loose fit for comfort.
After work, he changed into his favorite slacks.
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Slacks
Men's or women's pants for informal occasions.
She packed slacks for her vacation.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
Do slacks come in different colors?
Absolutely, slacks are available in a wide range of colors.
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Are all trousers part of a suit?
No, trousers can be sold separately from suits.
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Are slacks and trousers interchangeable terms?
They can be, but slacks often imply a less formal style.
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Can trousers be casual?
While usually formal, there are casual styles of trousers.
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Can slacks be worn to work?
Yes, slacks are often appropriate for a business casual environment.
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Are jeans considered slacks or trousers?
Jeans are typically categorized separately from slacks and trousers.
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Do slacks have pockets?
Most slacks have pockets, but some may not for a sleeker look.
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Are cargo pants considered trousers?
Yes, cargo pants are a type of casual trousers.
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Are trousers suitable for formal events?
Yes, trousers are often worn for formal occasions.
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Are pleated pants considered slacks or trousers?
Pleated pants can be both, depending on their style and material.
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Is there a difference in the way slacks and trousers are washed?
Yes, care instructions may vary based on material and style.
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Do slacks require a belt?
It depends on the fit and style, but many slacks are designed to be worn with a belt.
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Can I wear slacks with a blazer?
Yes, slacks can be dressed up with a blazer.
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Do slacks come in different cuts?
Yes, there are straight-leg, wide-leg, and slim-fit slacks, among others.
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Can both slacks and trousers be tailored?
Yes, both can be altered for a better fit.
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Are trousers only made of wool?
No, they can be made from a variety of materials.
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Are trousers a British term?
Yes, trousers is commonly used in British English.
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Are chinos slacks or trousers?
Chinos are a type of trousers and can be considered a style of slacks.
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Do slacks or trousers have cuffs at the bottom?
Some styles do, while others have a plain hem.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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