Unlock the Secret to the Perfect Khakis That Will Elevate Your Wardrobe (and Your Confidence) Instantly

Dockers are a classic and you really can’t go wrong, especially if you’re on the hunt for a quality pair of khakis that won’t break the bank. Plus, these don’t require ironing and have built-in stain defense (which you know you’ll need at some point).

One of the most iconic silhouettes on our list, the Dickies 874 is a workwear icon. They may not have the dressed-up looks of some others on our list, but they are going to get the job done with aplomb (if you can find the right size).

Cut from a midweight, 9.5-ounce cotton that becomes even more comfortable with each wash, these are a khaki masterclass from Buck Mason. Inspired by military officers’ pants, they can be dressed up or dressed down and have the oft-overlooked details dialed in, from the classic Hollywood waistband and button fly to the button-flap rear pockets.

Another pair directly inspired by the military-issue trousers of WWII, the Democratic Foundation pant from Taylor Stitch has an impeccable fit—straight cut through the seat and thigh with a slight taper—and can be a, ahem, foundational piece of your wardrobe for the foreseeable future.

Few know how to do Americana like Ralph Lauren. The Big Chino is just baggy enough without taking things into JNCO Jeans territory.

If you are khaki-curious and want to snag a pair with some stretch before committing to no-stretch, 100% cotton khakis, these are a great pick. They come in a huge range of sizes and are available in at least three colorways that could be considered “khaki,” so you have plenty of options to find your perfect pair.

Todd Snyder may not have invented American style, but he damn near perfected it. These khakis are one piece in a long line of exceptional icons designed by Snyder, and you could do a whole lot worse than these, thanks to perfect tailoring and close attention to detail.

Alex Mill took the standard officer pant, added a (subtle) pleat, and made an incredibly versatile pant that stands out just enough. The button-flap coin pocket and “X” belt loop make all the difference when you’re comparing a bunch of khakis that may look all the same to the uninformed.

Bonobos made a simple khaki chino that humbly does its job—nothing more and nothing less. These are hard-working, daily driver chinos that look just as good as many of their more expensive counterparts.

You really can’t go wrong with J.Crew. At $98 these are a great value, but if you keep an eye on the brand’s website for a few days, you probably won’t even have to pay that much — there’s always a deal to be had. These are simple, straightforward, and the fit is versatile enough to wear with a blazer or with your favorite old t-shirt.

Brooks Brothers is still kickin’ and that’s a good thing for khaki hunters. These straight-legged chinos are a bit dressier than the others on our list, but that’s to be expected from a brand like BB.

You absolutely cannot find a better pair of pleated chinos for the price. L.L. Bean is probably the least flashy brand on our list, but that’s a good thing—these will fly under the radar but never let you down.

Lululemon has been knocking it out of the park with the ABC pant for years, and now that they’ve added a twill version, we can officially tout them as a viable khaki pick.

These casual khaki chinos are a stylish, budget-friendly play on the military officer pant. They feature a versatile flat front and flaps on the back pockets, adding a touch of style and extra security for your wallet and other everyday items.

Vuori is coming for the throne as the top athleisure brand in the game. These khakis are ideal for the golf course, riding your bike to work, or an impromptu game of pickleball.