The 6 Best Seersucker Pants, Tested by Style Editors

Year after year, our style editors have tested dozens of seersucker pants, but none have quite compared to this pair from Bonobos. It comes in three different fits including athletic, tailored, and slim, but I’ve had the latter has won me over. Compared to other slim-fit pants that can feel stiff, I’ve found this one to be very comfortable and flexible, so I can easily squat down and tie my sneakers without feeling like I’m going to bust a seam. That’s because the cotton-nylon blend is infused with elastane.

While it has a thin texture, the fabric is not cheaply made. It feels premium and has kept me cool in the dog days of summer. Even when the temps rose above 80 degrees, I wasn’t sweating bullets during my subway commute to work. It’s also safe to say I’ve got my wear out of this pant, sporting it just about everywhere: the golf course, the office, the local bar, the list goes on. It’s every bit of a dress pant as it is a casual one. I’ve worn it with t-shirt and sneakers for brunch, a blazer to a work meeting, or even as part of a full suit for an outdoor wedding.

Read More: Best Linen Pants for Men

At least once a week, I wear this pair of seersucker pants to work because it’s so lowkey and subtle. It looks like a baggy linen pant versus a striped design that can draw too much attention. That said, it’s easy to pair with a clean camp-collar shirt and sandal for a laid-back fit. Or you can really dress it up with a slim-fitting shirt and loafer. This pant has a straight fit through the leg that’s not too tight, not too loose, but relaxed enough to keep you comfortable all day. During testing, we noticed the cotton blend kept the fabric lighter than the Bonobos pair, even in warm offices or during a sunny lunch break. It moves easily when walking or climbing stairs, and after hours of wear, it didn’t bag out or feel stiff.

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If you’re looking for seersucker pants that won’t break the bank, here’s a standout. It features a classic, regular fit that’s comfortably fitted through the hip and thigh with a tapered leg, giving a sleek silhouette without feeling restrictive. The cotton-polyester blend performed surprisingly well in our testing: it kept air flowing and moisture off the skin during long summer days, while the slight polyester content helped the pants spring back after sitting, walking, or even a quick jog to catch the train.

In our wear test, we paired them with dress shirts for office-appropriate looks and also tried them with polo shirts for a casual brunch. The fabric draped well in both cases and didn’t cling or wrinkle excessively. This pant really proved impressive on humid days: even after hours outdoors, it felt breathable and dry, proving that affordability doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or versatility.

The next time you pack for vacation, this pair from Orlebar Brown should be in your suitcase. It has that traditional blue and white stripe pattern, which looks great for breezy sightseeing tours and resort dinners. The cotton-stretch fabric offers plenty of flex, especially when you’re walking around for more than six hours. In terms of fit, it’s relaxed through the leg, so the material feels flowy rather than clingy to the skin.

I wore it in 80-plus degree temps, but felt nothing but breezy vibes, thanks to the cropped leg. And it’s not flimsy fabric either. The brand pressed creases through the front, so it held shape through chilly strolls on the beach and nighttime cocktails without ever looking wrinkled, giving the perfect balance of laid-back ease and polished resort style. Plus, the red stitch contrast at the ankle offers a nice, sleek contrast.

When it’s time to look clean and sharp for a dressy occasion, we love to reach for this pinstripe style from Reiss. This one, especially, gets a stamp of approval from our Deputy Editor Christian Gollayan. He loves the cotton-stretch fabric that can hold up for hours, whether he’s on his feet for hours at a wedding or sitting at his desk during an eight-hour shift. It has a slim fit, but he says it’s not too tight for moving around comfortably on the dance floor or running between meetings.

The one drawback is that the slimmer cut can be a bit snug at first, especially after a big dinner—but the elastane in the fabric quickly adapts, and in his testing, it kept its shape without ever bagging out. Christian also noted that the flat waistband has just enough give to stay comfortable during hour-long commutes, making it a rare slim pant that actually feels good morning to night.