Slacks vs. Trousers: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 20, 2024
Slacks are casual or semi-formal pants made from soft fabrics, while trousers are a general term for formal or casual pants, including a variety of styles.
Key Differences
Slacks are typically casual or semi-formal pants made from soft, comfortable fabrics like cotton or polyester blends. They are often worn in business-casual settings and can be paired with a variety of tops. The design of slacks usually emphasizes comfort and a relaxed fit. Trousers, on the other hand, is a broad term used to describe any type of pants, including both formal and casual styles. Trousers can be made from a wide range of fabrics, including wool, linen, and denim. They are often tailored to fit more precisely and are commonly worn in more formal or professional settings.
Slacks often feature a more relaxed waistband and may include details like pleats or cuffs. Whereas, trousers encompass a wider range of styles, from chinos and khakis to dress pants and suit trousers, catering to various occasions and fashion needs.
In American English, "slacks" specifically refers to non-denim, non-athletic pants that are less formal than dress pants but more formal than jeans. In contrast, "trousers" is a term that can be used interchangeably with pants in general, covering all types of legwear for men and women.
The fit of slacks tends to be more relaxed, often with a looser cut through the thigh and leg. In contrast, trousers can have a variety of fits, including slim, straight, and wide-leg, each suited to different fashion trends and body types.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Casual or semi-formal pants
General term for all types of pants
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Fabric
Soft fabrics like cotton or polyester
Wide range, including wool, linen, denim
Fit
Relaxed and comfortable
Varies: slim, straight, wide-leg
Occasion
Business-casual settings
Formal and casual settings
American English Usage
Non-denim, non-athletic pants
All types of pants
Slacks and Trousers Definitions
Slacks
Casual or semi-formal pants.
He wore slacks to the business-casual event.
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Trousers
General term for pants.
She bought a new pair of trousers for work.
Slacks
Comfortable trousers made from soft fabric.
Her cotton slacks were perfect for the warm weather.
Trousers
Tailored pants for different occasions.
The trousers fit him perfectly.
Slacks
Relaxed-fit pants.
The slacks had a loose cut for extra comfort.
Trousers
Any style of pants.
Chinos and khakis are types of trousers.
Slacks
Business-casual pants.
Pair your slacks with a blazer for a professional look.
Trousers
Formal or casual legwear.
His wool trousers matched the suit perfectly.
Slacks
Not tense or taut; loose
A slack rope.
Slack muscles.
Trousers
Pants made from various fabrics.
Linen trousers are great for summer.
Slacks
Lacking in activity; not busy
A slack season for the travel business.
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?
Slacks
Moving slowly; sluggish
A slack pace.
Trousers
A garment worn by men and boys, extending from the waist to the knee or to the ankle, and covering each leg separately.
Slacks
Lacking in diligence or due care or concern; negligent
A slack worker.
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
Slacks
Flowing or blowing with little speed
A slack current.
Slack winds.
Slacks
(Linguistics) Pronounced with the muscles of the tongue and jaw relatively relaxed; lax.
Slacks
To make looser or less taut
Slacked the sail.
Slacks
To make slower
Slacked our pace.
Slacks
To be careless or remiss in doing
Slack one's duty.
Slacks
To slake (lime).
Slacks
To be or become slack.
Slacks
To be inactive or avoid work
Slacked around the house all day.
Slacks
A loose part, as of a rope or sail
Hauled in the slack.
Slacks
A period of little activity; a lull
A slack in business.
Slacks
A cessation of movement in a current of air or water.
Slacks
An area of still water.
Slacks
Unused capacity
Still some slack in the economy.
Slacks
Slacks Casual pants that are not part of a suit.
Slacks
A mixture of coal fragments, coal dust, and dirt that remains after screening coal.
Slacks
A small dell or hollow.
Slacks
A bog; a morass.
Slacks
In a slack manner
A banner hanging slack.
Slacks
Plural of slack
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.)
Slacks
(usually in the plural) pants for casual wear
Slacks
Non-denim, non-athletic pants.
These slacks are ideal for office wear.
FAQs
What are trousers?
Trousers is a general term for all types of pants, including both formal and casual styles.
Are slacks and trousers the same?
Not exactly. Slacks are a type of trousers but are typically more casual and made from softer fabrics.
Can slacks be worn in formal settings?
Slacks are best suited for business-casual settings rather than formal ones.
What fabrics are slacks made from?
Slacks are often made from cotton, polyester blends, and other soft fabrics.
Can trousers be worn casually?
Yes, trousers can be worn casually, especially styles like chinos or khakis.
What is the difference between slacks and jeans?
Slacks are made from soft fabrics and are more formal than jeans, which are made from denim.
Are trousers always formal?
No, trousers can be formal or casual, depending on the style and fabric.
What are slacks?
Slacks are casual or semi-formal pants made from soft, comfortable fabrics.
Are trousers and pants the same in American English?
Yes, in American English, trousers and pants are often used interchangeably.
Can women wear slacks?
Yes, slacks are unisex and can be worn by both men and women.
Do slacks have a specific fit?
Slacks usually have a relaxed fit, offering more comfort.
Are slacks appropriate for a job interview?
Yes, slacks can be appropriate for a job interview, especially in a business-casual environment.
What styles fall under trousers?
Trousers include styles like dress pants, chinos, khakis, and suit trousers.
Do trousers have various fits?
Yes, trousers can have different fits, including slim, straight, and wide-leg.
What is the best way to style slacks?
Slacks can be styled with a button-down shirt and loafers for a polished, business-casual look.
Are slacks the same as dress pants?
Slacks are less formal than dress pants, which are typically worn with suits.
Can trousers be part of a suit?
Yes, trousers can be part of a suit, especially formal dress trousers.
Are chinos considered trousers?
Yes, chinos are a type of casual trousers.
What occasions are trousers suitable for?
Trousers are suitable for both formal occasions and casual settings, depending on the style.
What makes slacks comfortable?
The relaxed fit and soft fabric make slacks comfortable.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
