10 Khaki Pants Outfits for Men Who Swore They’d Never Wear Khaki (But Kinda Needed To)

If we are talking about khaki pants outfits for men, let’s get this out of the way: I didn’t always believe in khaki pants. As a New York guy, my closet has long lived in grayscale—black jeans, black tee, black jacket. It was simple, easy, and kind of foolproof. But over time, I realized my wardrobe had no middle ground. It was either “I’m headed to a dive bar” or “I own one suit and hate wearing it.”

What was missing? Versatility.
Not just leveling up—diversifying.

Khaki pants are one of those pieces you resist for years, but eventually, you realize: when you want to clean up your look for a dinner, a gallery opening, a coffee meeting, or even just pretending you’ve got your life in order… nothing else does the business casual job quite like them.

But first—what even are khakis?

But first—let’s clear something up. When we say khaki, are we talking about color or fabric? Technically, it’s both. Khaki started as a dusty tan color (from the Persian word khak, meaning dust), but over time, it also came to describe a sturdy cotton twill fabric used in military uniforms.

These days, khaki pants is really just shorthand for any neutral-toned trousers—usually in shades of tan, sand, olive, tobacco, or camel—regardless of the exact fabric. And that’s where things get interesting. In this edit, we’re focusing on khaki, brown, and olive tones across different materials—from crisp cotton-twill to brushed wool blends, stretch nylon, and even gabardine. Whether tailored or relaxed, these earthy hues offer a grounded alternative to denim or black trousers—and make room for all kinds of styling moves.

Modern khakis go way beyond stiff office chinos. You’ll find:

Washed canvas or cotton-linen blends for a more rugged, broken-in feel
Denim-style khaki jeans in sand or tobacco shades
Pleated trousers in khaki wool for dressier fits
Cropped or drawstring silhouettes in nylon, gabardine, or soft cotton blends

Bottom line? You don’t have to look like a tech bro on casual Friday. Khakis today are more versatile than ever—and they might be the most useful neutral in your closet.

Here’s how I’ve been wearing mine lately—yes, me, the guy who used to scoff at anything tan.

10 Khaki Pants Outfits for Men — Full-length Everyday Looks

1. The Everyday Essential

Outfit: Straight-fit cotton twill khakis + white tee + navy overshirt + suede sneakers
This is the gateway look. Classic khaki color, familiar denim-like styling. You’ve probably worn a version of this without realizing it. Solid for low-stakes meetings, creative workdays, or walking aimlessly with iced coffee.

Khaki Pants Outfits for Men — This look layers a navy overshirt over a crisp white tee, paired with sand-washed khaki trousers and off-white sneakers. The untucked tee keeps it relaxed, while the structured overshirt adds polish. Perfect for coffee meetings, casual Fridays, or terrace lunches with just the right amount of intention.

Optional flex: Half-tuck the tee and add a slim watch.

2. The Fresh Summer Pair

Outfit: Cotton-linen blend khakis + slightly oversized Oxford shirt + woven belt + desert boots
These feel relaxed but still thoughtful. A summer-ready upgrade from jeans—great for brunch, bookstores, or acting like you’re into architecture.

Bonus points: Let the shirt wrinkle naturally. It adds charm.

3. The Date-Night Creative

Outfit: Tailored tobacco khakis + short-sleeve knit polo + black leather jacket + Chelsea boots
A sharp step up from jeans. These khakis have shape and presence. Looks great under warm lighting, across from someone you’re trying to impress.

Khaki Pants Outfit Men — Monochrome, but never monotone. This tone-on-tone outfit layers tobacco brown tailored trousers with a fitted polo, finished off with suede Chelsea boots for a sleek silhouette. The black leather jacket slung casually over the shoulder adds a sharp contrast—effortless confidence, bottled.

Black and brown used to be fashion’s no-go zone—an unwritten rule that they should never be mixed. But like all rules, it was made to be broken. When done right, the contrast between rich brown tones and sleek black pieces feels fresh, grounded, and masculine. The key is tonal balance. Here, the warm tobacco khakis add structure and warmth, while the black polo and leather jacket anchor the look with modern edge. It’s confident, grown, and far from outdated.

Finish it with a pair of brown Chelsea boots. This is the kind of outfit that makes a quiet statement—yes, I know the rules, and no, I’m not afraid to bend them.

Color tip: Lean into richer shades like caramel or olive at night.

4. The Not-Quite-Suit Substitute

Outfit: Olive wool khakis + matching blazer + white tee + low-profile sneakers
Tailored without being uptight. If someone says “smart casual,” this is what they mean but don’t know how to explain. Easy to dress up or down depending on the invite.

a guy wearing a green jacket and olive khaki pants — Smart doesn’t have to mean stiff. This olive green suit paired with a crisp white crewneck and clean leather sneakers proves that tailoring can be relaxed. Perfect for business casual creative meetings, gallery stops, or anywhere you want to look sharp—without trying too hard.

Upgrade tip: Swap the tee for a knit mockneck when needed.

5. The Elevated Commuter

Outfit: Cropped gabardine khakis + black crewneck + trench coat + loafers
This one’s for the subway-to-studio crowd. It’s structured, city-ready, and just a touch editorial. The cropped pant keeps things sharp but not stiff.

Styling cue: Let a little ankle show. Trust the process.

6. The Gallery Guy

Outfit: Pleated wool khakis in camel + taupe turtleneck + charcoal topcoat + brown loafers
This is your “I actually went inside the gallery” fit. Earthy, artistic, and surprisingly warm. Pleats add that grown-up polish without going full professor.

A taupe turtleneck and pleated wool khakis create warmth and texture, elevated by a charcoal overcoat that adds depth without overpowering. The pressed crease and tucked-in knit speak to refinement—proof that earth tones can be bold when styled with intention.

Style cue: Pressed creases = intention.

**7. The “I Work in Tech But Not That Kind” Fit**

Outfit: Slim nylon khakis + minimal sneakers + black zip mockneck + gray beanie
Smooth, sharp, and one zipper away from looking like you own a productivity app. Great for travel or “just had a matcha and I have thoughts.”

man with sharp buzzed haircut, athletic build with broad shoulders, wearing slim-fit nylon khaki trousers with subtle sheen, untucked black zip mockneck performance top, clean white leather sneakers — The black zip mockneck adds just the right amount of tech-luxe to a pair of crisp olive khakis. Tucked in and sharply tailored, this look thrives on contrast—dark up top, clean white leather sneakers below. Confident, clean, and quietly commanding.

Pro move: Nylon should have a quiet sheen, not a loud shine.

8. The Anti-Chino Rebel

Outfit: Khaki cargo pants (washed canvas) + black hoodie + leather sneakers + bomber jacket
You thought you’d never wear khakis? This is your loophole. Rugged, relaxed, and skate-coded with adult credentials.

Utility, meet elegance. These tobacco khaki cargo trousers balance form and function, while the black turtleneck and bomber jacket keep the look clean and elevated. Finished with tonal sneakers and a silver chain, this outfit proves that casual doesn’t mean careless.

Optional edge: Slightly cropped cargos + untucked hoodie = intentional mess.

9. The Airport to Afterparty Uniform

Outfit: Drawstring khaki trousers (in a sleek nylon blend) + zip-up funnel neck technical jacket layered over tonal knit hoodie + white leather trainers + crossbody utility sling + stacked rings. The hybrid hero. Feels like loungewear, looks like effort. Perfect for long days that end with drinks, not decisions.

airport khaki pants comfortable outfit — This look layers nylon-blend drawstring khakis with a matching hoodie and tech-fabric bomber. White leather sneakers keep it crisp, while the crossbody bag adds a functional edge. Ideal for weekend city strolls or airport departures in style.

Vibe: Think upgraded travel fit—Rick Owens meets ZARA. Urban, sleek, still wearable but sharper and more directional. Ideal for the guy who flies business class but packs like a creative.

10. The Easy Summer Fit

Outfit: Lightweight khaki chinos + white camp collar shirt + espadrilles or slip-ons
Breezy, bright, and 90% humidity-proof. Works for rooftop dinners, coastal getaways, or pretending you read Hemingway.

A man wearing lightweight khaki chinos, white short-sleeve camp collar shirt unbuttoned at top and untucked, espadrilles — These are the basic elements of classic khaki pants outfits for men. Crisp chinos meet a relaxed white camp-collar shirt for a look that feels both timeless and freshly pressed. Neutral espadrilles round it out, perfect for golden-hour drinks or a coastal weekend escape.

Hot tip: Leave two buttons open and go for that Mediterranean mischief.

Final Style on Khaki Pants Outfits

I used to think khakis were for guys who peaked during college internships—or the kind worn oversized on ubiquitous tourist trails. But these days? They can also be a smart, low-effort way to show you’re paying attention or slightly dress up for a special someone or occasion.

Whether you lean tailored or slouchy, monochrome or mixed, there’s a pair of khakis out there that fits your vibe—and lets you clean up your look without selling out.

So yeah, I still wear black. But now I wear khaki too.
Because sometimes you gotta diversify… or at least look like you’ve got it together.

—Curated and edited by Fernando Lahoz-García, a fashion art director and journalist working from New York and Florida.