Men's desire for statement jackets and the latest sneakers will always remain strong, but it's important not to overlook the essentials. The right choice of pants can have a subtle yet significant impact on your overall look. Conversely, choosing the wrong pants can instantly diminish the appeal of the trendy pieces you worked so hard to acquire.

While it's tempting to stick to your go-to slim-fit black jeans, there is a plethora of exceptional trousers in your wardrobe waiting to be worn. These often unnoticed styles of pants have the potential to be just as stylish if given the opportunity. Here are a few underrated types of pants that you may not have considered, but definitely should.

1. CORDUROY TROUSERS

While corduroy was traditionally associated with intellectuals and scholars, both in fiction and reality, it remains a highly underappreciated fabric in men's fashion. However, when worn in the right way, corduroy can become an essential part of your wardrobe, particularly as there is currently a resurgence of 1970s fashion in menswear. This makes it an opportune moment to embrace corduroy and adorn your legs with this timeless material.

Corduroy is a fabric made by weaving and twisting cotton or wool fibers, resulting in distinct parallel lines known as "wales." Among its variants, wool corduroy is the most durable and boasts exceptional longevity. In addition to lending a hint of intellectual flair, corduroy trousers can withstand rugged use, making them akin to the Indiana Jones of legwear. However, they can become a bit warm, so it's advisable to reserve them for colder weather.

Contrary to its reputation for being somewhat formal, corduroy shines when dressed down for casual occasions. Pairing dark corduroy trousers with a sweatshirt and practical leather sneakers sends a clear message that you're not confined to the hallowed halls of Oxbridge academia.

Furthermore, this striped fabric excels at infusing a touch of personality into more formal ensembles. A well-tailored corduroy suit, with its slim-cut silhouette, complements a lightweight roll neck sweater and monk-strap shoes splendidly during the party season. However, it's best to avoid the traditional shirt and tie combination, as it has become closely associated with Doctor Who conventions rather than everyday wear.

2. WOOL TROUSERS

Wool trousers have become a beloved choice among fashion bloggers and art directors worldwide, particularly those who prefer a more classic and refined style rather than eccentric outfits. They offer a nostalgic nod to a time when jeans didn't dominate the legwear landscape.

These trousers are incredibly versatile, effortlessly complementing both tailored separates and casual ensembles. They have long been favored by industry insiders and continue to maintain their popularity.

While it's common to see them paired with sneakers by effortlessly stylish individuals lounging outside loft offices, leisurely smoking hand-rolled cigarettes, wool trousers can also be styled in a more traditional manner. For inspiration, one can look to Pitti Uomo, where they are often paired with brogues, Derbies, or double monk shoes, grounding the ensemble with a touch of timeless elegance.

3. TWILL CHINOS

If you're looking to showcase your traditional masculine style, a well-crafted piece of workwear is essential. Twill chinos perfectly embody a cool and wearable blend of quality craftsmanship, reliability, and style.

Crafted from heavyweight cotton and featuring a surface with diagonal parallel ridges, twill is a time-honored fabric that offers exceptional durability, making it a worthwhile investment in terms of cost-per-wear calculations.

Moreover, every scuff or mark on a pair of twill chinos tells a story, even if the only "work" they endure is scrolling through Twitter. In twill, the humble chino transcends the stereotype of being solely associated with rowdy vacationers in Ibiza, embracing a more mature and traditional sense of style.

While twill chinos are considered casual pants, they can be paired with easy-going shoes, such as those with a contrast Vibram sole, along with a T-shirt or knitwear. Complete the look with an overshirt or denim jacket for an effortlessly cool off-duty ensemble.

4. RELAXED-LEGGED TROUSERS

The backlash against skinny jeans has officially begun. Fatigued by the uncomfortable display of their private parts and the struggle to remove skinnies gracefully after a night out, men are increasingly drawn to the allure of relaxed-legged jeans and trousers.

Drawing inspiration from the fashion of the 1950s, the Levi's 501 cut has made a strong comeback among the most stylish individuals in menswear, and its popularity has extended to other similar models as well.

While these looser-cut chinos and trousers excel at showcasing standout footwear, it's crucial to achieve the perfect break in the fabric. If they're too long, they can resemble floor-dragging bootcuts, while if they're too high, you may appear as if you're wearing three-quarter length pants. The key is to avoid excessive pooling, so we recommend aiming for the hem to fall somewhere between the top of your shoe and its first set of eyelets.

When it comes to styling, it's important to create contrast by keeping the top half of your outfit fitted. This will help you avoid any unwelcome insinuations that you're playing dress-up in your father's wardrobe.

5. LINEN TROUSERS

In the not-so-distant past, linen trousers were often regarded as sweaty, ill-fitting garments that held no place in a modern man's style and wardrobe. However, thanks to the efforts of designers, they have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. The shapeless cuts have been replaced by tapered, contemporary leg lines that enhance the appearance of every body shape. Additionally, the use of linen blends has made them more practical, reducing the likelihood of stubborn creases while maintaining their breezy nature.

For a sophisticated, vintage-inspired look, consider trying linen trousers as part of a linen suit. However, the more modern approach is to wear them in a cropped style, paired with sneakers and a simple T-shirt. This combination exudes a fashionable and relaxed vibe.

6. DRAWSTRING TROUSERS

Without exaggeration, the emergence of smart drawstring men's trousers can be considered a game-changer in menswear over the past decade. Historically, drawstrings and elasticated waistbands were limited to sportswear and often perceived as a sign of negligence. However, such a viewpoint is unfounded. It has been a revelation to experience the comfort of sitting down for a hearty plate of pasta without the fear of being uncomfortably constricted by the end of the meal.

In contemporary times, drawstring trousers are available in tailored designs and a wide range of materials beyond jersey. Wool and linen, in particular, offer excellent choices for a more polished aesthetic. Once you've experienced the comfort that comes with a well-dressed wardrobe, there's no turning back.

7. SLIMLINE JOGGERS

Throughout the years, there have been notable hybrids in the fashion world, such as the shacket, the snood, and even the combination of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West (Kimye). However, none have demonstrated as much enduring appeal as athleisure, which stands as a rare testament to the harmonious fusion of fashion and functionality.

The sports-luxe trend continues to captivate audiences in the United States, and although it took slightly longer for UK labels to catch on, young Brits have wholeheartedly embraced this style. Blending the unparalleled comfort of joggers, which feel as if you're wearing nothing at all, with the sleek fit of contemporary work pants, athleisure garments are equally suited for socializing at the pub or hitting the gym.

While one could make a case for pairing the right jogger with an appropriate overshirt, we recommend embracing the streetwear aesthetic by opting for a logo T-shirt from popular brands like Palace, Stussy, or Undefeated. Complete the look with a sleek bomber jacket and low-profile lifestyle runner sneakers.

If you're not inclined towards a streetwear style, a pair of pristine white lace-up trainers can be a great choice. Combine them with a well-ironed Oxford shirt to introduce a touch of sharpness into your outfit.

8. CROPPED TROUSERS

Ankle swingers, as they are sometimes called, have become a permanent fixture in men's fashion - and for good reason. These cropped trousers offer a breath of fresh air to your ankles during the summer months, while still allowing your footwear to take center stage in cooler seasons. They are a fantastic way to inject new life into an otherwise mundane formal outfit. Note: When we refer to cropped trousers, we mean a shorter length than the average, revealing a sliver of ankle or showcasing your stylish men's dress socks - not to be mistaken for pantaloons.

In addition to highlighting your footwear, a precisely cropped length enhances the overall silhouette of your trousers. It's essential to get the length just right. If they don't fit perfectly off-the-rack, it's worth seeking the advice of a tailor. However, if you're feeling more adventurous, a safe bet is to aim for a crop that falls up to three or four inches above the ankle.

Cropped trousers are suitable for both formal and casual settings, though they lend themselves more naturally to formal occasions. For a weekend look, consider pairing cropped chinos in a sandy color with a crisp white shirt, a premium suede bomber jacket, and white sports-luxe trainers. On the other hand, for more formal events, opt for black cropped trousers paired with a grey blazer, a charcoal roll neck, and oxblood dress shoes. This combination strikes the perfect balance for a relaxed business-casual attire in the office.

9. CARGO PANTS

Cargo trousers have had a rather eventful history, transitioning from an essential item in the military to oversized fashion disasters of the early 2000s. However, enough time has passed for things to settle down, and now they have made a stylish comeback in a significant way.

The key to nailing the look with cargo trousers is finding the perfect balance between slim and spacious, leaning towards a tailored fit. While technically, you can fill their generously sized pockets to the brim, in this case, clean lines take priority over practicality, so it's best to leave them empty.

Classic khaki cargo pants pair well with almost anything, particularly navy. For a weekend look that exudes functionality, consider pairing them with an overshirt, another reliable workwear staple. On the other hand, if lightweight layers are not an option, contemporary black cargo trousers can be teamed with a white Oxford shirt, a grey sweatshirt, and a navy overcoat for a look that will pass any inspection.

10. HIGH-WAISTED TROUSERS

In the past, using your nipples as a reference point to align the waistband of your trousers was a telltale sign that you were either a) over 90 years old or b) Simon Cowell. However, in today's fashion landscape, it is much more likely to indicate that you are the kind of gentleman who frequents Pitti Uomo and owns multiple pairs of cufflinks. High-waisted trousers are undeniably on the rise. While a well-styled pair can transport you to sartorial heaven, getting them wrong can make you appear like a child playing dress-up in his father's suit.

The key to achieving the perfect balance lies in mastering the length and cut of the trousers. If you opt for a wide-leg style, a cropped fit ensures that you don't get lost in excessive fabric. On the other hand, if you prefer to skip the exposed ankles, a tapered cut allows the leg openings of the trousers to harmonize nicely with your chosen footwear.

While high-waisted trousers may fall under the category of tailoring, they still exude a sense of relaxed elegance, and the rest of your style should harmonize accordingly. On the upper half, choose either a well-fitted polo shirt or a loose-fitting T-shirt that can be neatly tucked into the waistband. You can add an extra layer with a coordinating unstructured jacket, and when the temperatures drop, a wool overcoat can be a stylish addition. For footwear, consider mixing things up with a pair of canvas high-top sneakers or suede desert boots to add a touch of versatility to your look.