There was a time, not so very long ago, when to don a pair of trousers with a drawstring and elasticated waist on a day-to-day basis was to admit defeat. It was a white flag to the end of youth; the sartorial equivalent of trading your sports car in for a people carrier or buying a U2 album. On CD.

Today, though, things have changed. Dress codes have relaxed, comfort and stylishness are no longer mutually exclusive, and a new breed of legwear is making it possible for us all to enjoy the benefits of a drawstring waistband without being sent home from work to get changed.

Drawstring trousers are the legwear revelation we’ve all been waiting for. They’re relaxed, yet smart; comfortable, yet stylish, and above all else, infinitely versatile. Here we explore some of the key variations of a very modern menswear hero and take a look at the brands worth spending your hard-earned cash on.

Drawstring Trouser Styles To Consider

There’s more than one way to make a pair of drawstring trousers. From joggers you can wear to the office, to fashion-friendly cargo trousers – these are the key styles that should be on your radar.

Smart Joggers

Who hasn’t dreamt about going into work in their jogging bottoms? Dress pants may look sharp, but when you’re forced to spend five days a week in them, comfort is every bit as important as a smart appearance. If only there was a garment that fell somewhere between the two…

A pair of smart joggers is just that. It’s a piece of clothing that can be paired with anything from tailoring to a T-shirt and trainers, while at the same time offering all the comfort of your pyjama bottoms.

Zara

Drawstring Chinos

Smart-casual can be a tricky concept to grasp, but with a pair of these at your disposal it becomes a whole lot easier. Drawstring chinos offer all the benefits of the traditional preppy staple, but with a more laid-back feel, making them an excellent everyday option.