These 10 Pants Will Make Your Butt Look Its Very Best

Your choice of pants can significantly impact the appearance of your behind. Whether you have an auspicious or modest posterior, the pant style, cut, and silhouette can make a difference. And though trendy menswear won't replace a proper glutes workout, knowing what to look for will help you put your best butt forward.

With so many trousers and body types out there, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Every aspect, from the cut and rise to the yoke and pockets, contributes to shaping your rear end. It's not merely about aesthetics, however. It's also about feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin. Don't hesitate to experiment with different styles until you find pants that look and feel fantastic.

Here, we've compiled a list of our 10 top picks to consider in your quest for the best pants that will also frame your assets just right for the spring and summer. Our best overall pick, Todd Snyder 5-Pocket Chinos, are the safest bet on the list—but there's something for everyone, no matter what style you prefer. 

Best Overall Pants: Todd Snyder 5-Pocket Chinos

Todd Snyder 5-Pocket Chinos are a modern hybrid that merge the best qualities of denim and reliable chinos into highly wearable and unique summer pants. Crafted from garment-dyed twill with a touch of stretch and tailored with a slim fit akin to its selvage jeans, the chino epitomizes casual refinement, offering comfort with a polished edge, ideal for various occasions. With a slight taper, balanced pockets, and medium yoke, these pants are designed to flatter most guys' behinds.

Most Comfortable Pants: Fair Harbor The Compass Pant

Fair Harbor is known for its commitment to sustainability, quality, and comfort. A recent standout release is The Compass Pant, a lightweight, five-pocket performance trouser with stretch fabric and a tailored silhouette. Twelve recycled bottles went into making these, so you can feel good about wearing them, too. They are also seriously comfortable; an elastic interior waistband, discreet on-seam pockets, and water-resistant stretch fabric give all-day comfort that enhances your figure.

Best Slim Jean: Mott & Bow Benson Jeans

Mott & Bow offers high-quality and fashionable denim options for men in various cuts and styles. The Benson fits snugly through the hips and features a slight taper at the hem, creating a long and lean silhouette. These jeans boast exceptional softness, incorporating a hint of stretch and a stylish light blue rinse. The slightly inverted yoke and mid-sized, proportionate pockets ensure a flattering look for most guys. Rock them all summer long.

Best Jogger Hybrid: American Giant Brushed Twill Pant

It seems most brands now have a take on elevated joggers, but American Giant has been pioneering them for years. So, leave it to them to innovate once again. The Brushed Twill Pant resembles a classic chino pant but is worn like a jogger. With just the right silhouette—relaxed with a slight taper—these pants effortlessly transition from date night to weekend errands. The horizontal back welt pockets and interior drawcord ensure that they drape perfectly over your behind.

Best Lifestyle Chino: Everlane Pleated Air Chino

Everlane has introduced the Pleated Air Chino, ideal for warmer weather. The single front pleats lend sophistication to the tapered legs, while practicality meets style with front-slant pockets, back welt pockets, and a zipper front with a button closure. Pleated chinos have long been a fashion staple, and this version offers an excellent entry point for men embracing the trend. Pleats generally complement longer legs with a medium rise. Dressed up or down, they exude timeless charm and effortless cool.

Best Relaxed Jean: Alex Mill Original

Menswear favorite Alex Mill recently unveiled its first men's jeans, the aptly named AM Original. The singular straight-leg silhouette is available in three washes, all offering five pockets and pairing well with just about anything. The raw indigo wash is made with untreated denim that has been pre-shrunk and will gradually mold to your creases and movements over time. The X loop on the back is a cool detail, and the pants have a deeper yoke and oversized pockets for a vintage fit that exudes relaxed, retro vibes.

Best Authentic Chino: Taylor Stitch Foundational Pant

Taylor Stitch excels in men's wardrobe staples, putting artisanal thought into each garment's craft, design, and materials. The brand's Foundational Pant should be a cornerstone piece in your pants rotation. Made with 100 percent cotton, it features a medium rise and slim fit that gently tapers through the thigh, knee, and leg opening. Garment-dyed and washed for a vintage feel, these will never go out of style. The two back welt pockets add minimal adornment to the butt area, not drawing too much attention.

Most Iconic Jeans: Levi's 501 Original Fit

Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans might be the most legendary straight-leg jeans ever. Since 1873, they have never gone out of style and never will. This straight leg fits regularly through the thigh and sits perfectly at almost any waist. The standard V yoke will work with most body types, and the pockets are spaced well and proportionately. This signature fit is available in various washes, but the medium blue wash hits the right tone for spring.

Best Travel Pants: Untuckit Traveler Tech Pants

Wrinkle-resistant, water-resistant, and quick-drying, the Untuckit Traveler Pant is tailored for all your summer travels. The streamlined fit, slim through the hips and thighs and tapered below the knee, presents a timeless, stylish silhouette. Deep pockets offer ample storage, while the stretch fabric ensures comfort and adapts to your movements. These pants are versatile enough to pair with any of Untuckit's renowned shirts.

Best Performance Chino: Dockers Ultimate Chinos

Made with Smart 360 Flex technology, these Dockers Ultimate Chinos stretch vertically and horizontally, offering unparalleled flexibility and freedom of movement. The athletic fit is designed for robust thighs, while the tapered cut adds a stylish silhouette. Additionally, the pants come with a security pocket featuring a concealed zipper and coin compartment. With a flexible waistband providing extra comfort for your derriere, these chinos give great style at a great value.

What We Look for in the Best Pants to Make Your Butt Look Good

Cut

Invest in well-fitted, tailored pants that accentuate the shape and size of your butt rather than stifling or flattening it. Avoid overly baggy options, which tend to flatten your rear and do little to flatter your figure. Conversely, anything too skinny will reveal too much and isn't generally a good look. Instead, opt for straight-leg, relaxed, slim, or slightly tapered trousers—not too tight and not too loose, striking an ideal balance to enhance your assets while providing comfort and style.

Rise

The rise refers to the distance from the top of the waistband to the crotch seam. Some individuals prefer a higher rise, while others prefer a lower rise, depending on your body type. If the rise drops more than an inch below your groin or below your hipbones, it's likely sagging in the butt area. Look for a rise that sits nicely on your hips, with the waistband resting comfortably at or slightly below your natural waistline.

Yoke

The yoke, or the V-shaped seam at the back of your jeans, plays a role in shaping your rear. Choose the type of yoke that complements your body type. If you're average-sized, stick with the standard V yoke for a balanced look. Taller individuals with larger behinds may benefit from a wider yoke, while shorter individuals with smaller behinds can opt for an inverted arc to create the illusion of height.

Pockets

Pockets are often overlooked when purchasing jeans, but their significance in how your butt looks shouldn't be underestimated, as they serve as focal points for your posterior. Higher pockets create the illusion of a lifted butt and elongated legs, while lower pockets can visually shorten your stature. Look for pockets that are neither too close nor too far apart—symmetry is key. Additionally, pay attention to pocket size; overly small pockets can make your butt appear larger, while excessively large ones may diminish its size.

Why You Should Trust Me

In addition to writing for Men’s Journal, I have covered topics including menswear, fragrances, watches, grooming, and styling for Robb Report, Esquire, Men’s Health, and InsideHook. I served as the market editor at Esquire for several years, scouring the industry for the best garments and goods that were not only worth the investment but also made for compelling stories and good advice for our readers. 

I always try to add a timeless element to whatever I write, since while trends are interesting and relevant, I'm more drawn to perennial guidance and themes. I often research items to the point of exhaustion, whether it's coats, colognes, or turntable needles. I enjoy inspiring others around me to seek out their unique interests in things that might make their life better.