Commuter pants.
 

Hi all,

I'm looking for a fall/winter commuter pant (or maybe just a pant- more on that in a minute) that's slim-fitting and made of a technical or Smartwool-type fabric but isn't a full-on tight. The commuter options that I've seen tend to be baggier cotton jeans or chinos, and what makes them "commuter pants" is that they have commuter-friendly touches like high-visibility trim and grime resistance yet can double as officewear. I shower and change at work, so the latter isn't the least bit important to me. But at the same time, I don't want to be rolling into (and out of) work in tights. Does any manufacturer make the kind of thing that I'm describing?

Thanks in advance.

I've had good luck with pants from Ex-Officio, although I don't remember the specific product name. They tend to be technical enough to bike in, either a poly/cotton blend or straight synthetic, and they look half-decent. You could probably pull off some of them at an office even.

Jersey-knit sweat pants .. I have russell brand track suit trousers of black polyester.. fleeced inside smooth outside.

I wear shorts along with long sleeve and more insulating top down to around 45 degrees. I just find that the legs which are producing the most heat are better in shorts.

For below 45, I've been wearing pants made out of Event fabric (waterproof breathable), but have been considering getting something more flexible and breathable so I've been looking at Windstopper stuff. Like here's one pair of their pants:
Men's COUNTDOWN WINDSTOPPER® Soft Shell Pants | GORE BIKE WEAR®

Or here's another one:
Men's FUSION 2.0 WINDSTOPPER® Soft Shell Pants | GORE BIKE WEAR®

Not sure these are a perfect match for what you need but they are commuting pants that every urban commuter should at least know about! :-)

https://www.betabrand.com/black-bike-to-work-pants.html

Bluff Works: Pants for Work, Play & Travel

OUTLIER New OGs

I use these most of the time with the exception of below freezing or a deluge:

https://www.showerspass.com/products/skyline-pant

I've tried and resold a half-dozen others.

I have a couple pairs of Outlier pants -- they're a little pricey but fit great, look great, are extremely comfortable for biking and other sporty stuff, and so far (a couple years on) have been tough as hell. Can't recommend them enough. Used to wear Levis cycling jeans, but once your legs get into reasonable shape the skinny-jeans just start looking ridiculous.

I like to wear Adidas track pants. They are very comfortable, made from quick drying technical fabric, relaxed fit and narrow enough in the leg so it doesn't get caught in my chain.

I wear polycotton hiking pants, own brand from a big outdoor gear chain. They are slimmer cut than the big brands, esp behind the knee and have smaller and closer cut cargo pockets, so no bellowing in the wind.
I use them from -5 to +25C, with extra layers of rainpants where needed.
On dress down Fridays, I just wear them all day, same as weekends.
Cycle-features can be over-stressed and you pay for them.

I like mountain biking shorts. Comfort of a chamois liner, but pockets for stuff I need to carry.

Running pants that are a polyester or polyester blend. The pants are generally tapered near the ankles. I've been wearing an REI brand for my fall, winter, and spring commutes for about 6 years. It doesn't look like REI makes the pants anymore. However, the REI website shows several that are in the "running pants or tights" section:

REI ? Top-Brand Clothing, Gear, Footwear and Expert Advice for Your All Outdoor Adventures

I would love to find some regular pants as well because like the OP - walking into work with tights on sometimes just doesn't cut it. I tried riding in jeans and it just doesn't work. The one pair that worked for me had a huge hole in the seat of the pants within 6 months from the saddle.

This isn't so much for the OP, who wanted slim fit, but for others who live in colder climates and were drawn to the thread.

I have two pants that I wear when it starts to get colder.

The first, https://www.montane.co.uk/en/men/clo...ar/terra-pants, are great for low 50s into the 20s. Nice and light, but windproof, with snaps to secure the cuffs away from the chainring and zips on the outside thigh to open up to allow the heat out (thought I've used them only a few times, as the pants are very breathable).

The other pair, RUGGED II MOUNTAIN PANT MEN | featured-outfit-trekking-s15 | featured-outfit | Haglöfs, I wear commuting, Fat Biking and backcountry skiing. They are absolutely bombproof. They have thigh zippers to vent heat, camlock straps at the cuffs to keep them out of the chainring and do away with the need for gaiters, etc.

Both of these you just have to search online to find the best price. I'm 5'10" 175, wear a large in both, although the Haglofs are a bit room and I could have gone with a medium.

REI "Mistral" pants.
I start wearing them when commute time temps are low 50'sF and colder. Pricey, but really do the job of:

PRO:
1. Keeps my legs warm
2. Somewhat water resistant to light rain. Dries quickly.
3. Wind resistant up to about 15 mph.
4. Stretchy fabric - great for the knees.
5. Black - so hides dirt.
6. Aren't "bikey" clothes.
7. VERY comfortable!!

CON:
1. Pricey. Right at US$100
2. Pockets could be a little deeper.
3. Only five belt loops. I prefer pants with seven, but they are hard to find. Usually seem to have at least six. REI cheaped out on belt loops.

I'm liking those REI Mistral pants. They have an advantage over the pants I ride in since the Mistral has pockets, belt loops, and a zipper. I'll have to go check them out. If that is a very breathable material, I might be a buyer! Thanks for the "heads up."

Mec sandbagger pants, my favourite pants and the favourite pants for 1/3 of the reviewers at the mec website (there is no proof that those reviews are legit though)
MEC Sandbagger Pants (Men's) - Mountain Equipment Co-op. Free Shipping Available

The only thing bad i have to say about those pants is that there are too warm for summer use.

+1

That is my winter cold weather pants. THey are just about perfect, and similar to my biking tights. I have cheaper pants, but these are worth the money.

Funny thing - sometimes I get them splashed with dirty water on the ride, and they are clean by the time I get to work. Go figure...

Last year I bought a few pair of Russell athletic pants at Walmart. They're a nice, lightweight Lycra-type fabric with zippered pockets for ~$18/pair. The fit is pretty trim but I tuck them in my socks in cooler temps and roll them up over my calves when warmer.

I picked up a pair of these over the weekend. Saved $25 with REI Gearmail coupon. Commuted with them for the first time this morning. These are going to be great! They worked out great on a 44 degree commute. Once we get down to 35 degrees or lower, I'll be wearing a light base layer. Extremely comfortable. Easy on and off.

I agree that Outlier pants are the best option. I have tried levis commuters and Rapha's pant and my Outlier's are my favorite. I have had a pair of OGs for years and they are still holding up. Since the OP is in NYC take advantage and go to their open studio which I believe is on Friday afternoons.

I use sporthill 3sp pants. They list around $150 or so, but I only paid $75. They are not good in rain.