Twill Pants Vs Jeans: What’s The Difference?
Have you ever pulled out the perfect dress shirt but wondered: which type of pants should I be wearing with this? With so many different styles of pants, it can be hard to make a decision.
Of course, the occasion will come into play as well as your personal style. However, when it comes to dress shirts, in particular, there are 2 styles of pants that often work well: twill pants and jeans.
But what are twill pants? And how are they different than jeans?
Today we’ll dive into the main differences between twill pants vs jeans and determine which is best to wear depending on the occasion.
Twill Pants Vs Jeans
While both types of pants are incredibly popular and great in their own ways, there are some important characteristics of each that you should know.
Below we’ll get started by going over the differences between twill pants vs jeans.
What is the difference between jeans and twill?
The truth is that there aren’t that many major differences between jeans and twill pants because the two types of pants are actually just made of different types of twill.
This means that the main difference between the two is simply this: the blue denim we know and love is a type of twill. All denim is twill (as well as all chinos), but not all twill is denim.
Because jeans are a type of twill, most people think the key differences lie in the pant styles.
Most stylists consider jeans and twill pants two completely different styles even though the woven fabric is extremely similar. Although they are made up of the same (or similar) materials, the overall look is completely different.
However, when it comes to twill vs denim durability, denim tends to be the more durable style.
The way of the thread
Even though we have determined that denim jeans are a type of twill pants, when most stylists compare the two they are usually talking about the way of the thread.
The twill weave fabric is created when a weft thread is passed over warp threads.
The weft threads are vertical threads, while the warp is horizontal threads. The weft threads go over the warp threads, which start to create a pattern.
By creating the fabric this way, it creates a diagonal pattern or diagonal lines.
This is all done similarly with blue jeans, chino pants, and twill pants since they all fall under “twill” and this twill technique is used to create strong fabric. However, it is the dye of the fabric that differentiates it.
Warp yarn always starts out as white yarn. In chinos and twill pants, the warp yarn and the weft yarn are dyed.
However, in denim pants, the weft thread is left natural while the rest is dyed a shade of indigo.
The result of the indigo dye is that we see different colors on the face of the fabric for jeans while we see the same color throughout on other twill pants.
Style
Since the way the cotton twill fabric is created is so similar, differentiating between twill pants vs jeans comes down to style. You will want to choose a type of twill pants that match the occasion.
If you are going for a casual look, you will want to think twice before reaching for the twill pants. Jeans are almost considered the go-to for casual pants.
If you need dress pants for more formal events, you will want to look into twill pants.
Even though we are in an ever-changing world of how to dress in the workplace, especially following Covid and more people working at home, you may be wondering which pair of pants are the best work pants.
If you work for a very formal place, chinos are actually the best type of twill pants. These are great for formal occasions as well.
However, if your office wear is more business casual, a pair of twill pants should do the trick.
Obviously, if your work is hard labor, or if you are simply looking for everyday wear, a good quality pair of jeans should do the trick. An example of a brand known for high-quality styles is Levi Strauss.
FAQ’s
Are twill pants considered jeans?
Yes and no. All jeans are twill pants. However, there are multiple types of twill pants, including chinos.
Is twill a type of denim?
No. Twill is how the fabric is created, not the fabric itself. Denim jeans are created in the same way as twill pants, which makes them twill.
What is the difference between twill pants and chino?
Similar to jeans, chinos are also a type of twill pants. Think of twill pants as the broad category, with chinos and jeans being subcategories.
Chinos and twill pants are usually within a similar color range, whereas jean pants are usually only one or two colors. However, chinos tend to have a more elegant appearance and thus are chosen more often for formal wear.
Even though chinos are considered a bit more formal, they are often worn in a variety of environments. For example, American soldiers often wear military uniforms that have the chino pattern due to their sustainability.
Are twill pants stretchy?
Twill pants can be a bit stretchier than your average jeans. Therefore, even though jeans are a type of twill pants, sometimes this is used as a way to differentiate between the two.
Which ones are best for summer heat?
When determining which pants are best for the summer season versus the winter season, it is important to inspect the type of fabric you are choosing.
For example, a lighter weight twill will be best for summer. You will want to choose lighter twill fabric than denim fabric or sturdy cotton fabric in the summer months.
Cotton denim is great but can get extremely hot so you will want to save those heavier fibers for winter.
For summer versus winter, you’ll also want to think beyond the woven fabric and also consider the style. A slim fit may be more uncomfortable when it is hot out.
Is a twill weave better than a plain weave?
The way to think about strength and durability is satin, twill, and plain. The diagonal rib in the twill pattern definitely helps with strength, but plain-weave fabric is more durable.
Both twill and plain-weave fabric are stronger than satin, which only has a touch of stretch to it.
Which overall look is best for my body shape?
All of the options will work no matter what your body shape is. You’ll want to decide if you want a skinny-fit or slim-fit style more than you will want to think about what type of fabric to choose.
Which is better for my wallet?
On the surface, twill pants in general are known to be more cost-effective than jeans, that is if you are comparing the two price tags side-by-side.
However, if you buy a great quality pair of jeans, they can last for years.
You’ll want to be careful and make sure you are not only looking at sticker prices when choosing the pair of pants. Cheaper isn’t always better- make sure to do your research first!
Are twill pants business casual?
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there are a lot of different names for several similar styles of pants. Both twill pants and jeans are good options for keeping in your wardrobe, but knowing when to choose one over the other is key.
Choosing between jeans, chinos, and other twill pants provides a great opportunity to find which style of pants is the better option for you.
The best way to go isn’t always choosing between twill pants vs jeans, but making sure you’re choosing high-quality materials.
Jeans are a type of twill pants, but you will want to consider your budget, your style, the heaviness of the fabric, and the occasion before making your decision.
When in doubt just remember, the more formal the occasion, opt for the twill pants. Need more casual wear? Go for the jeans!
