Considering it literally invented jeans, Levi’s clearly knows a thing or two about pants. Apart from the classic 501 and 511, the denim giant makes plenty of signature non-jean pants as well, including a top of class corduroy. While the company produces a corduroy version of nearly every one of its signature fits, our personal favorite is the 505.

Initially introduced in 1967, the 505 featured the same zip-fly and regular-fit then that it still does today. In the late ‘60s, when jeans were often in the “drainpipe” style popularized by early rock bands, going the entirely opposite direction and presenting a wider cut was unfathomable. Levi’s did it anyways. Cut with extra room in the thigh and an almost imperceptible taper to sit straight on the leg, the iconic shape is the perfect setting for corduroy. Available in a slew of colors—and occasionally patterns—the combination of fit and fabric gave birth to the modern corduroy. Like with many things, Levi’s did it first.

Like everything else the cult label produces, there’s an extensive story behind Visvim’s “Fluxus” pants. The label’s version of a classic five-pocket pant, the Fluxus has appeared periodically over the past few seasons, constantly fluctuating in terms of fabric and construction but always staying relatively true to its five-pocket, straight leg aesthetic. No doubt a reference to original five-pocket Levi’s design (see above), the almost archaic shape is emblematic of the Visvim ethos: a near perfect portrayal of menswear past, reformulated for its present.

While the Fluxus jeans and work pants are most common, over the past few seasons the Japanese stalwart began producing Fluxus corduroys, and they just might be our favorites. In its tried-and-true wide cut regular fit cut long with a generous break at the cuff, the silhouette looks even better in rich earth-tone corduroy. Being that this is Visvim, the wide-wale cord is produced in the most premium, laborious way possible, adding an extra touch of luxury to the ostensibly meager silhouette. For those who like clothes that are quietly extravagant while still wholly earnest, Visvim can’t be beat.

Well regarded for its uniquely Parisian view-point, French label Ami has successfully commoditized Parisian cool since designer Allexandre Mattiussi founded the brand in 2011. With a constantly evolving collection focusing on contemporary menswear rooted in traditional French style codes, the highly-specific label has found a global audience due to its ability to effectively produce menswear that while clearly French still has universal appeal. From classic camel coats to oversized sweaters and its infamous “carrot-fit” trousers, Ami may not be the most boundary-pushing label in menswear, but its laundry list of hits makes it an often-overlooked gem.

Best known for its pants, as of late the brand has offered an increasing number of styles in its more traditional straight fit—as opposed to the slim and carrot-fit mentioned above—including a beautiful wide corduroy. With a thick rib and subtle single pleat, the fabric and silhouette elevate the otherwise traditional straight leg fit. Despite being full in the thigh and leg, the pleat adds a slimming effect, creating a pant as form fitting as it is comfortable. Available in a rotating slew of colors each season, our personal favorite are the blacks and grays, which feel decidedly more wearable compared to their numerous brown and beige brethren.

While Maison Margiela has radically shifted under the stewardship of current artistic director John Galliano, his androgynous, hyper-fashion-forward aesthetic has primarily affected the runway and womenswear. The core menswear offering—at least, until recently with the introduction of the men’s Tabi—however, remains relatively unchanged. In true Margiela fashion, each season basic wardrobe pieces are entirely reimagined from the thread up, creating unique interpretations of items as seemingly mundane as Converse Chuck Taylor’s and Schott leather jackets. Naturally, Maison Margiela produces its own version of the classic cord as well.

As opposed to many on this list, the Maison Margiela version is neither straight leg nor traditionally long. Rather, the avant-garde label offers a high-rise, wide and cropped iteration with a seat well above the natural waist and a hem ending roughly two inches above the heel. By far the most progressive silhouette on this list, the pant shows how truly versatile the cord can be—and how transgressive the label is. While older seasons skew closer to the other cords on this list, we prefer the more recent versions for sheer shock value. Time to make a statement.

Each season, Kapital releases hundreds of items through numerous drops, presenting perhaps the most diverse product offering of any brand in menswear. From down-filled crocheted vests to limited Kountry bandana pieces, the cult-favorite brand has quite literally something for everyone, toeing the line of hype and quality in ways few other brands can. Take for instance its “tribal” print. While many brands ranging from Dries Van Noten to Sacai, regularly experiment with prints one could refer to as “tribal”, Kapital’s worldly, borderless approach to fashion makes each print not only acceptable, but seemingly logical.

After going to such lengths to produce these patterns, Kapital only has one logical next step: turn them into pants. Available nearly every season, the tribal cords are a perfect distillation of what the label is about: mundane wardrobe staples tinkered with in unexpectedly folksy way that no one else would dare. Cut slim-straight and long, the fit is entirely expected, but the pattern is anything but. Sure, you could buy plain brown corduroys. Or, you could make a statement with the most buzzed about brand in menswear.

Simply calling Noah “streetwear for adults”—while correct—is an understatement. While the New York-based brand began as simply an extension of the Supreme universe, in the years since it has matured and developed into an entirely distinct category all its own. Perhaps best described as “skate dad”, the brand, while beloved by all ages, more specifically caters to men who may have grown up skating however today have respectacle careers likely in creative pursuits—much like founder and designer Noah Babenzian himself. Themes of Ivy, prep, track & field and a sense of ‘80s nostalgia all combine to create an aesthetic both vintage and current, with Brooks Brothers-esque double-breasted suiting sitting alongside hoodies and sneakers. Considering the brand direction, of course the label makes a fantastic pair of cords.

Cut slightly wide and featuring a traditional double pleat, the trouser resembles something your grandfather would have worn 30 plus years ago. However, considering the vintage boom and skaters tendency to prefer wider silhouettes influencing streetwear at large, the shape feels unmistakably current. While for many men pleats are a deal breaker, they are in fact far more flattering. Trust us, take the leap.

Over the last few decades, Miuccia Prada has proved she can do no wrong. Not only does she consistently present highly-experimental and boundary-pushing menswear collections, but additionally designs a permanent collection chock-full of fundamental wardrobe pieces, including, of course, corduroy trousers.

While Prada permanent collection pieces tends to skew towards the slim side in line with modern Italian sensibilities, Prada’s cotton-corduroy trousers have always been straight-leg—as they should be. With a hidden closure and subtle pleat, the pants are classic in every sense of the word. Devoid of any frills or ornamentation, the selling point of these is fabric, color and fit. Considering the palette is consistently on point—varying shades of brown and beige hues—and both shape and material are superb, its more than enough.

New York-based Engineered Garments is best known for its uniquely utilitarian approach to classic menswear staples. The only U.S.-based label within the Japanese-based Nepenthes group, the brand is the next chapter in traditional Americana. Unlike other Japanese competitors, who work diligently to recreate classic American sportswear and military gear, Engineered Garments takes these timeless silhouettes and recontextualizes them from a modern New-York point of view. By mismatching fabrics and swapping out construction methods entirely, the brand produces unexpectedly charming clothing, chock full of character that at its heart is still practical—an impressive feat. Perhaps the most obvious example is its cotton-corduroy fatigue pant.

Made from either a thin- or wide wale corduroy (depending on the season), the label transposes a classic American fabric onto a traditionally military shape to create a new pant that is simultaneously in both and neither category. While the fabric adds an air of formality, the oversized, wide fit, military shape entirely alters the silhouette, crossing boundaries and defying traditional rules of dress. The result is a pant that despite its military origin is as suited with a matching blazer–see the label’s beloved Bedford jacket—or simply with a T-shirt for everyday wear. Fitting that one of the city's greatest brands makes its best pair of cords.