Why Public Rec’s Pants Are Changing Menswear

Let’s be honest, truly original ideas in menswear are rare. Most brands just remix the classics. But every now and then, someone shakes things up. Enter Public Rec, a Chicago-born label that’s daring to rethink how we dress.

Founded by Zach Goldstein, a former investment banker who was fed up with stuffy suits, Public Rec launched in 2015 via Kickstarter with a new style proposition: the All Day Every Day Pant. Fast forward to 2025, and they’re a menswear force, crafting gear that feels like your comfiest loungewear but looks sharp enough for the office, a bar, or even the golf course.

Their secret? The Gamechanger and Dealmaker collections, two ranges that scream “comfort, but make it stylish”. What’s more, we don’t think we’ve ever come across a pants collection that caters to so many different body sizes, so if you’re not the ‘standard’ shape, you’ll love what Public Rec has to offer.

Gamechanger Collection: Your Do-It-All Pants

Imagine trousers that feel like sweatpants but look like your best chinos. That’s the Gamechanger Collection, Public Rec’s love letter to guys who want one pair of pants to rule them all.

First up is the Gamechanger 5-Pocket Pant, born from the iconic All Day Every Day Pant. These pants are crafted using an 85% nylon, 15% spandex blend – think buttery-soft, stretchy sweats fabric, but tough enough to handle your busiest days. Designed with the autumn and winter months in mind, they hold their shape and move with you, whether you’re sprinting for a train or cruising town on the weekend.

Styled like classic five-pocket chinos, they’ve got a relaxed fit through the bum and thighs, tapering to the ankle for a modern, flattering fit. With 10 colours, sizes from 28 to 44, and multiple inseam options, there’s a pair for every shape of guy. Plus, clever touches like a bonded waistband and back pockets keep things practical without veering into workwear territory. From pub crawls to casual Fridays, these pants are your new best friend.

For a more casual aesthetic, the Gamechanger Rec Pant is unparalleled in its ability to balance comfort with style. The design team have nailed the functionality here, with what is essentially a super comfortable sweatpant disguised as a casual trouser thanks to small details such as faux fly and a subtle taper.

Whereas classic sweatpants confine you to lounging at home, the Rec pant gives you full licence to roam, secure in the knowledge that you don’t look like you’ve just got out of bed.

Dealmaker Collection: Sharp, Not Stuffy

If you’re looking for something a bit more polished and ripe for the spring and summer months, then the Dealmaker Collection has you covered. These 5-pocket pants are made from Public Rec’s Work Hard Play Hard™ fabric – a 100% polyester blend that’s lightweight, wind- and water-resistant, and built for all-season use.

Whether you’re nailing a presentation or sinking a putt, the subtle stretch keeps you moving freely, but it’s the subtly tapered shape that gives the Dealmaker 5-Pocket pant a more business-like edge. With a slim-but-not-skinny fit, Dealmakers pair as easily with a blazer as they do a polo shirt.

Available in 13 waist sizes, five inseams, and 14 colours, you’re spoiled for choice. Details such as a hidden zip pocket, belt loops, and a zip fly add function without sacrificing that smart look. They’re a breeze to style, too, whether you’re a fan of business casual or lean into a more sporty version of a preppy aesthetic.

Speaking of which, another style you’ll want to check out in the Dealmaker collection is the Chino+, which boasts a clean contemporary silhouette that has also been crafted from the brand’s weather-proof Work Hard Play Hard™ fabric.

The tailored finish and tapered leg make them a great choice for everything from relaxed office fits to the golf course. And unlike traditional cotton twill chinos which can feel heavy, stiff, and limiting, the Dealmaker Chino+ has the perfect amount of stretch to make them ideal for busy and active schedules.

A New Menswear Standard

Public Rec’s Gamechanger and Dealmaker collections are proof you don’t have to sacrifice comfort for style. Gamechangers are your go-to for casual cool – think sweatpant vibes with a tailored edge. Dealmakers step it up, blending boardroom-ready tailoring with golf-course practicality.

Between them both, they tick every box for the busy modern man who wants to be assured of a great, stylish, and hard-wearing pant without overthinking it. As menswear evolves, Public Rec is proof that looking good and feeling great aren’t mutually exclusive.

With inclusive sizing, timeless designs, and proprietary fabrics that just work, Public Rec’s rewriting the rulebook. Dive in at publicrec.com and see what the fuss is about.

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In partnership with Public Rec – words and opinions are Ape’s own.