Safari Pant vs RS-222xs: Choosing Relaxed 3sixteen Trousers

Quick answer

Choose the RS-222xs if you want a wide, relaxed straight denim with a higher rise and a soft, broken-in stonewashed hand. Choose the Safari Pant if you prefer a lightweight Italian cotton poplin trouser with double pleats, side buckles, and a straight fit that breathes in warm weather. Both are relaxed, but the RS-222xs leans casual denim while the Safari Pant reads more polished.

How the fits actually differ

The RS-222xs is built on 3sixteen's Relaxed Straight cut, which the brand describes as its widest denim fit: more room in the thigh, a higher rise, and a wider leg opening than its other offerings. That combination gives you a generous, comfortable silhouette that works with a break or a clean cuff. The Safari Pant takes a different route to relaxation. It has a double pleated front and a straight fit, so the volume comes from the pleats rather than an oversized leg. In practice, the RS-222xs feels roomier through the seat and thigh, while the Safari Pant feels cleaner through the leg with extra ease at the waist and hips.

Fabric and season: denim weight vs poplin lightness

The RS-222xs is denim, and the stonewash process gives it a soft, broken-in hand that 3sixteen notes is perfect for year-round wear. That makes it a true four-season trouser if you run warm or layer over it in winter. The Safari Pant is sewn in a lightweight cotton poplin from Italy, which the brand specifically calls out as perfect for warmer weather. If you need one pair for a hot-weather trip or a summer office rotation, the poplin will feel noticeably lighter and breezier than denim. If you want a single pair that handles fall and spring without overheating, the stonewashed denim is the more versatile choice.

Details that change how you wear them

The Safari Pant carries traditional trouser detailing: two side buckles and a hook and waistband closure. Those side tabs let you fine-tune the waist without a belt, which cleans up the silhouette when you tuck in a shirt. The RS-222xs has no such hardware; it relies on a standard denim waist and a higher rise to stay put. That difference matters for styling. The Safari Pant pairs naturally with a tucked button-down like the Admin BD Shirt, whose wide chest and looser sleeves echo the pant's relaxed proportions. The RS-222xs works with a tucked or untucked tee, and its wider leg opening gives you room to cuff over boots or sneakers.

What the catalog doesn't tell you

Neither product record lists inseam length, exact rise measurement, or leg opening in inches, so you cannot compare those numbers directly here. The Safari Pant listing also does not specify a size chart beyond the model reference (6'3" / 175 lbs wearing a Medium). The RS-222xs notes that the denim is sanforized and the stonewash treatment ensures a certain fit behavior, but the full sentence is cut off in the catalog. Treat these as decision limitations: if precise measurements matter, check the individual product pages or contact the store before ordering. What the catalog does confirm is the construction and fabric story, which is enough to separate the two on use case.

Trade-offs to weigh

• Room vs refinement: The RS-222xs gives you the widest denim fit in the lineup, which maximizes comfort but reads more casual. The Safari Pant's pleats add ease without a wide leg, so it looks sharper with a tucked shirt. Pick the RS-222xs for casual days; pick the Safari Pant when you want relaxed but put-together.
• Year-round denim vs warm-weather poplin: Stonewashed denim is described as perfect for year-round wear. Italian cotton poplin is described as perfect for warmer weather. Neither is wrong, but they solve different seasons. One pair for all seasons: RS-222xs. One pair for heat: Safari Pant.
• Hardware and waist adjustment: The Safari Pant has side buckles and a hook closure, so you can adjust the waist without a belt. The RS-222xs relies on a standard denim waist and higher rise. If you prefer a belt-free, tailored look, the Safari Pant has the edge.

Key facts at a glance

• RS-222xs ~ Relaxed Straight - Stonewashed Double Black: Relaxed Straight cut with more room in the thigh, a higher rise, and a wider leg opening than 3sixteen's other denim fits; stonewash gives a soft, broken-in hand for year-round wear. Best if you want maximum room through the leg and a denim that feels broken in from day one.
• Safari Pant ~ Brown Poplin: Double pleated front with a relaxed cut, straight fit, two side buckles, and a hook and waistband closure; made from lightweight Italian cotton poplin. Best if you want a lighter, more polished trouser with adjustable waist tabs for warm weather.

Which one should you choose?

Best for

• Anyone who wants the widest, most relaxed denim fit with a higher rise and a soft stonewashed feel
• A single pair of trousers for year-round wear with boots or sneakers
• Casual outfits where a wider leg opening and cuffing are part of the look

Not for

• Hot-weather travel where lightweight poplin will feel cooler than denim
• A polished, tucked-in look that benefits from side waist adjusters instead of a belt
• Anyone who prefers a cleaner straight leg without the volume of a wide denim cut