Levi Strauss Company introduced Dockers pants in 1986 to huge worldwide clamor. Dockers completed the Levi triumvirate of Levis, Slates, and Dockers. By late 1999, Levis was raking in over $6.0 billion in profit. Dockers earned hitherto unparalleled success in the commercial retail market following a lavish $10 million advertising campaign in the late 1980s.

For a long time, Dockers were advertised by the compelling slogan, 'Nice pants.' Recently, company higher ups changed the slogan to 'Dress to live' to attract women to the brand. (Although men comprise 80 percent of Dockers buyers, women buyers make up the lion's share of the consumer pool.) All ads for the sub-brand are shot in and around the San Francisco area, the perfect setting for the casual style of Dockers.

It is estimated that 70 percent of US men own at least one pair of Dockers pants. During their peak, Dockers exemplified the khaki trend. Today, khakis are considered staples, and buyers are less willing to pay up-market prices for the pants. Many consumers have turned to online auctions to augment their personal khaki collections and save on wardrobe upgrade costs.

When shopping for Dockers pants, keep a few features in mind. First of all, consider color. These pants have gone far beyond the traditional khaki, and buyers can choose slacks in shades of blue, gray, black, taupe, and army green. Beyond color, decide if you want your slacks to be pleated or flat-front, and whether you want pants with cuffs or no cuffs. With the classic style of Dockers, buyers don't have to worry about their khakis being dated. Dockers are modern classics, ideal for just about any situation.