The 13 Best Chinos for Men, According to Style Experts

Our testers all agreed that these are arguably the best chinos in the market right now. Once we slipped our legs into these pants, we found the overall fit and comfort of the fabric to be ten out of ten. That’s not only because Bonobos offers five different fits to cater to your body type, but also because the brand infuses the cotton fabric with quite a tad of four-way stretch, making them extra versatile for days when you want to wear chino pants out to travel, commute, run errands, etc.

In our testing, we also found that the waistband felt comfortable because it curved to the shape of our hip. The fabric, after we wore them for hours on end, turned out to be moisture-wicking as well, and all in all low-maintenance because it is wrinkle-resistant. And we love that Bonobos added a zip pocket to help us safely store our small stuff.

What Do Experts Say? “What I love about Bonobos is how they cater to any body shape. Their original stretch chino is not only a well-constructed item but is at a budget price point as well. When shopping this piece keep in mind what fit will work best for your body shape. Larger thighs? Athletic fit is the option for you. Carry a little more weight around your midsection? Stick with the straight fit,” says personal wardrobe stylist Grace Thomas.

A chino that moves like a jogger but looks like a pair of grown-up pants is no wonder Everlane’s hero item. And this was in fact handpicked to be tested by our Fashion Director Ted Stafford and then fitted on Bullet Train action star Andrew Koji. Why? It will move you from the tarmac to the resort without losing a second of relaxation, courtesy of the spandex four-way stretch that we found was so movement-friendly that we were able to squat and even jog a bit in them with ease. Coupled with a business-casual veneer, Everlane’s chinos won our testing team over with a versatility that’s perfect for traveling, working in the office, or going about your every day.

Our favorite part of these chinos is their sweat-wicking and quick-drying capabilities. We even wore them on hot summer days to stroll under the sun, and the fabric was able to keep our legs feeling cool and dry.

What Do Experts Say? “Everlane’s chino is comfortable to wear for all-day work, parties, or formal events. Plus, it is made from four-way stretchable fabric that prevents it from wear and tear. It is also considered to be a technical pant option because of its sweat-wicking and quick-drying features,” says Susan Gagnon, designer at Costumes Heaven.

Pros

• Hollywood waistband
• Two single welt back pockets
• Garment washed with enzymes and softener

John Pearson, the world’s first male supermodel, recommends stocking up on your chino rotation with Buck Mason’s officer pants. “They are the kind of items that I buy three or so as to save time and energy to concern myself with shopping. I’ll get a decade of use out of each and their character will deepen with age and use,” says Pearson. Owing to the vintage canvas stretch fabric, 5-pocket design, and flattering fit, these are a prime choice for a classic chino style. “The fabric is top rate, the cut is spot on and I also have to purchase extra pairs because our two 20-something sons keep ‘borrowing’ them,” adds Pearson.

In our experience of wearing slim-fit chinos, we found these to be the perfect ones. We love its mid-rise waist and how it’s tapered below the knee. The 100% cotton fabric stays true to the classic chino design but also feels very comfortable as soon as we put them on, thanks to the extra brushing. All in all, we found Buck Mason’s officer pants durable and long-lasting, and have that classic chino vibe you will love.

What Do Buyers Say? “They are safe dependable bets with a subtle contemporary twist that assures you and makes you feel good—a uniform of sorts that takes the thinking out of what to wear,” says men’s fashion model John Barnes Pearson.

Pros

• Feels smooth, falls softly away from body
• Shape retention
• Quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant
• Inclusive sizing

Also Available in: Slim Fit and Relaxed Fit

Having thoroughly tested Lululemon’s ABC pants, we found them to be the comfiest pants to stay classy in our everyday life. With sweat-wicking fabric, amplified four-way stretch, wrinkle resistance, quick drying, and a comfortable ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) design, the athleisure brand has managed to infuse its activewear innovation into a classic pant style geared toward everyday life.

In fact, I was able to wear these pants multiple days in a row after owning them since 2020, and their performance has never let me down once. My favorite part about these pants is the anti-ball-crushing tech which I tested out to be a gusset at the crotch and thigh areas that helps relieve tension while walking. Overall, I love that they look like chinos but move like joggers, using smooth, lightweight materials with amplified stretch and quick-drying to keep up with my everyday commutes and traveling. Available in classic, slim, and relaxed fits, Lululemon’s ABC pants are what guys have always hoped to find in their everyday slacks, giving you unrestrictive movement and all-day comfort without compromising on an elevated style.

What Do Buyers Say? “These are very comfortable and look sharp. I have been wearing the ABC pants for years at work and they still fit great and look great. Worth the cost in the long run,” says one lululemon.com customer.

Read More: Lululemin ABC Pants Review

Uniqlo’s slim-fit chinos are made with a close attention to detail. For starters, they have an ideal amount of stretch and are enhanced with a cotton-spandex blend that provides all-day-long softness without sacrificing a sharp style. In terms of color, there’s plenty of classics that are easy to pair with your daily wear. But if you want to opt for something a little more outside the box, we suggest going with this wine hue for an elevated flare. It’s hard to go wrong with Uniqlo’s chinos because they are suitable for any occasion. From work to meetings, to date night, to casual outings, and everything in between.

Having worn Uniqlo’s chinos to travel, we were impressed by how lightweight and smooth the fabric is. While it’s not a traditional chino material, I like its nylon blend that is flexible enough for a squat and sweat-wicking. I also found that while the fit is slim, it is not restricting at all, and all in all looks great enough for everyday wear as well as the office.

What Do Buyers Say? “Probably the most comfortable pair of pants I own. Whether it be button-up, t-shirt, hoodie or sweater, I feel these can go with any of those items if you want to keep it casual or dress it up a bit,” says one uniqlo.com customer.

Alex Mill put a military-style spin on their Field Chino. But these are nothing like the beaten pants your dad used to wear. It’s airier fit and medium weight fabric in the thigh makes the pant perfect for the fall, spring, and summer seasons. And for an even cooler look, we suggest cuffing once or twice.

These classic stretch chinos under $100 from J.Crew have the comfort for mobility while providing a flattering fit. Their fabric is ideal for year-round wear—not too stiff or too thin, and we love that its stretch on demand allows our legs to flex and move without restraint. Better yet, J.Crew offers four different fits for the style, including one called Athletic Tapered that we found is perfect for men with beefy, muscular thighs—it looks elevated from below the knees but the thigh-to-hip area is roomy and comfortable to wear all day long.

Another of our favorite parts is that J.Crew’s chino is not too baggy or skin-tight. All in all, we found them perfect for wearing to work, hanging out with friends, or pretty much any occasion a chino might be good for. At this price, it’s the perfect buy if you wish to strike a balance between style and comfort by wearing slacks.

What Do Buyers Say? “These pants are soft, comfortable, fitting, allowing movement and I would recommend these for anyone,” says one jcrew.com customer.

Pros

• Wider leg for mobility and comfort
• Fabric from Kuroki Mill in Japan
• Melamine Buttons

Made with Japanese selvedge, Todd Snyder’s chinos are one of the most durable, innovative (not to mention: stylish) pants your closet is missing. They have the feel of a rugged, retro military khaki and vintage details through and through. Elisa Bender, an e-commerce specialist, recommends these through her retail experience. “What we love about it is that it is 100% cotton and has a great stretch too. The fabric is from Kuroki Mill in Japan, and the quality says all about its worth. This makes it worth the money because this chino style is not found elsewhere.” The result is a chino that gives you sophistication while still letting you be comfortable. “You can wear it on formal occasions and on a casual night out with friends,” adds Bender. We also love that these chinos have the perfect slouchy fit and feel soft like vintage trousers.

What Do Buyers Say? “The quality of the Japanese twill selvedge fabric is unsurpassed. Substantial, yet luxuriously casual. Pair them with anything. Dressed up or dressed down, they look great,” says one toddsnyder.com customer.

Pros

• Two-way stretch cotton twill fabric
• Zip pocket
• Sueded for softness

Pro cyclist Justin Williams regards Vuori’s Collins chino pants as “a versatile wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down, making it a must-have for any trip I go on.” Unlike traditional chinos whose surface feels rough, these actually feel soft like suede. Their two-way stretch and not-too-slim fit will become an indispensable part of your pants rotation for sure. “It’s no wonder that the Chino Pant is the first thing in my travel bag—they’re simply perfect for any situation,” Williams affirms.

While we were initially concerned that the inseam only comes in 31”, once we put them on, we were immediately pleased by how the length is just enough for a cuffed-pants look but can also look great uncuffed. We love how the balance of stretch and normal chino materials makes them versatile for business casual dress codes on the weekdays as well as dressing down on the weekends. “With a modern cut, you can look sharp and put-together whether you’re taking a business meeting or just hanging out with family and friends,” adds Williams.

What Do Buyers Say? “I bought them for my partner and he just loves how comfy they are. He was worried about the sizing but was super impressed when he wore them. Highly recommend, worth your coins,” says one vuori.com customer.

Dickies is well-known for its durable utility work pant that have been trusted in the market for many years. One thing we can always rely on is their wrinkle- and stain-resistant fabric. Another is reinforced seams that won’t unravel. In other words, no matter how rigorous things get while on the clock, this pant can outlast pretty much everything else in your wardrobe.

We can imagine how one might think they’re only useful as a workwear staple, but make no mistake—they fit the bill for regular weekend outings. Believe it or not, they’ve also managed to stay crisp for almost a year—far better than other chinos made with only cotton. The signature, wide-tunnel belt loops is one our favorite features about this pant. And, of course, the affordable price tag.

What Do Buyers Say? “Always loved the durability of these dickies work pants. I actually enjoy the stiffness when they are brand new. Makes me feel like they can survive a hard days work,” said one amazon.com customer.

Between a classic flat-front design, an affordable price point, and a vintage fit relaxed through the thigh with a straight leg, Abercrombie’s chinos are not too fitted or too loose, effortlessly bringing back the ’90s groove and amping up the comfort with stretch. Hence, these pants are your go-to whenever you’re dressing down. Stylist Melina Kemph even considers these straight-fit chinos as wardrobe essentials given how versatile they are. “They have a relaxed fit through the thigh and the straight cut makes them compatible with sneakers, loafers, desert boots, and even a pair of huarache sandals plus short sleeve linen button down for vacation!”

What really impressed us about Abercrombie’s chinos is how comfortable they were right from the first wear. We love that the fabric actually uses lyocell to amplify breathability while smoothness, and we did find these chino pants were able to wick away light sweat. Our testers with big thighs also found their relaxed thigh area did not feel restricting at all.

What Do Buyers Say? “Super comfortable! They’re lightweight and it’s nice to have a pair of pants that you can wear even when the weather is on the hotter side,” says one abercrombie.com customer.

These chinos are so movement-friendly yet rugged at the same time that you’d second-guess whether they’re actually chinos after all. No wonder men’s fashion influencer Parker York Smith calls these the “sustainable, insanely comfortable, alternative to regular pants.” They’re made from a preshrunk 8-oz cotton fabric blend enhanced with spandex for mobility, meaning these chino pants will feel as soft as they are stretchy. While they do require some time to break in, once you start feeling comfortable in them, you’ll notice how durable and flexible they are.

Let’s also not forget how versatile they are. “The look works at the office. The fit works at the bar. The comfort works for a day of golf,” says Smith. Overall, our testers love that Flint and Tinder’s 365 pants are cut like a jean, have the professional look of chinos, yet stretches like performance slacks, making them able to hold their own and great to wear whether you work in an office or in your living room.

What Do Buyers Say? “Not overly stretchy and techy like some blends. Wears like khakis but cut like jeans. First impression is good and they don’t shrink much (if at all) in the wash,” says one huckberry.com customer.

Pros

• Made with Flex-Knit fabric for all-day comfort
• Wrinkle resistant
• Gusset for comfort and mobility
• Includes security zipper pocket

Rhone hits the nail on the head with these wrinkle-resistant commuter bottoms that are made from the brand’s premium Flex-Knit fabric. While the fabric is polyester, our testers found that the materials here are reworked to be super stretchy and breathable. Specifically, the fabric has the 4-way stretch and recovery of a Stretch Armstrong action figure, and there’s a gusset inserted into the seam to keep your below-the-belt boys breathing easy—all delivered in a classic chino silhouette that you’ll keep in your outfit rotation for years to come.

Designed for office professionals, the pants also boast a media pouch for your phone and a security zipper pocket for your cardholder. In our testing, one wearer also can’t get enough of how sleek it looks with polo and dress shirts or how comfortable it fits even on the go. The only qualm is that the waistband isn’t as stretchy and flexible as we’d like it to be.

What Do Buyers Say? “I knew as soon as I tried them on I will never wear regular dress pants again. Idk what they’re made of but they look sharp, can go in the washing machine, are soft and breathable, and show that I work out,” says one rhone.com customer.

“Comfort, mobility, and durability with a nice tailored fit are key elements to be on the lookout for when finding the perfect pair of chinos,” summarizes Joe Kudla, founder of the athleisure brand Vuori. “Having one pair that hits all these buckets while keeping you looking polished and stylish at the same time makes getting dressed and tackling the day easier—no matter what adventure awaits.”

Material: “Chinos are typically made with a lightweight cotton blend to create a comfortable, more lightweight wear for men,” says Simone Segall, the Senior Design Director at Nordstrom who affirms that the days of 100% cotton chinos are far behind us. “We are seeing more chinos being made with a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex to create a flexible material that maintains its shape and does not compromise comfort,” Segall explains. She also recommends cotton twill for year-round versatility in chinos, while leaning toward a more lightweight twill for your spring and summer wardrobe.

Fit: Mathilde Mader, the Chief Creative Officer of Everlane believes that a good pair of chinos should fit snugly around the waist and be wearable without a belt. “I’d recommend choosing a style that gives you an inch or so of extra fabric in the thighs but doesn’t pull at the knees,” he adds. CEO of Tapered Menswear Scott Liebenberg also offers some insight on the right fit for a pair of chinos, which is “finely fitted at the waist, down the quads with a tapered ankle, and engineered to mold to the shape of your leg over time.”

Comfort: Ben Stubbington, the SVP of Men’s Design at Lululemon believes that the comfort of chino pants is a prime factor of consideration. “After you find the style and fit you are looking for, think about wrinkle resistance, breathability, 4-way stretch, and shape retention—to make sure you feel as good as you look,” explains Stubbington. As such, the most comfortable chinos are often the most versatile. “Your pants should be able to take you across workdays, weekends, and everywhere in between.”

Pleating: Chinos don’t require pleats, and those that do have pleats often look more dressy and elevated. As such, Mader believes it’s totally up to your personal style and needs for chinos. “I tend to lean towards a flat style because it can be more versatile with my wardrobe, but the pleated style is great to be worn in a more formal setting or paired with a matching blazer for a sophisticated look,” he says. Stylist Fred Kim also highlights the dress-up benefit of pleated chinos. “I personally love a pleated chino because it adds a subtle detail to the pants. I enjoy the clean lines it adds to the overall silhouette,” says Kim.

This is perhaps the most important question to be asked for all pant styles because, without the right fit or cut, you can barely wear them comfortably. For the chino style that emphasizes so much on comfort, getting down the appropriate fit or cut is thus paramount. “Style and cut are truly a personal preference when shopping for chino and dependent on the type of pants that flatters a man’s body type and what style they are looking to achieve,” says Segall. She further explains the two most popular cuts for chinos: straight leg, and slim fit. “Straight-leg chinos offer a more clean-cut and classic look, whereas slim-fit chinos are tighter and offer a more defined silhouette.”

When it comes to styling chinos for men, it’s essential to strike the perfect balance between looking casual and looking polished. For starters, the safest way to style chinos is to opt for versatile colors like classic khaki, navy, or olive. Then, ensure your chinos have the right fit—a tailored fit, preferably, that accentuates your silhouette and is not too loose or tight. Then, for a smart-casual vibe, pair your chinos with crisp button-down shirts or polo shirts for your office days. For something a bit more laidback, dress down your chinos with a well-fitted t-shirt or sweater for your casual outings.

For layering, chinos will match well with blazers and shackets for colder seasons. As for footwear, canvas sneakers and loafers in general will give your chinos a more casual feel, while leather sneakers and dress shoes are perfect for dressing up in chinos to cop a more professional look. We also encourage wearing chinos with a leather belt.

Can Men With Big Thighs Wear Chinos?
If you’re a fit guy looking for chinos that’ll match your athletic build, Liebenberg has some words of wisdom to share. “Guys with larger legs typically find that off-the-rack chinos are loose around the waist. That’s a common problem with bodybuilders who have to size up to get normal chinos to fit their quads, but because they have a slighter waist it’s often loose.” As such, he recommends having more room in the quads and glutes while tapering up the waist for an athletic fit.

What Are Chinos vs. Khakis?
In short, chinos are a style of trousers, whereas khaki mainly refers to a light brown or tan color. Specifically, chinos are pants typically made of cotton twill fabric which is durable, light, and breathable, and come in a variety of colors beyond the traditional khaki. Khakis often mean pants made in khaki colors and the term is now often used to describe casual cotton trousers often in a beige or tan color.

While khakis share similarities with chinos, the term is sometimes used more narrowly to refer specifically to beige or tan-colored casual pants, whereas chinos specifically refer to a pants style made in certain fabric and design.

So all khakis can be chinos, but not all chinos are necessarily khakis since chinos can come in every color imaginable.

What Are Modern Chinos?
Unlike traditional chinos, modern chinos are no longer made in 100% cotton twill fabric. Modern chinos now are often made with cotton and a tad of stretch (spandex or elastane) for even more flexibility and comfort on the go, and it’s also common to chinos nowadays made in a blend of activewear or performance fabrics like polyester and nylon. These materials also allow modern chinos to feel more practical and incorporate technical features such as moisture-wicking, breathability, or quick-drying properties.

Additionally, modern chinos often come in slimmer or tapered fits, and look more streamlined and polished instead of looking, well, like your dad’s old slacks. And while traditional khaki remains a classic, modern chinos are available in a broader range of colors.

Do Men Still Wear Chinos?
You bet your ass we do! Chinos remain a wardrobe staple in men’s fashion because they’re so versatile, comfortable, and stylish for different occasions. They can be dressed up or down for a casual day out, a semi-formal event, or even an office day in the workplace. Since chinos are often made of soft, breathable, and light fabric, they can transition from warm summers to cooler days. Men’s chinos are also popular because they are super easy to style—whether it’s for your workplace attire or your weekend wear, they will find a way to be part of your fit. Lastly, chino pants just have that classic, clean, enduring appeal, making them the go-to pants style for many men.

To find the best chino pants for men, our editors and writers have personally tried on 50 options since 2020 and tested each of them for at least two weeks and at least six hours each wear, such as traveling abroad in Ben Sherman’s 24/7 Motion Chino, attending a formal event or an office work day in Lululemon’s ABC pants, or sporting J.Crew’s stretch chino pants as part of our casual weekend fits.

To get a feel for how these chinos really felt and how they held up, we vetted our tested chino pants for men by taking notes of their style, fit, comfort, price point, versatility, and performance such as stretch, moisture-wicking, and breathability. We examined whether they fitted well and true to size, whether their fabric could withstand hours of movement in different temperatures, and whether they could be worn for more than one occasion.

In addition, our tested selection focuses not on trendy or trend-chasing chinos pants; instead, our picks of the best chinos for men all fit great even on athletic guys, provide great value and performance at reasonable price points, and come in styles that will look great years from now.

Read more: Learn How Men’s Health Tests Products

At Men’s Health, our testing editors and writers always make sure to actually test and use the products ourselves before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience, and you can read more about our testing process here.

In addition, we have a whole fashion closet in our NYC office dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best and newest menswear products. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear their opinions and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. As style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it.

Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, designers, etc.—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.