CHINO PANTS are all about keeping the sartorial balance. They first set out their wardrobe icon status as military trousers worn by American soldiers in the 19th-century Spanish-American war, their metamorphosis into a part of everyday wear seemed inevitable as soon as the boys returned home and introduced chino pants to civilians. Since then, the style became where casual jeans and formal dress trousers meet halfway, a middle ground where comfort and finesse can unite. As such, chino pants for men are easy on the eyes and on the skin, with a cleaner profile than their forebear—the khaki pants, which don the original color—that can jibe with a variety of outfits, making them one of the most versatile wardrobe essentials a man can own.
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Today, the best chinos for men beg you to shake off the image of dad’s unflattering, boxy khakis sitting too high on the waist and accessorized with a phone holster to boot. The best chino pants nowadays look best in a slim or tapered fit—even the classic straight fit has become somewhat body-hugging—across the whole color spectrum. But the chinos a man will actually want to wear should also come with some substance, which is why many modern chinos now are decked out with pockets, made with stretch and performance fabric that moves with the legs instead of restricting the movement.
Here, we’ve tested and consulted with menswear experts like designers, style influencers, and stylists to unearth the 20 best chinos for men you can possibly buy. Dress them up for work, or dress them down for a guys’ weekend, because the best chinos really let you move freely throughout the day with a sharp style.
“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 also at a budget price point as well,” says Grace Thomas, a personal wardrobe stylist. Available in 21 colorways, 4 different fits, and even the ability to customize the pocket liner, Bonobos made the one pair of chinos that every guy will want to score with 2% lycra for stretch—all under $100! Better yet, every fit feels comfortable all day and dons moisture-wicking fabric. “When shopping for 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,” recommends Thomas. Plus, Bonobos even has tech chinos in extended sizes for bigger guys. However, a caveat is that many sizes can sell out in classic colors.
Vuori makes some of the most versatile joggers around, but their chinos are just as impressive in terms of versatility. In fact, pro cyclist and founder of cycling team L39ION of Los Angeles, Justin Williams, regards the brand’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 other chinos whose surface feels rough, these actually feel like suede and suave like a gentleman. “Not only do they offer impressive style, but they also prioritize comfort, making them ideal for any occasion,” adds Williams. “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.” Really, their two-way stretch cotton and not-too-slim fit will become an indispensable part of your daily 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.
These classic stretch chinos under $100 from J.Crew have the comfort you need to move with ease while still providing a flattering fit. They’re cut from a 7.9 oz twill fabric that’s ideal for year-round wear so it’s not too stiff or too thin. Kristi Smith, a fashion wear expert at product review site Honest Brand Reviews, recommends these J.Crew chinos as “the perfect buy if you wish to strike a balance between style and comfort.” The best part about J.Crew’s chinos is they offer them in several different silhouettes—each is flattering as the other—so you can see which chino would suit your wardrobe. For instance, if you have bigger thighs, you can bump up to the athletic fit, and they won’t look too baggy or skin-tight in that well-stitched form, says Smith. “The idea is to wear them to work or when hanging out with friends. J.Crew has kept that in mind and offered their customers the versatile fit chino, which works for all occasions!”
A chino that moves like a jogger but looks like a pair of grown-up pants is no wonder Everlane’s hero item—and your hero item in the most literal sense. It packs sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and four-way stretchiness in a business-casual veneer—underdressed or overdressed be damned. Susan Gagnon, a fashion blogger and costume designer, says these are “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.” That is all to say even after you’ve given up on slim-fit pants for good during WFH, you’ll come to appreciate this chino’s ability to make you look good and feel good. “It is also considered to be a technical pant option because of its sweat-wicking and quick-drying features,” Gagnon emphasizes. “You can find these chinos in Everlane’s Uniform Collection at a reasonable price of $98,” she further adds. That just-right price point is also what makes these chinos by Everlane so stellar.
Warning: these are nothing like the beaten Levi’s your dad used to wear. “Levi’s brand is well-known for its beautiful products that have been trusted in the market for many years,” says lifestyle and style blogger, Michael Morris. And the go-to pants brand made some major upgrades to their quality chino pants by adding enough elastane stretch to let you move comfortably in them, and waffle-knit thermal material to help you stay warm on colder days. Regarding the perfect regular fit, Morris says: “These chino pants are low waist and have a straight leg cut, allowing you to move flexibly.” So yes, these pants are cut to give added comfort to even guys with bigger thighs while maintaining a clean tapered look. All in all, you can travel in these Levi’s chinos for a full day and still look sharp for an afternoon business meeting. At this price, it’s a steal.
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 (as I hope mine will!),” says Pearson. That ruggedness is owing to the pants’ great vintage canvas stretch fabric, 5-pocket design like denim jeans, and a flattering slim fit that makes them a prime choice for guys of all ages. “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,” explains Pearson. ” The cotton twill material also lends some texture and hefty oomph. “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.
Despite being one of the oldest menswear brands, Brooks Brothers’ Advantage Chino® pants have the most modern, wearer-friendly design we’ve ever tested, from a flexible waistband to the right amount of spandex for stretch to a cotton twill softness that lasts to a wrinkle-resistant fabric to five different fits for every body type to a variety of inseam and waist sizes, catering to just about every guy. Marcos Martinez, a New York City lifestyle blogger, verifies how these pants by Brooks Brothers meet all the demands in chinos. “The chinos should have a flexible waistband to give comfort and breathing room around the waist. The material should be mostly cotton twill and part spandex for flexibility,” says Martinez. And with enough fits and sizes to cover anything from extra slim to extra large, whatever your body type is, rest assured that Brooks Brothers’ chinos have you covered.
The ’90s isn’t just the decade of jeans—it’s a decade of chinos too. Between a classic flat-front design and a vintage fit that’s relaxed through the thigh with a straight leg, Abercrombie’s chinos are not too fitted or too loose, and they effortlessly bring back the groove of the ’90s and amp up the comfort with some stretch—because a chino that restricts movement is not a good chino at all—to make these pants your possible go-tos for whenever you’re dressing down and going out. Stylist Melina Kemph even considers these straight-fit chinos as wardrobe essentials for men given how wildly 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!” Plus, Abercrombie’s chinos still look sharp despite a relaxed fit. What’s not to like here?
Ben Sherman’s chinos are a favorite among stylists, and it’s easy to see why: they’re made with the ideal bit of stretch, tapered to look sharp, and made with a performance-minded cotton-nylon blend that provides all-day-long softness. “What I love about Ben Sherman’s Chino are their fit, cut, stretch, and a wide variety of colors,” says celebrity stylist Lisa Marie Cameron who recommends going for the brand’s unique color to give you an elevated flare, or opting for classic to make it easy to pair with your daily wear. Cameron also highlights how these chinos are ready for it all; “You can’t go wrong choosing Ben Sherman’s chinos because they are suitable for any occasion. From work to meetings, to date night, to weddings, and everything in between,” she says. “All it takes is your favorite color, adding your own touch of style and you’re ready to tackle the day with whatever you have planned.” With that flexible waistband and classic slim leg cut, you really can.
There’s no “one size fits all” in chinos, and that is where Express comes in to save the day. “Express is a great budget pick that has different fits for all body types, whether you are looking for something slim and fitting for work or straight and pleated for a weekend casual look,” says men’s style influencer Leo Chan. Indeed, for chinos alone, Express offers anything from super skinny to relaxed. Our favorite pick is the athletic slim which is a godsend for fit guys: it’s roomy around the thighs but tapered through the legs to let you still look and stay sharp. Better yet, each chino is made from moisture-wicking, thermal-regulating fabric that comes with stretch for all-day-long and on-the-go comfort. “Express also has lots of great colors for the season—you can venture out for a nice pop of color for the spring style,” adds Chan. Thus, with the right fit, the right color, and the right performance, Express’ chinos let you hit a home run for an everyday style flex.
Yes, pleated chinos are a thing. You can think of them as a step down from dress trousers but a step above your flat-front chino. And Joseph Counts, a fashion designer & founder of HiStylePicks recommends the Whitman pleated cotton-twill chinos by Ralph Lauren for anyone looking for a pair of business-casual chinos. “The fine tailoring of these pants makes them worth the price tag. And the front pleats on these trousers make them look more formal and tailored,” he says. The result is a pair of pants that’s got just the right amount of formality to elevate your outfit for, say, your next weekend family get-together. Counts also adds: “These trousers are incredibly versatile, as they can be worn for business meetings or even casual gatherings. By pairing it with a collared shirt, you can have a complete look!” In addition, the Whitma also feels just as good, if not better, as your favorite flat-front chinos too. “The reason why these pants are an ideal pick is that the fabric is pure cotton, making them not only stylish but also comfortable,” explains Counts.
From afar you might mistake the Jamison chinos for a pair of business casual dress pants. Well, you’re not wrong. These pants are the most refined with tapered legs that hang nicely over dress shoes, but still boast a slim fit to accentuate your lower half. Fashion designer Usman Khan considers these as a pair of stylish, versatile chinos that can be dressed up or down. “Made from a cotton-blend fabric, these chinos are comfortable and breathable. They have a slim fit that flatters your figure, and the zippered closure ensures a secure fit. Whether you’re wearing them to the office or out on the town, these pants will keep you looking sharp,” explains Khan. However, what really separates the Jamison from those bona fide dress trousers is that these chinos actually feel good: they’re made of the Sorrento Stretch Twill which contains Lyocell and Elastane. Thus, for those days in the office when you want to cut yourself some slacks, simply slide into AG’s Jamison.
Made with Japanese selvedge, these 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, highly 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 enough sophistication while still letting you be, you know, you, comfortably, anywhere. These are incredibly versatile too. “You can wear it on formal occasions and on a casual night out with friends,” says Bender. So if you’ve got the means to splurge on a pair of chinos, these are a no-brainer.
Several of our editors have worn and tested Lululemon’s ABC pants on many occasions, and the conclusion is unanimous: its comfort is second to none. The athleisure brand has managed to infuse its expertise in activewear into a classic pant style geared toward everyday life. With sweat-wicking fabric, amplified four-way stretch, wrinkle resistance, quick drying, spacious gusset, and a comfortable ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) design that can last a lifetime—what’s not to love about these chino pants? They are what guys have always hoped to find in their everyday slacks. They give you unrestrictive movement and all-day comfort without compromising on the classic chino style. It’s even breathable and feels super light, to add. And the fits go beyond the classic to slim as well.
These chinos from menswear’s athleisure newcomer, State of Matter, are so movement-friendly that you’d second-guess whether they’re actually chinos after all. No wonder Parker York Smith, a men’s fashion influencer, calls these the “sustainable, insanely comfortable, alternative to regular pants.” For starters, they’re made of regenerated nylon that both wicks away sweat and breathes. Then, their recycled LYCRA® elastane kicks in to provide a 360-stretch so these pants can move with you every way. And let’s not forget how sleek and versatile they are. “The look works at the office. The fit works at the bar. The comfort works for a cold day of golf. The material works for a hot day of golf,” says Smith who “highly recommends them to anyone who wears pants.” If you prefer your style tucked, the Triton chinos also come with a gripper waistband that’ll grab onto your shirt’s hem and keep it tucked in all day.
Mack Weldon’s chino is as chino-jogger as that sartorial hybrid can go. It’s in fact a host of practical feats. Its technical fabric has water resistance and a four-way stretch. Its fit is tailored with an anti-sagging mechanism and a stretchy under-gusset. And it comes with seven pockets—yes, seven. It’s a pair of chino pants that you’ll frankly need more than one pair in every color. That’s how good they are.
These chinos are as stretchy as your favorite performance pants, which means they’re great to wear whether you work in an office or in your living room. While they do require some time to be broken in, once you do feel comfortable in them, you’ll notice how durable they are and how great they look with boots that are just as rugged.
This option from Russell Wilson’s Good Man Brand is an uncanny hybrid between joggers meant for active pursuits and, well, chino pants for formal pursuits. It features soft jersey cotton with a 4-way stretch to provide a comfortable fit for any guy, especially those who hit the gym and need space in the legs for a comfortable recovery. Plus, the brand is donating 3% of sales to Why Not You Foundation, which is launching a scholarship with the College Success Foundation to help students achieve their post-secondary educational dreams.
For Billy Reid, the sweet devils are in the details. These durable chinos are garment-dyed for a lived-in look that gets better with age, hence it’s got a timeless style appeal that’s going to pair well with everything in your wardrobe, including your best leather boots. And if you squint hard enough, you’ll come to appreciate subtle but thoughtful details like an antique brass button around the waist and an embossed leather patch that makes a statement in the back. Functionally speaking, it’s got enough pockets and stretchiness to work and move with you. Really, it’s the chino that any stud will want in their wardrobe.
You can tell just by the look of Rhone’s commuter pants that they’re comfortable, but let us confirm that for you. The Flex-Knit 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 timeless silhouette that you’ll keep in your outfit rotation for years to come. Best of all, the brand offers these pants in a ton of color options, both staples you can get year-round and limited-time seasonal colorways.
What to Look for in Best Chinos for Men
“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 Director of Trends at Kohl’s 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: In general, 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 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, Mathilde Mader from Everlane 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 pant. I enjoy the clean lines it adds to the overall silhouette,” says Kim.
How to Find the Right Fit and Cut in Chinos
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 Simone Segall from Kohl’s. “In general, chinos offer a more narrow fit and style to achieve a more polished look that can be dressed up and down.” 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.”
On the other hand, if you’re a fit guy looking for the best fit in chinos that’ll match your athletic build, Scott Liebenberg from Tapered Menswear 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.
How We Selected
For hands-on testing, Men’s Health editors and writers have tried and worn a variety of chino pants for men to review them. We wore them at the office, around the house, during commutes, and out on the town, and even on vacation. Then we evaluated their fit, durability, and (of course) how great they looked on us. Lastly, we narrowed down our selection to include a variety of fabrics, cuts, and price points. In addition, we’ve consulted with menswear experts such as style influencers, stylists, designers, fashion bloggers, and retail specialists on the best chinos for men in 2023. In addition, editors also considered chinos with at least 100 five-star ratings from e-commerce sites we trust.
Style and Commerce Editor
Maverick Li is the Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covers clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.
Deputy Editor, Commerce
As Men’s Health’s Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian’s work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.
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