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Joe Lingeman

The 11 Best Chinos for Men, Tested by Style Editors

Our editors found Lululemon and Bonobos to make some of the best.

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VerifiedReviewed by Style and Reviews Director

I USED TO think chinos were the kind of pants your dad wore to a backyard barbecue in the early 2000s. You know—the stiff, boxy khaki pants sitting way too high on the waist that ended up looking like high-waters. But chinos have come a long way since then. These days, chinos look cleaner, fit better, and feel more comfortable than most denim I own. I can wear them to the office with a button-down, out to dinner with a blazer, or just throw them on with a tee and sneakers for a Yankees game.

Most of today’s styles now come with stretchy fabrics and moisture-wicking tech, and lightweight materials that make them way easier to wear year-round. Since 2020, myself and the Men’s Health fashion team have tested more than 50 pairs—from slim-fit classics to more relaxed cuts—to find the chinos that belong in rotation. Without further ado, browse our selection with picks from Bonobos, Everlane, and Lululemon to find one that suits your style and elevates your everyday wardrobe.

Best Chinos for Men

What to Consider

Material

When shopping for chinos or any other type of pants, the fabric choice is crucial, as it impacts comfort, durability, and overall appearance. Typically, chinos are made with a lightweight cotton blend to create a more comfortable wear for men. In fact, we’ve realized that the days of 100% cotton chinos are far behind us. Here’s a rundown of common fabrics and what they’re best for:

Cotton

A classic choice for chinos due to its softness, breathability, and comfort. Cotton is ideal for casual wear and everyday use. It can be found in various weights and finishes, from lightweight and airy to heavier and more structured.

Twill

This is a type of weave rather than a fabric itself. Twill fabrics, often made from cotton, have a diagonal pattern that adds durability and a bit of texture. They’re great for chinos because they’re sturdy and resist wrinkles better than plain weaves.

Polyester

Often used in blends, polyester adds durability and wrinkle resistance. It’s less breathable than cotton but can help chinos maintain their shape and resist stains. Polyester blends are ideal for a polished look with low maintenance.

Blends

Many chinos use fabric blends to combine the best properties of different materials. Common blends include cotton-polyester (for durability and wrinkle resistance) or cotton-spandex (for stretch and flexibility). Blends can provide a good balance of comfort, durability, and ease of care.

Stretch Fabrics

Fabrics with added spandex or elastane offer flexibility and comfort. These are great for chinos that need to accommodate a range of movements and provide a snug fit without losing their shape.

Fit

Chinos should fit comfortably around your waist and hips without being too tight or too loose. Look for options with a bit of stretch, as they often offer a better fit and more flexibility. When searching for the best chinos, you'll typically come across these main fits below.

Slim Fit

A modern, tailored look that tapers slightly from the thigh down. The leg should taper slightly but not be so slim that it looks like skinny jeans. Great for guys who prefer a more streamlined silhouette without being too tight.

Straight Fit

A classic, timeless cut that falls straight from the hips to the ankles. This fit works well for most body types and offers a more relaxed yet polished look.

Athletic Fit

Designed for guys with more muscular thighs, this fit offers extra room in the seat and thighs while still tapering toward the ankle. It gives a tailored look without feeling restrictive.

Relaxed Fit

A roomier option with more space in the thigh and leg, ideal for casual wear or those who prioritize comfort over a tapered leg.

How We Selected

To find the best chinos, our fashion team, led by Style Director Christian Gollayan, focused on these key factors: style, fit, comfort, price point, versatility, and performance (including stretch, moisture-wicking, and breathability). We examined whether they fit true to size, whether the fabric could withstand hours of movement in different temperatures, and whether they could be worn for more than one occasion.

Our tested selection doesn't chase trends, rather it highlights chinos for men that fit great (even on athletic guys with bigger thighs), provide strong value and performance, and come in styles that'll still look sharp years from now. Keep reading to find out which pairs earned their stripes and landed a spot on our handpicked list.

ABC Classic-Fit 5 Pocket Pant

Pros

  • Feels smooth, breathable, and falls softly away from body
  • ABC (Anti-Ball-Crushing) technology relieves tension
  • Quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant
  • Shape retention
  • Hand pockets, phone pocket, and an internal sleeve for coins

Cons

  • Must lay out to air dry after washing

Also Available in: Slim Fit

After thoroughly putting Lululemon's ABC Pant to the test, we can confirm it flat-out outshines everything else in its class. The sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and wrinkle-resistant fabric with four-way stretch makes this pair feel like your favorite joggers disguised as office pants. Unlike the others on the list, it comes with their proprietary ABC (Anti-Ball Crushing) design. Our editors found it's basically a cleverly gusset that eases tension in the crotch and thigh area, so you never feel squeezed or restricted when you're walking or sitting for hours.

After owning this pair since 2020, its performance has never let us down once. The elastomultiester-polyester fabric blend makes it feels technical yet polished. It moves like activewear but looks structured enough for meeting or semi-dressy events. During brutal summer commutes, we stayed dry and comfortable, never dealing with that dreaded swampy feeling below deck.

The classic fit hits right in the middle, meaning not too slim, not too loose, and comes in a bunch of office-approved colors that look sharp from 9 to 5 and beyond. We've worn this pair everywhere: happy hours, long-haul flights, work dinners, the list goes on. Functionally, Lululemon thought of everything: hand pockets that don't bulge, a hidden zip pocket for your wallet, and even a side pocket to keep your phone secure while you're on the move.

Lululemon’s ABC pant is what guys wishes his everyday slacks felt like—unrestrictive, clean as a whistle, and ridiculously comfortable.

Read More: Lululemon ABC Pants Review

Material53% elastomultiester, 47% recycled polyester
FitClassic
Sizes28—46
Inseam28"-37"
Colors11
DetailsHidden zippered pocket, reflective details
Most Comfortable

Bonobos The Chino 2.0

The Chino 2.0
Most Comfortable

Bonobos The Chino 2.0

Credit: Joe Lingeman

Pros

  • Available in a host of colors
  • Several fits: tailored, slim taper, slim, athletic, classic
  • 4-way stretch fabric
  • Moisture-wicking

Cons

  • May be hard to pick out a color (so many to choose from)

Our testers all agreed that these are arguably the most comfortable chinos on the market. Once we slipped our legs into these pants, we found the overall fit and feel of the fabric to be 10/10. 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 bit 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's wrinkle-resistant. And we love that Bonobos added a zip pocket to help us safely store our small stuff.

Material92% cotton, 8% spandex
FitSlim taper, tailored, slim, athletic, straight, classic
Sizes28—46
Inseam28"-36"
Colors18
DetailsZip pocket, curved waistband, logo buttons & contrast pocket liners
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Ultimate Chinos, Slim Fit
Credit: Eli Schmidt

Pros

  • Made with bi-stretch twill that stretches in two directions
  • Features security zip pockets for safe storage
  • Works well in the workplace and casual outings

Cons

  • May not be ideal for semi-dressy occasions

Dockers is known for pioneering the modern khaki and popularizing business-casual style. It’s no wonder the brand’s chinos are simply great pants, ticking off all the boxes: comfort, durability, low maintenance, and style that works for your day-to-day hustle. With a clean, flat front and a slightly tapered leg, they bring a relaxed vibe that works beyond the office. We can imagine how you might think they're only useful as a workwear staple, but make no mistake—they fit the bill for regular weekend outings, too. Whether paired with a t-shirt and sneakers or a polo and comfortable dress shoes, these chinos deliver every time.

What really sets the slim-fit trouser apart from others we’ve tested is the bi-stretch twill, a type of fabric that stretches both horizontally and vertically. During our experience, we found that guys with athletic legs can slip into these chinos without feeling squeezed. It was a breeze to simply put them on and go without having to waste time ironing.

Material95% Cotton, 5% Elastane/bi-stretch twill
FitSlim
Sizes28—40
Inseam29"-36"
Colors15
DetailsHidden zip pockets
The Performance Chino
Now 40% Off
Credit: Eli Schmidt

Pros

  • Sweat-wicking and quick-drying
  • Designed for everyday wear
  • Comes in slim and athletic fits, and 10+ colorways
  • Made with 4-way stretch fabric

Cons

  • Must air dry after being washed to avoid shrinkage

A chino that performs like a jogger but looks on-point for any occasion? That would be Everlane's hero item. Not only did I put the athletic-style pant through the wringer, but it also was worn by "Bullet Train" action star Andrew Koji. It will move with you from the tarmac to the resort without losing a second of relaxation, courtesy of the 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 everyday. Our favorite part of these chinos is their sweat-wicking and quick-drying capabilities. We even wore them on hot summer days to stroll in the sun, and the fabric was able to keep our legs feeling cool and dry.

Material94% cotton, 6% elastane
FitSlim, athletic, straight
Sizes28—40
Inseam30"-32"
Colors10
DetailsZip fly
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250 Skinny-Fit Pant in Stretch Chino

Pros

  • Made with brand's stretch technology for flexibility
  • Versatile enough for multiple settings
  • Angled pockets allow easy grab of valuables
  • Comes in other fits: slim, straight, athletic tapered

Cons

  • Not ideal if you want a wider leg

What's the next best thing close to slim-fit chino? Ding-ding-ding, skinny-fit. That is, one that's not constricting on your lower half. Before you jump ship, this pair from J. Crew isn't super tight like the skinny jeans that peaked in the early 2000s. For starters, it's infused with "Stretch on Demand"—the brand's patented technology that provides a subtle yet noticeable amount of stretch—to move every which way without feeling stiff and eliminate any annoying break-in period. Designed to sit below the waist, these pants are slim through the hip with a close-fitting leg, offering a more modern and streamlined silhouette.

Also, the structured twill-lined waistband with chambray binding adds a touch of durability and style, while the angled pockets offer easy access to your most valuable items. Let's not forget how versatile they are, too. This style works at the bar, the office, and even on the golf course. Our fashion editors recommend pairing this pant with a denim shacket layered over a white t-shirt for an easy, casual ensemble to hit the town.

MaterialCotton elastane
FitSkinny
Sizes28—35
Inseam30"-34"
Colors7
DetailsZip fly, angled hand pockets
Everyday Five Pocket Pant
Credit: Eli Schmidt

Pros

  • Perfect for daily wear
  • Looks great with a nice button-down
  • Versatile enough to go from office to drinks
  • Reminiscent of your favorite jeans

Cons

  • Waistband is not as great as others on the list

Rhone totally gets it right with workout clothes, but the athleisure brand also has the everyday chinos down pat as well. This classic five-pocket style resembles your favorite jeans, but it’s super lightweight and way more comfortable than any stiff denim. We love that the fabric actually uses lyocell to amplify breathability and smoothness, which is comparable to the texture of silk. Our testers also found these chinos were able to wick away sweat and keep you dry during a busy day.

Designed for office professionals, the pants also boast a media pouch for your phone and a security zipper pocket for your cardholder. We keep them in rotation for the work week, but we can’t get enough of how sleek it looks with a dress shirt for a weekend out on the town. The only qualm is that the waistband fades in comparison to others we’ve tried, in terms of stretch and flexibility.

MaterialLyocell, cotton, and spandex
FitSlim straight
Sizes28—40
Inseam33"
Colors4
DetailsZipper back pocket, media pocket
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Rhone Commuter Pant
man wearing navy trousers and white sneakers against a blue background
Rhone Commuter Pant
man wearing navy trousers and white sneakers against a blue background

Pros

  • Designed with Flex-Knit, an innovative four-way stretch
  • Wrinkle-resistant
  • Can be dressed up or down
  • Comes in several fits: classic, slim, and skinny

Cons

  • Sticker shock, but super durable to survive multiple washes

Rhone's making an appearance twice on the list, and for good reason. The label makes another top-tier chino, designed with an innovative stretch aptly named Flex-Knit, which provides enough elastane to handle everything on your plate: eight-hour shifts, rounds of golf, long-haul flights, etc. In other words, you have maximum mobility to do it all and then some. The fabric is also wrinkle resistant, so no visible creases will throw you off your game.

To amp up our style, we matched these with a crisp Oxford shirt and some dapper lace-up loafers. Not to get things confused, this pant has a casual edge and can be dressed down with sneakers, too. We know there may be a bit of sticker shock when you glance at the price tag, but these chinos are durable enough to survive multiple wash cycles and still keep its fresh-off-the-rack look. Plus, this chino comes in a variety of fits: classic, slim, and skinny.

MaterialPolyester, elastane
FitClassic, slim, skinny
Sizes28—40
Inseam26"-33"
Colors12
DetailsSecurity zipper pocket, media pocket
Slim Rapid Movement Chino
Credit: Eli Schmidt

Pros

  • Plenty of neutral colors
  • Wrinkle-resistant
  • High-stretch fabric

Cons

  • Not ideal if you don't prefer a more tapered leg

Visible creases in your pants can be a pain, cramping your style and throwing off that polished look you’re going for. That’s why we love Banana Republic’s wrinkle-resistant chinos. This pair is made with a high-stretch fabric that’s super smooth, sturdy, and won’t get in the way of things. Tailored to perfection, the mid-rise cut falls around the natural waistline and grants you the freedom to move as you wish.

During our testing, we found that it’s perfect for dressier occasions, but can easily be toned down for casual outings like an outdoor festival or weekend brunch. In terms of outfits, the chinos pair effortlessly with a crewneck sweater or henley tee for whatever’s on the agenda. The brand offers a range of colors, but if you opt for gray—you get a versatile, sleek option that goes with almost anything and adds a touch of sophistication to your appearance.

Material90% cotton, 8% elasterrell, 2% spandex
FitSlim
Sizes28—44
Inseam28"-34"
Colors6
DetailsZip fly, belt loops
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Slim Chino Pants
Credit: Eli Schmidt

Pros

  • Subtle side seams for a dress trouser style
  • Affordable
  • Stretchy, comfortable fit

Cons

  • Only has one inseam

If you want a pair of chinos that are a little more tapered in the leg, Uniqlo’s slim-fit cut may be your best bet. In general, they’re made with a close attention to detail. For one, the pants are enhanced with a cotton-spandex blend, which provides all-day-long softness and stretch without sacrificing a sharp style. While it’s not a traditional chino material, we found that it’s flexible enough to bend or squat. Also, the brand shied away from making the stitching visible for a streamlined look.

Having worn these pants to travel, we were impressed by how lightweight and smooth the fabric is. Despite the slim fit, the pants were not restricting in the least bit. In terms of color, there's a fair amount of neutrals that are easy to pair with your everyday wear. 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.

Material97% cotton, 3% spandex
FitSlim
Sizes27—40
Inseam34 in.
Colors7
DetailsButton fly, flat front
Relaxed Fit Japanese Selvedge Chino

Pros

  • Breathable fabric
  • Holds shape after long hours of sitting
  • Comes in a few colors to rotate through the week

Cons

  • On the pricier side

Sometimes, chinos can feel a little stuffy but this relaxed fit keeps me cool and comfortable for hours. From my muggy subway commute to weaving through crowded city streets, I stay breezy and unbothered. The cotton fabric has this soft drape that doesn’t wrinkle, even after I’ve been sitting at my desk from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and by the time I’m heading to lunch or meeting a friend for happy hour after work, this chino still looks sharp.

The straight-leg cut falls on top of the shoe, without making me look like a slob. While it doesn’t come in multiple fits like Bonobos or Rhone options, but you can pick from a few solid colors to rotate through the week.

And yes, this pair comes with a higher price tag, but the quality speaks for itself: the material is thick enough to hold its shape yet breathable enough to keep me chill while running around photoshoot sets, crouching for shots, or darting between meetings. This chino also looks just as good outside the office for brunch or a museum trip. I’ve overstuffed the pockets a few times, but for a slim cardholder and some cash, they stay flat and clean.

Image no longer available

Features at a Glance

Material100% Cotton
FitRelaxed
Sizes28—38
Inseam30—34
Colors4
DetailsMelamine buttons
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365 5-Pocket Pant

Pros

  • Hybrid between chinos and jeans
  • Midweight fabric can be worn year-round
  • Arrives in a variety of fits: classic, slim, tapered, straight
  • Preshrunk and garment-dyed

Cons

  • Not the best pair for a super formal occasion

Flint and Tinder’s pair stands out because it's designed as a hybrid between chinos and jeans, making it one of the most versatile pants out there. It's cut like a tailored chino but has the feel and flexibility of your favorite broken-in denim, thanks to its preshrunk cotton-stretch fabric blend. We found the midweight fabric works year-round—hence the "365" name—so you can wear them in any season. We've worn them during the winter and well into the spring, and they've held up through it all—whether layered with a heavy parka or paired with a breezy t-shirt when the temps start to rise.

This pair skews more into the casual workwear department, but you can sport them from the office to the bar with no problem at all. It's also garment-dyed for a lived-in look from day one and comes in several fits: classic, slim, straight, and tapered to suit a bunch of different styles.

Material98% cotton, 2% spandex
FitStraight
Sizes28—38
Inseam30"—34"
Colors10
DetailsYKK zipper, coin pocket

How to Find the Right Fit in Men's Chinos

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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. Choosing the a certain style or cut that flatters really depends on your own personal preference and what kind of vibe you're going for. Two most popular cuts for chinos are straight leg and slim fit. Straight-leg chinos offer a more clean-cut and classic look, whereas slim-fit chinos are more tailored in the leg and offer a more streamlined silhouette.

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How to Style Chinos for Men

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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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can Men With Big Thighs Wear Chinos?

If you're a fit guy looking for chinos that'll match your athletic build, we have some recommendations. Typically, guys who have larger legs will find that off-the-rack chinos are loose around the waist. Bodybuilders tend to run into this problem where they have to size up to get normal chinos to fit their quads, but since they have a slighter waist, it’s often loose. For maximum comfort, look for pants with more room in the quads and glutes while tapering up the waist for an athletic fit.

What's the Difference Between Chinos and 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.

Headshot of Joseph Cheatham
Joseph Cheatham
Style and Reviews Editor

As the Style and Reviews Editor for Men's Health, Joseph covers all-things fashion and grooming. Previously, Cheatham was a commerce editor for Spy, and he has written for Travel + Leisure.

Headshot of Christian Gollayan
Reviewed byChristian Gollayan
Style and Reviews Director

Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.

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