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The 11 Best Chinos for Men, Tested by Style Editors
Our editors found Lululemon and Bonobos to make some of the best.
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
- Best Overall: Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit
- Most Comfortable: Bonobos The Chino 2.0
- Best Casual: Dockers Ultimate Chinos
- Best Performance:Everlane The Performance Chino
- Best Skinny-Cut: J. Crew 250 Skinny-Fit Pant in Stretch Chino
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.
More of the Best Men's Pants
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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.
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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