The 10 Best Chinos for Men, Tested by Style Editors

Also Available in: Slim Fit and Relaxed Fit

After thoroughly putting Lululemon’s ABC Pants to the test, we found they don’t just nail comfort—they outshine the competition in every way across the board. 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, we were able to wear these pants multiple days in a row after owning them since 2020, and their performance has never let us down once. One of the best aspects of these pants is the anti-ball-crushing tech, which our editors tested out to be a gusset at the crotch and thigh areas that helps relieve tension while walking.

Overall, we love that they look like chinos but move like joggers, using smooth, lightweight materials with amplified stretch and quick-drying to keep up with 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 support without compromising on an elevated style.

Read More: Lululemon ABC Pants Review

Our testers all agreed that these are arguably the most comfortable chinos in the market right now. 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.

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 one 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 in two directions—both horizontally and vertically. During our experience, we found that anyone with well-built but not overly bulky quads can squeeze into these chinos and not feel suffocated. It was a breeze to simply put them on and go without having to waste time ironing.

A chino that performs like a jogger but looks on-point for any occasion? That would be Everlane’s hero item. Not only did our Fashion Director Ted Stafford put the athletic-style pant through the wringer, but it also appeared on “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 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.

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.

What’s the next best thing close to slim-fit chino? Ding-ding-ding, skinny-fit. That is, though, 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 cancel out 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.

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 matches with almost anything and adds a touch of sophistication to your appearance.

Pros

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

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 mix and match 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.

Rhone’s making an appearance twice on the list, and for good reason. The athleisure brand makes another top-tier chino, designed with an innovative stretch aptly named Flex-Knit, which provides four-way stretch and makes it easy 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-resistance, 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 dressed down with sneakers, too. We know it may be a little 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, five-pocket, and skinny.

Flint and Tinder’s 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 tee 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. 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.

How to Find the Right Fit in Men’s 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. 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.

How to Style Chinos for Men

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 About Men’s Chinos

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 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.