Today, the best chinos for men come in modern fits, styles and fabrics that have come a long way from the type your dad wore in the ‘80s. While old-school chinos were mostly made from durable, heavy cotton twill in earthy tones, you can now find them made with lighter, stretchier materials—and in updated colors beyond the traditional khaki. Bottom line: Chinos have never been cooler and more comfortable.
If you’re thinking of adding chinos to your pants repertoire, we recommend ones that are versatile enough to wear to work or on the weekends, like our best overall pick from Bonobos. They’re polished yet not fussy, laid-back but not overly relaxed like a pair of sweats. Ahead, we rounded up the best chinos for men at a variety of prices to meet your fashion needs and budget.
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Sizes: Waist: 28 to 46; Length: 28 to 36 | Colors: 25 total, including Black and Sage Green | Materials: 92% cotton, 8% spandex
What’s notable: These are an easy-wear, easy-care staple, with a fabric that doesn’t wrinkle a lot, a variety of fits and stretch that moves with you.
What could be better: Some reviewers say the fit can be inconsistent when reordering the same size.
Bonobos took its best chino design and gave it an upgrade. The Stretch Washed Chino 2.0 has a non-iron, sweat-wicking, four-way stretch cotton for staying comfortable yet put-together all day long. A hidden, secure zip pocket stows small valuables like keys and the curved waist gives a sleeker look by eliminating excess fabric. There’s inclusive sizing—14 waist sizes, five lengths and five pant fits—and an impressive selection of hues to pick from.
What the reviews say: Several buyers note these pants’ slightly stretchy fabric and slim, tapered fit. “They stretch in every direction and especially where I need them to (at the waist),” says one Bonobos reviewer. “Bonobos Athletic Fit is the best on the market.” However, some report the sizing can be inconsistent—with one saying “I bought four pairs and had three different fits.”
Sizes: Waist: 28 to 46; Length: 28 to 37 | Colors: 14 total, including Trench and True Navy | Materials: 53% Elastomultiester, 47% polyester
What’s notable: Flex in the fabric makes these great for all-day wear and for travel. They also come in extended sizes to accommodate a variety of waist sizes and heights.
What could be better: Many say the classic fit runs baggy.
Lululemon’s ABC Trousers have many design details that create a high-quality, comfortable fit. In addition to the four-way stretch and wrinkle-resistant performance fabric, there’s also an ergonomic gusset that removes tension from the typically taut crotch area. You’ll also find sporty features like a hidden zip pocket, invisible back pocket snaps and a reflective cuff detail.
What the reviews say: These chinos earn high marks from reviewers for their soft, wrinkle-resistant fabric that’s dressy enough for professional settings. “These pants are so comfortable. I wear them to work and they are very breathable and comfy,” says one Lululemon buyer. It’s worth noting, though, that some comment on the differences in this updated fit: “[It] is far more baggy and loose around the thighs and legs below the knees.”
Sizes: Waist: 28 to 44; Length: 28 to 36 | Colors: 8 total, including Maverick Tan and Horse Hair Brown | Materials: 55% cotton, 39% recycled polyester, 6% spandex
What’s notable: Temperature-regulating fabric keeps you comfortable whether it’s chilly or sweltering outside.
What could be better: Some say these make a swishing sound while walking and certain colors have a slight sheen.
Banana Republic’s Slim Core Temp Pant does double duty with a mid-rise, tapered fit that looks professional for a big meeting in the office and high-stretch, wrinkle-resistant fabric that’s comfortable for off-hours. This sturdy yet soft pant comes in four lengths, including a tall 36, ensuring a good fit for almost all guys.
What the reviews say: Reviewers love the slim fit of these pants—some have shared that they’ve stocked up in every color. “Comfortable and versatile. These pants are great for a standard work day or a variety of tasks and events in a day,” says one reviewer. “The look is professional or cleaned up casual, depending on how you dress it up.” But some don’t like the liner on the white color of these pants, reporting that it feels uncomfortable.
Sizes: Waist: 28 to 44; Length: 30 to 34 | Colors: 12 total, including Mushroom and Black | Materials: Cotton, elastane
What’s notable: The streamlined, modern fit adds instant polish.
What could be better: The front pockets are shallow and don’t fit much.
The 250 Slim-Fit Pant in Stretch Chino is fitted through the hip and thigh with a narrow, tapered leg. The cotton-blend fabric is “Stretch on Demand,” so it stretches only when needed (meaning it won’t get baggy). This pant is part of J.Crew’s Re-imagined line with at least 30% of the fabric content originating from sustainable sources.
What the reviews say: Shoppers expressed overall satisfaction with the craftsmanship of these chinos, and praised the slim fit for hugging the body without feeling too tight. “These are my first pair of J.Crew slim pants, and I was extremely impressed by the quality and fit. In terms of quality, the materials and stitching on this are excellent,” one J.Crew reviewer says. “The fabric feels thicker than I expected but still has great give and flexibility.” Some report, however, that these run a little small in the waist: “I wear a 32×34. Had to go up a size for comfort.”
Dickies Men’s Original 874 Work Pant
Sizes: Waist: 27 to 58; Length: 28 to 34 | Colors: 17 total, including Khaki and Dark Navy | Materials: 65% polyester, 35% cotton
What’s notable: The poly-cotton blend is sturdy and resists wrinkles and stains.
What could be better: Some say they run a bit small in the waist so you may need to size up.
Dickies’ best-selling chinos are versatile enough for both heavy-duty and laid-back activities. This classic has been around for more than 60 years, continually updated for comfort and fit. This version is cut from an ultra-durable twill blend that, as the brand says, and wears in comfortably without wearing out.
What the reviews say: Reviewers appreciate the value of these pants. “[They] are simply the best work pants I’ve worn,” says an Amazon buyer. “They are durable, and at the right price. They fit well and look neat and professional.” Some find the fit runs small, and had issues with the pockets: “The back pockets are very small width wise and very short.”
Sizes: Waist: 28 to 40; Length: 30 to 34 | Colors: 9 total, including Black and Dark Wheat | Materials: 90% cotton, 8% polyester, 2% Lycra
What’s notable: The 5-pocket design mimics denim, but in a dressier twill version. Think of it as structured but with some give.
What could be better: If you have more athletic thighs, these may not work for you.
New York-based Todd Snyder designs both essentials and statement pieces for the modern man. The Slim Fit 5-Pocket Chino combines the comfort of denim—and classic five-pocket styling—with the elevated look of garment-dyed twill. This pair has a lean fit with a slightly tapered leg, similar to Todd Snyder’s selvedge jean, but with some added stretch for extra comfort.
What the reviews say: While these pants may be on the pricier side, several customers have stated that the quality is worth the extra cost. “A+ pants. No complaints. I live in these pants and the Nightwatch color was my go-to until I got these that are truly black,” says one reviewer. “Great fabric that is comfortable, durable and keeps its shape.” Still, a few experienced sizing issues for different colors, saying, “Some inconsistent sizing here” to keep in mind.
Sizes: Waist: 30 to 44; Length: 30 to 38 | Colors: 17 total, including Steel Blue and Stone | Materials: 97% cotton, 3% elastane
What’s notable: Great range of colors, pre-washed so you shouldn’t have to worry about shrinking and you can opt for a custom inseam for an additional price.
What could be better: In some colors, the mid-weight cotton gives off a slight sheen.
These chinos from Charles Tyrwhitt are low maintenance without sacrificing their looks. It’s all thanks to the brand’s signature non-iron finish that keeps wrinkles at bay, saving you from having to lug out the ironing board each time you plan on wearing them. The mid-weight cotton fabric has just a hint of elastane for optimal stretchiness, and it even touts stain-repellent properties in the case of accidental spills.
What the reviews say: Overall, buyers are pleased with the workmanship and construction of these pants, with many describing the fit as “perfect.” One Charles Tyrwhitt reviewer says, “[These are] a well-constructed chino for a fair price. Great fit. Good material.” But others experienced some creasing. “They too were supposed to be non-iron, but far from it.”
Polo Ralph Lauren Stretch Chino Pant
Sizes: Waist: 28 to 42; Length: 29 to 34 | Colors: 4 total, including Aviator Navy and Polo Black | Materials: 97% cotton, 3% elastane
What’s notable: These are constructed with high quality material and stitching, and the sizing is consistent.
What could be better: Even the slim fit can be too roomy in the thigh for slimmer builds.
Ralph Lauren’s signature chino comes in a straight fit with extra stretch and a 15.5-inch leg opening for more comfortable wear. Classic chino styling like front slash pockets, belt loops and signature buttons stay true to the elevated and easy-going Ralph Lauren ethos.
What the reviews say: Several customers have commented on the quality and fit of these chinos. “I love these pants. I have bought several pairs and the fit is absolutely perfect and comfortable,” says a reviewer on Bloomingdale’s. However, the zip fly with extended button closure is annoying to some. “Too many buttons on the fly closure,” comments a reviewer.
Sizes: Waist: 28 to 38; Length: Regular, Long | Colors: 6 total, including Vintage Khaki and Dark Navy | Materials: 98% cotton, 2% elastane
What’s notable: The garment-dyed fabrication gives these a cool, semi-worn appearance.
What could be better: If you don’t like a cropped look, you’ll want to try a different pair.
If you think pleats are outdated, consider New York-based Alex Mill’s modern take. The Pleated Pant In Chino is both polished and comfortable, featuring a wider, relaxed fit through the leg and a slight crop for an edgy look. The subtle front pleats create a little more room for extra comfort while the coin pocket detail and X-shaped back belt loop upgrade the look of basic chinos.
What the reviews say: “I was very happy with these—the fabric feels soft and dense, the taper is perfect and the details are distinctive,” says a reviewer. Several mention how much they love the cut of this pant, and the cropped length. But one wearer says these can be complicated to care for: “Nice pants, but can’t seem to iron out the wrinkles that are left after putting them in the wash.”
Sizes: Waist: 28 to 40; Length: 28 to 34 | Colors: 7 total, including Slate Gray and Navy | Materials: 94% cotton, 6% elastane
What’s notable: With two fits—slim and athletic—and cool colorways, these are a style that’s both fashionable and comfortable.
What could be better: The pockets are small, so your belongings may fall out when you sit down.
Everlane’s The Performance Chino checks off all the boxes: It’s comfortable for all-day wear thanks to four-way stretch fabric, plus it’s quick-drying and sweat-wicking like a technical pant, all at a reasonable price point. This slim-fitting chino is part of Everlane’s Uniform collection, which includes a 365-Day Guarantee for their everyday basics. If it rips or tears within a year of purchase, the brand will replace it for free.
What the reviews say: Multiple customers called out how lightweight these chinos are, mentioning that they make a great pant for summer or hot weather. “These are light, comfy and stretchy,” says one Everlane reviewer. “They look just like traditional chinos. [They] still fit and feel great after a few wears and washes.” For some, though, the sizing is off, with one person saying, “Fit too small even though other Everlane pants with the same waist size fit.”
Sizes: S to XXL; Length: 30 to 32 | Colors: 10 total, including Charcoal and Forest Green | Materials: 90% polyester, 10% spandex
What’s notable: The side zippered pocket works well for stashing belongings safely.
What could be better: The ruching at the elastic waistband may look best covered by a belt.
Chubbies’s Everywear Pants feature a comfortable four-way stretch and are wrinkle-resistant, making them perfect for traversing the airport or settling in for a long flight. The polyester-spandex pants come in a dozen traditional colors along with some bold plaid patterns to infuse your wardrobe with a pop of color. Besides traveling, they’re also perfect for work, meeting friends or golfing.
What the reviews say: Multiple reviewers have pointed out how light and flexible these pants feel. One Chubbies customer says, “I love these pants, they have become my new ‘do everything pant.’ I work in them, I play in them, I travel in them. The fabric is so soft, stretchy and lightweight.” Some comment this pair can be uncomfortable in hot climates, however, with one reviewer saying, “the material seems to not be very ventilating, can get hot quick.”
Sizes: 28 to 38 | Colors: Dark Oregano, Charcoal, Fog, Woodash | Materials: 59% recycled polyester, 41% polyester
What’s notable: The soft feel will make you reach for this pair often.
What could be better: The roomier style is too baggy for some.
Southern California-based Vuori brings an active coastal lifestyle to the forefront of their designs. The Cascade Tech Chino Pant offers a bit of everything for a performance chino: The stretch twill has a soft feel while being water-resistant, lightweight and breathable. This slim, athletic fit can be worn in wet outdoor conditions, though the pants are still fully functional—and stylish—in less extreme settings. A small front stash pocket and zippered back welt pockets gives you extra storage, too.
What the reviews say: Several reviewers were pleased by these pants’ adaptability, as they can be dressed up or down. “They look crisp and are extremely versatile,” says one Vuori reviewer. “They look great with button ups and loafers or T-shirts and sneakers. And best of all, they feel like pajamas. Love them!” Some comment they wish these pants came in specific inseam lengths, though, and one reviewer says, “I normally wear 32/33 waist for jeans and I bought 32 for Tech Chino Pant and it fits big…I think you need to size down to have this pant look slim fit.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve tried on, evaluated and put a lot of clothing and accessories through their paces to rate the performance, quality and value for your money. With the level of expertise we put into each story, you can trust our opinions when it comes to finding the right chinos for your needs and budget. The publishing of this article was overseen by Vetted senior fashion editor and in-house style expert Kari Molvar, who has been covering fashion and lifestyle topics for more than 20 years. We tapped into Molvar’s industry experience to pick the best chinos for men that not only feel current and modern right now, but will last season after season.
We update this article regularly to ensure all product selections and prices are current. In November 2023, fashion writer Claire Epting re-evaluated each pick and pushed the most popular offerings to the top of the list. She also introduced a wrinkle-resistant chino pant to the list: the Charles Tyrwhitt Ultimate Non-Iron Chinos. This story was most recently updated in January 2024.
How We Chose the Best Chinos For Men
To find the best men’s chinos on the market, we researched bestselling options, pored through reviews across sites and consulted Molvar, who holds a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion. We only considered brands with excellent reputations for crafting high-quality menswear, from Banana Republic to Todd Snyder. Then, we narrowed down our selections by considering key features like comfort, materials and fit. Price was also taken into account; we made sure to include affordable options (like this durable pair from Dickies) as well as more splurge-worthy picks.
What To Consider When Buying Chinos For Men
While many chino pants are visually similar, there are actually quite a few factors that set one pair apart from the other. Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind while perusing our selections.
Material
The most comfortable chinos tend to be cut from a combination of cotton and elastane, which provides structure with a bit of stretch. Or, if you want a pair that will stand up to very moderate physical exertion such as light hiking, opt for sporty fabrics such as polyester and elastomultiester (which contains a blend of cross linked polyester fibers for a stretchy, durable consistency).
Color
For a business or business casual setting, you’ll most likely be opting for a pair of neutral chino pants in tan, gray, navy or black. But on the weekends, you may want to experiment with brighter shades of red, deep blue and green. If you’re unsure about venturing into bolder colors or prints (like the pastel plaid chinos by Chubbies), keep the rest of your outfit low-key—pair your chinos with a crisp white Oxford, casual linen shirt or white tee, and you’ll never risk having too loud of an outfit.
Required Care
While some chinos can just be thrown in the washer and dryer, others require a bit more care. Certain fabrics, such as polyesters, shouldn’t be ironed, since high heat can ruin the materials. For heat-sensitive fabrics, you’ll want to tumble dry on low to remove any creases. If you already know yourself and that you can’t be bothered with low heat settings or hang drying, then read the care instructions before purchasing and opt for a low-maintenance pair. Our pick from Charles Tyrwhitt is treated with a wrinkle-resistant finish, so you can skip the iron before getting dressed.
Are Chinos And Khakis The Same?
In many cases the terms are used interchangeably, but in general the difference is in the heft of the fabric. Khakis are usually made from a thicker cotton twill, while chinos are constructed from lighter weight, breathable cotton. Also, khakis typically have a more straight-legged, relaxed fit whereas chinos are more fitted and sometimes have a tapered leg.
Are Chinos Dress Pants?
They can be dressed up, although they are considered more business casual than a dress pant. If you want to make your chinos more formal, wear them with a blazer or sport coat and loafers. If you want them to skew more casual, you could try wearing them with a slip-on sneaker and untucked button down or tee shirt.
How Long Should Chinos Be?
It depends. “In many cases, the proper length for your chinos depends on what shoes you’re wearing them with,” says New York- and Minneapolis-based fashion stylist Kate Moroney. “If you’re wearing a dressy casual shoe there should be a slight break and the pant should stop where your shoe hits your ankle.” If you’re wearing them to a beach barbecue with flip flops, you don’t want them dragging off your heel so you should opt for a slightly shorter pair. “It’s on trend to have chinos on the shorter side,” says Moroney, who mentions that showing some ankle isn’t a bad thing. “You can even try cuffing or rolling them with a casual tennis shoe,” she says. “But if you do, make sure they’re a slim or tapered fit or it won’t look good.”
Keep in mind, most chinos will only come in 2-inch inseam increments—for instance, a 32- or 34-inch inseam. So if you’re really more of a 33 inch inseam, you may want to take them to the tailor. Or, brands like Charles Tyrwhitt offer custom inseam sizing for an additional $18.
What’s The Best Way To Style Chinos?
Part of the beauty of men’s chinos is their versatility, especially because many brands make chinos in performance fabrics with stretch. They can be worn with things like dressier t-shirts, button downs, fitted sweaters and blazers on top, and on the bottom they can be worn with things like slip ons, stylish tennis shoes, loafers or wing tips. If you want to break away from a more traditional sand or stone colored chino, try navy, olive or a light grey. They’re easy-to-style neutrals that typically match lots of pieces in your closet.
I’m a contributing writer covering women’s and men’s fashion and accessories at Forbes Vetted. I’ve worked in media for 20 years, art directing and designing fashion, beauty, health and tech content for a variety of magazines, websites and brands. Prior to this, I studied magazine journalism at the University of Missouri. When I’m not researching fashion, you’ll find me doing freelance projects, exploring textile and interior design, and rollerskating.
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I’m a freelance writer specializing in travel, tech, and the outdoors, with work appearing in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, National Geographic, WIRED, Ars Technica, and The Daily Beast, among others. After receiving an undergrad in Marketing and a Master’s in Social Psychology, I worked in branding and then community development, overseeing food equity and justice initiatives across New York City. I solo bike toured Cuba and wrote the guidebook, Cuba by Bike. I started a small travel company (EscapingNY) and still lead tours in Cuba, Mexico, and Jordan. When I’m not hiking, biking, rafting, camping, or scuba diving, I’m usually doing puzzles and playing board games. You can find me on Twitter at @escapingnewyork and Instagram @escapingny.