Tested: The Best Chinos For Men To Wear All Day, Every Day

Although there are many intriguing styles of pants to pick up for yourself, there are only so many that can be labeled as essentials. Realistically, all of these can be counted on one hand, and they may not even take up each finger to do so. Of course, jeans and sweatpants are the two vitalities on polar ends of the pants spectrum, but falling right in between the two is the quintessential pair of chinos. Luckily for you, we’ve rounded up a ranging list of the essential garment for our hands-on guide to the best chinos that will suit any sort of closet, as well as an informative primer for what to keep an eye out for when buying the perfect pair.

How We Tested

Our hands-on approach to these guides is improving with each entry, and we always start by surveying the landscape (on and offline) to make sure we’re only covering the best of the best. This involves plenty of research and reading of reviews and testimonials, and stacking that up against our personal experiences. As an authority in the style space for over a decade now, we make sure to include only brands that we can personally stand by.

After acquiring our favorite picks, it’s time to get to work and put them through their paces. This starts by inspecting each pair of chinos off the body, looking for any loose threads, and taking note of the overall build quality. Then, we put them on and took note of the fit, feel, and overall look, making sure to test each pick individually before stacking them up against the rest of the options. Style is also important, and we felt it was best to channel that SoCal vibe, so we paired each pick with some adidas Superstars to keep everything on an even playing field.

Measurements: I’m 6’2″ and wear 34×30 pants – I like to go for a relaxed fit if I can, so if a slim-fit pair of chinos is tighter on me, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be tight for everyone.

What to Look for

Cut: When it comes to chinos, there are three cuts that crowd the space: slim-fitting, straight-fitting (or regular-fitting), and relaxed-fitting. The traditional straight-fit chinos arguably serve as the most popular across the board due to their consistent measurements from top to bottom. That said, people prefer slim-fitting chinos for more formal occasions and a tighter feel all around. Lastly, relaxed-fitting chinos are highlighted by a wider, draping look, resulting in much more freedom of movement.

Material: While you’ll typically find chinos are made of cotton twill or something sturdy enough to withstand a full day of blue-collar work, several brands put comfort over longevity nowadays, all the while not sacrificing the latter. If you’re looking for a pair of chinos that offer great freedom of movement, consider something made with a touch of polyester or, better yet, spandex. This will promote breathability and mobility if your office is prone to heating up or you simply can’t stand wearing tight pants.

Pleats vs. Flat Front: If you’re unfamiliar with pleated pants, we recommend referring to our guide based on the comfortable bottoms. If you are in the know and realize how convenient pleats are, odds are you’ve noticed them appear on several pairs of chinos. And while this may make them appear to offer a relaxed cut, it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the case, as pleats appear on several standard-fitting pairs, too.

Dickies 873 Slim Straight Work Pants

Best Starter Chinos: There is no brand more synonymous with a common pair of work pants than Dickies. In the same manner that Doc Martens is bound to appear on a round-up of the best boots, the same applies to this staple brand, which has been doing it for nearly ninety-nine years on the dot. Thanks to their durable wrinkle-resistant mix of polyester and cotton, there’s virtually no way to go wrong at such a low price. Simply put, if you don’t already have a pair of these in your closet, grab one now.

Dickies and chinos go together like peanut butter and jelly, and the label’s work pants, in particular, are some of the most popular chinos of all time. They strike a perfect balance between classic chino style and modern streetwear-esque looks, boasting a polyester/cotton twill work cloth construction that’s insanely durable for the price. Considering that these are work pants, they’ve been treated with a stain-release finish, feature a 2-piece work pant waistband with Dickies’ signature tunnel belt loops, and come with a wrinkle-resistant design. As far as looks go, these have such a classic vibe and go with pretty much anything. For storage, you’re getting two hand pockets and two back pockets, which have plenty of room. The look here is definitely classic chinos, with a straight-leg fit, and a slim fit in the seat and thighs. 

This may not be the case for everyone, but the slim fit here was just way too tight for me in the waist, and given the nature of the closure on the fly, there’s not really any give. I highly recommend going a size up for a more forgiving fit if you’re on the bigger side, as I still like the style of the slim fit here. 

Verdict: These are about as classic as you can get, and have some extra utility compared to other picks since their designed as work pants. You’re getting that classic workwear look from a label that’s always been a fixture in the chinos space.

Levi’s XX Chino Standard Taper Fit

Best Tapered Chinos: Surely, everyone is well aware of what Levi’s brings to the table as far as denim goes, but they offer quality garments across the board. For instance, the heritage brand has labeled their XX Chino Pant as “the ideal WFH chinos,” and there are few descriptions that have sounded as necessary to take advantage of in the past year-and-a-half than that one. Composed of a blend of cotton, elastane, and polyester, these sustainable chinos are available in numerous colors geared to complement every blazer your wardrobe has to offer. As a bonus, they even feature an elastic waist with a hidden drawstring for adjustability’s sake.

Hailing from the father of blue jeans, Levi’s is coming through here with a pair of surprisingly soft chinos made with cotton and a touch of elastane for some stretch (something I immediately appreciated off the bat). These have a standard fit around the waist with a tapered leg down to the ankle, and honestly felt like they were tailored considering how well they fit me (you’re seeing the 34×30 here). You’re getting the typical two front pockets and two back pockets (with buttons on the back pockets), but there’s also a zippered extra pocket inside the right hand pocket, which is incredibly convenient (especially since you can easily fit a wallet or a phone in there for extra protection). As for the style here, these can easily be dressed up with a pair of dressier boots like some Chelseas, or a more casual vibe with some sneakers.

While these are incredibly comfortable and make for the perfect covert dress pants, the material isn’t quite as heavy-duty as something like Dickies’ work pants, and may not stand up to tougher conditions.

Verdict: Not only do these have a sleek tapered look, they’re designed to be comfier than your average pair of chinos, and make for the perfect WFH pants.

Taylor Stitch The Slim Foundation Pant

Best Military-Inspired Chinos: Taylor Stitch’s take on the classic silhouette garners inspiration from its origin, as their Foundation Pant is crafted with World War II vets’ military chinos in mind. Made from 100% organic cotton, the San Francisco-established brand’s pants boast what they call a “democratic fit,” ensuring they are comfortable, mindful, and stylish, featuring a herringbone-accented waistband to boot. While they’re available in a handful of colors, we believe the olive serves as a standout pick to stroll with this holiday season.

Made with 8 ounces of organic cotton, these military-inspired chinos have been washed and garment-dyed to capture that classic look and feel (and it feels really nice against the skin). In fact, these pants were inspired by Taylor Stitch getting their hands on some deadstock military chino material, and after loving it so much, they decided to redesign it entirely with organic cotton. You’re getting a slim fit with a medium rise that slightly tapers through the thigh, knee, and leg opening. For storage, there are two hand pockets and two back pockets, along with a welt coin pocket inset near the right side of the waistband (which has a 4-hole vintage military-style button). It’s finished with a YKK zipper fly, and they truly feel like the perfect year-round pants for any occasion. Seriously, the style here is super versatile, and I felt that I could wear them with anything. 

I may be on the bigger side, but I double-checked my experience with reviews online and found that these are definitely on the tighter side in the waist, seat, and legs, and can be especially tight when sitting down. I highly recommend going at least a size up, especially if you don’t have a thinner build, or going for the democratic fit option that Taylor Stitch offers.

Verdict: Inspired by WW2-era chinos, Taylor Stitch is combining classic military style with a modern cut.

Buck Mason Slub Twill Maverick Officer Pant

Best Slub Chinos: Buck Mason’s Maverick Office Pant provides the breathability and flexibility one would hope for in a pair of casual pants, all while delivering a sartorial slim fit that could even be worn at a wedding — if accompanied by the right blazer, of course. Boasting a lived-in look and a handy button fly, their Officer Pant will surely make it look like you have somewhere to be, regardless of what your schedule has to say.

These chinos are a slim, updated version of the classic officer’s pants, and they’re made with cotton that’s been enzyme-washed to get a slightly faded look and an extremely soft, lived-in skin feel and slub texture. You’re getting a mid-rise slim fit that’s tighter around the thighs and tapers below the knee, with a Hollywood waistband for a wider look, and a button fly made with Corozo buttons. The style here is absolutely classic, and I found they were easily paired with some more streetwear-friendly apparel like some Sambas, and easy to dress up with some boots. However, the cut and overall look of these lead me to believe that they’re best for dressier outfits. Also, the skin feel of the garment-washed slub cotton makes these incredibly comfortable, especially compared to something like Dickies’ work pants which are a little more hard-wearing.

Again, the slim fit here was personally just a little too slim for me around the waist, but it fit perfectly everywhere else. I recommend going a size up if you’re in between pant sizes (or just bigger in general). 

Verdict: If you’re looking for a pair of dressy chinos that go with anything, Buck Mason has you covered with the Officer Pant. You’re getting a super soft hand-feel thanks to the slub texture, and a classic look that’s always in style.

Vuori Cascade Tech Chino Pant

Best Water-Resistant Chinos: Seeing as Vuori is well known for its consistent catalog of performance clothes, it’s no surprise to see them dabble in technical casual pieces, too. The Cascade Tech Chino Pant is the epitome of that, as they are virtually built for anything from an early-morning meeting to a late-night flight. The slim-fitting bottoms are made with performance stretch twill fabric that’s finished with a water-resistant treatment for optimal function year-round.

Anyone looking for a covert pair of athleisure-slanted chinos should really consider this pick from Vuori, as they’re some of the comfiest pants I’ve worn since I began testing apparel. They’re made entirely with polyester (over half of it is recycled, too), which at first doesn’t sound like the most comfortable blend, but let me tell you, the 4-way stretch working alongside the performance twill fabric results in a super lightweight pair of chinos that feel just as soft as your favorite pair of joggers. The material construction here also makes these water resistant, which is super convenient if you need some work pants and commute in the rain. For storage, you’re getting two hand pockets with a coin pocket set above the right one, and two back pockets (with one featuring a zippered closure). The fit here is definitely slim in the thighs and tapers below the knees, but the waist is super generous and didn’t feel constricting at all (even when sitting down).

As much as I love the comfort of these, I had to confirm with my coworkers that they could clock these as more athleisure-oriented pants instead of classic chinos. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t pull these off in the workplace, they don’t quite capture that classic chino look. They also make a sort of wooshing sound when you walk, nothing huge, but worth mentioning if that’s something that bothers you. 

Verdict: Covert, stylish, and comfortable as hell, these chinos from Vuori are some of the softest pants in the guide. They also make for the perfect stealthy soft pants if you want a bit of comfort without the look of something like sweatpants or joggers.

Dockers Made in the USA Chinos, Relaxed Tapered Fit

Best US-Made Chinos: Dockers’ recently-released lineup of U.S.A-made pieces are sewn in partnership with a small L.A.-based factory called Keep It Here; not only were they made in the states, but they come directly from one of its biggest fashion hotspots. The relaxed-fitting, cotton-crafted pants take after the heritage brand’s classic ’80s silhouette and are finished with a traditional zipper fly and two unbeatable colors — golden khaki and navy blue.

Dockers are such a major player in the chinos space that they’re an absolute must-have on any chino guide. For our guide, we went with something from the label’s Made in the USA collection and a design that captures what Dockers is all about. These relaxed chinos are woven and crafted entirely in the USA and boast a relaxed taper fit that pays homage to the label’s ‘80s roots. You’re getting a relaxed fit that sits right at the waist with a straight leg opening, which is personally how I like my chinos to fit (although there’s nothing wrong with a tapered leg if that’s your style). Storage includes two hand pockets (with a small zippered pocket on the right one that can fit your phone or wallet, and two buttoned back pockets. 

The relaxed fit is certainly relaxed in the thighs, but the waist could definitely do with a bit more room (at least for me; you’re seeing the size 34s here). If you’re on the bigger side, I still recommend going a size up, as you can always use a belt if they’re too big.

Verdict: These are about as classic as you can get, and have such a timeless style that goes with pretty much anything. They’re also made in the States, making them a great USA-made pick.

Alex Mill Standard Pleated Pant in Chino

Best Garment-Dyed Chinos: Most pants from Alex Mill are adequately built to take on your day-to-day routine, and few more so than the roomy Pleated Chino. Composed of sturdy midweight cotton and a touch of elastase, the comfortable pants provide enhanced freedom of movement thanks to their gusseted crotch and relaxed fit from the hip down. Best of all, the brand accounts for taller folks who constantly get the wrong size sent to them when ordering online, as they sell the pants in regular and long lengths and provide a thorough size guide before buying. 

Right off the bat, you can tell how much care was put into making these chinos, and there are tons of little details that really elevate the piece. First off, the color here just looks great, thanks to the garment-dyed fabric (which also gives it a more lived-in feel). You’re also getting very subtle front pleats, which give you a little extra room and style. As for the fit, the waist here was perfect for me, with a relaxed fit that’s slightly cropped (and slightly tapered), featuring a longer rise and a relaxed look and feel throughout the leg. For storage, there are two hand pockets, two back pockets (one with a button), and this neat little buttoned coin pocket on the right that really adds to the unique look of these pants.

I really have no criticisms with these chinos; they fit me perfectly, and I loved the look overall. If I had to say something, though, the leg cuffs come permanently rolled, so if that’s not your style, then you may not enjoy this. Also, these may run a tad short if you’re on the taller side, especially since you can’t roll the cuffs on the ankles down.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a clean and modern cropped look, then Alex Mill has you covered with these relaxed chinos.

Todd Snyder Japanese Relaxed Fit Selvedge Chino in Olive

Best Selvedge Chinos: Todd Snyder routinely bolsters its wide catalog of elegant, Savile Row-inspired garments, and they do no less with these chinos crafted from Japanese selvedge. For added authenticity, the fabric is brought overseas from the esteemed Kuroki mill in Japan, providing the deep indigo hue that assists in these pants garnering the spotlight.  Equipped with a button fly composed of sturdy melamine, this is an ideal pair of pants to pick up this winter — or any time of year, to be honest. At the end of the day, Savile Row looks tend to age with nothing less than grace.

As a personal favorite in this guide, I absolutely loved the look and fit of this pick from Todd Snyder. It’s made with premium fabric that’s been imported from the legendary Kuroki Mill in Japan and made on traditional shuttle looms, giving it that classic look and feel of vintage military khakis (I really loved the dry hand feel here). As for the fit, this was one of the comfiest picks in the guide for me, especially around the waist, giving me a relaxed look and feel that actually felt relaxed. Everything about these chinos just screams luxury, honestly, from the fabric quality to the melamine buttons, and the blend of modern style with classic design cues and construction is really the cherry on top.

While I’m personally a big fan of wider leg openings in general (especially when it comes to chinos), I get that others may prefer a more straight leg/tapered fit. But these look great when rolled up and really feel incredible, so don’t let the wide opening deter you if this catches your eye.

Verdict: Made with premium Japanese selvedge denim from Kuroki Mill in Japan and made on traditional shuttle looms, this is the most premium pick in our guide and has a super modern look.

Chinos Comparison Chart

WHAT ARE CHINOS?

Chino pants, commonly referred to as “chinos”, are made from chino cloth, which is a twill fabric that was originally made with 100% cotton, but now synthetic blends are more commonly available. These pants were originally designed for use in the military (specifically, in the 19th century for the Spanish-American war), because they were comfortable and durable, and the earth tones of the fabric would go on to influence the transition to camouflage clothing in the armed forces. They have a tailored fit that’s not too constricting and look great at the office or just for running errands.

CHINOS VS. SLACKS VS. KHAKIS

Chinos are sort of a middle ground between dress and casual wear (business casual, as they say), while slacks are most definitely dress garments. Labels will sometimes use khaki and chino interchangeably, but true khakis are usually less formal than chinos, with a heavier construction and a looser look/feel. All three of these options can easily be dressed up, however, and it comes down to personal taste when deciding what’s right for you.

Honorable Mentions

Ralph Lauren is such a staple in the menswear scene, and there always worth a shout, especially when it comes to staples like chinos. The label’s Whitman Relaxed Fit Pleated Chino Pant is made with soft cotton chino fabric, and comes with a relaxed fit that sits just at the waist.

You already be familiar with lululemon’s ABC joggers, but the ABC Classic-Fit Trousers have the same roomy fit as the rest of its ABC lineup, offering a four-way stretch through the label’s proprietary Warpstreme fabric (a blend of polyester and elastane that retains its shape).

Uniqlo’s Slim-Fit Chino Pants are a super solid budget pick, and what makes them especially impressive (for this price point) is the use of Supima cotton. You’re getting a relaxed fit with double-besom back pockets, and a versatile look that goes with anything.

Bonobos has updated its popular chinos with The Chino 2.0, now equipped with four-way stretch for added comfort and a moisture-wicking fabric designed to resist wrinkles. It’s also available in a new slim taper fit and comes with a secret zip pocket.

The Everlane The Performance Chino combines the look of your classic chinos with performance fabrics and design, giving you a pair of pants you can wear anywhere, every day. They’re built with a four-way stretch and feature quick-drying and moisture-wicking properties for added convenience.

The Best High Tops for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for new chinos, odds are you could use some other new pieces for your ensemble, too. Get some help from our guide to the best high tops.