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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
| Material | 53% Elastomultiester, 47% Recycled polyester |
|---|---|
| Fit | Classic, slim, relaxed |
| Waist Sizing | 28-46 |
| Inseam Sizing | 28-37 |
Rhone totally gets it right with workout clothes, but the athleisure brand also got the everyday chinos down pat as well. This classic five-pocket style may remind you of your favorite jeans, but it’s super lightweight and way more comfortable. 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.
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| Material | Lyocell, Cotton, and Spandex |
|---|---|
| Fit | Slim straight |
| Waist Sizing | 28—40 |
| Inseam Sizing | 26—33 |
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 comfort 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 tad 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 is wrinkle-resistant. And we love that Bonobos added a zip pocket to help us safely store our small stuff.
| Material | 92% Cotton, 8% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Fit | Slim Taper, Tailored, Slim, Athletic, Straight |
| Waist Sizing | 28-46 |
| Inseam Sizing | 28-36 |
Pros
- Subtle side seams for a dress trouser style
- Affordable
- Stretchy, comfortable fit
Cons
- Sells out in a flash
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.
| Material | 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Fit | Slim |
| Waist Sizing | 27—40 |
| Inseam Sizing | 34 |
Pros
- Pre-shrunk and garment-dyed twill fabric
- Wide-leg cut means a more relaxed fit
Cons
- Not as stretchy as other options on the list
Save Khaki’s offering is so agile yet rugged at the same time that you’d second-guess whether they’re actually chinos after all. The pair is made from a pre-shrunk twill fabric and garment-dyed effect to give it that lived-in, vintage charm. Based on our testing, we found they’re not as stretchy as other options on the list, but they don’t compromise on mobility. While these chinos do require some time to break in, once you start feeling comfortable in them, you’ll notice how durable and flexible they are.
Let’s also not forget how versatile they are. This style works at the bar, the office, and even on the golf course. We love that the Weekend Chino has the professional look of chinos coupled with a wide-leg jean cut, which has become increasingly popular as part of the trend toward more relaxed, less restrictive fits. 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.
Read More: Best Work Pants for Men
| Material | 100% Cotton Twill |
|---|---|
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Waist Sizing | 28—38 |
The right pair of chinos can be easily dressed up for more formal settings. Take Rag & Bone’s offering. It has clean lines, slant pockets, subtle stitching, and a finish that’s just a notch above your average pair of chinos. Also, the cotton-elastane blend gives you flexibility to move every which way without feeling stiff. Designed in a slim, tailored fit, this pant looks sharp enough for a fancy dinner party or theater outing. To amp up our style, we matched these with a crisp Oxford shirt and some dapper lace-up loafers. We know it may be a sticker shock when you glance at the price tag, but these chinos are durable to survive multiple wash cycles and still keep its fresh-off-the-rack look.
| Material | 97% Cotton, 3% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Fit | Mid rise, Slim |
| Waist Sizing | 28—38 |
| Inseam Sizing | 32″ |
Pleats help your chinos drape better, creating extra space in the front and offering a more structured look. Enter Alex Mill’s version. It’s all about the relaxed fit throughout the leg, so you have more breathing room and feel comfortable at all times. You can travel in these chinos for a full day and still be appropriate for an afternoon work meeting.
As for the vibe, this style strikes a balance between formal and casual, which means you can build a vast amount of outfits for multiple affairs. Our fashion editors prefer the military green because it gives that nuanced, understated edge that adds depth and versatility to any outfit. In addition to the pleats, we like other small details that add character like the X belt loop in the back and the buttoned coin pocket in the front.
| Material | 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane |
|---|---|
| Fit | Relaxed |
| Waist Sizing | 28—38 |
| Inseam Sizing | Regular or Long |
Dockers is known for pioneering the modern khaki and popularizing business-casual style. It’s no wonder the brand’s chinos are the ultimate go-to 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 chill, modern vibe. 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 bistretch 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.
| Material | 95% Cotton, 5% Elastane — Bistretch twill |
|---|---|
| Fit | Slim |
| Waist Sizing | 28—40 |
| Inseam Sizing | 29—36 |
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 most importantly, 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.
| Material | 90% Cotton, 8% Elasterrell, 2% Spandex |
|---|---|
| Fit | Slim |
| Waist Sizing | 28—44 |
| Inseam Sizing | 28—34 |
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. “Style and cut are truly a personal preference when shopping for chino and dependent on the type of pants that flatters a man’s body type and what style they are looking to achieve,” says Segall. She further explains the two most popular cuts for chinos: straight leg, and slim fit. “Straight-leg chinos offer a more clean-cut and classic look, whereas slim-fit chinos are tighter and offer a more defined 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, Liebenberg has some words of wisdom to share. “Guys with larger legs typically find that off-the-rack chinos are loose around the waist. That’s a common problem with bodybuilders who have to size up to get normal chinos to fit their quads, but because they have a slighter waist it’s often loose.” As such, he recommends having 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.
Why Trust Men’s Health
At Men’s Health, our testing editors and writers always make sure to actually test and use the products ourselves before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience, and you can read more about our testing process here.
In addition, we have a whole fashion closet in our NYC office dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best and newest menswear products. We put them on stylish, fit guys to hear their opinions and see how the items look on them before making our final decision. As style editors, we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s materials—even put it on ourselves for a spin—to test it.
Lastly, you can trust our opinions on shopping recommendations, whether it’s the products, styling tips, or trends. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollyan, but we also have a panel of style experts—including stylists, fashion influencers, designers, etc.—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.
Ted Stafford is the Fashion Director of Men’s Health. He oversees all style and fashion content for the brand, and also styles their fashion stories. His active lifestyle informs his passion for translating great designs into real-life style, a favorite part of his job. Prior to joining Men’s Health he worked at GQ magazine and Calvin Klein
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