10 Best Chinos for Men 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Style Editors

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.