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The best men’s chinos that don’t scream ‘dadwear’
Forget ghastly red trousers, designers are rehabilitating chinos for a new generation of guys and, in the process, making them more essential to your wardrobe than ever
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Chances are chinos come with a bad rep for you. Sadly, the item has come to be defined by two specific types of trousers: baggy khakis worn by your dad (usually with terrible trainers and a faded polo shirt tucked into the waistband) or “fuck, yeah, red trousers” worn by men with numerals after their name who got their start interning at their dad’s bank.
Either way, not great – which is a shame because they are quite possibly the most versatile leg-wear you can have hanging in your wardrobe, masterfully walking the line between smart and casual.
And while you might be thinking chinos are solely something that belongs in your dad’s wardrobe, you’d be wrong. Your dad’s chinos these ain’t – brands have recognised a need for the menswear hero to be given a new lease of life and chinos are no longer just something designed to wear to Henley Royal Regatta.
What are GQ's best chinos for men?
You'll find all the chinos worth your consideration in the gallery below, but first, here's what our editors are wearing:
- Best all-around chinos: Percival Auxiliary chinos, £129 at percivalclo.com
- Best budget chinos: Everlane's ‘Performance’ chinos, £92 at everlane.com
- Best designer chinos: Gallery Dept. bootcut chinos, £720 at mrporter.com
- Best muted-tone chinos: Carhartt WIP chinos, £89 at endclothing.com
- Best smart chinos: Sunspel, £175 at sunspel.com
What's the difference between chinos and trousers?
The difference between a high-quality pair of trousers and cotton chinos is a simple one. Tailored trousers might have a pleat down the leg, a matching blazer, or a generally more formal feel. Whereas the humble chino pants? They have an altogether more casual energy; often done out in cotton, stretch cotton or twill fabric, these are trousers minus the tailoring. These are preppy, Ivy League, Chuck Bass trousers. Not the kind that you’re wearing with loafers to a dress-coded event, but the kind that you’re styling with Chelseas or trainers for a more everyday feel.
Should chinos be slim or straight?
Well, like all things, the ‘best chinos’ is an entirely subjective term. That said, straight-fit vs. slim-fit chinos is the age-old question when it comes to men’s fashion, and each will deliver different vibes upon wear.
First things first. A more tapered fit or athletic fit instantly creates a more business casual or preppy feel, primed for pairing with a shirt, knitted polo or vest. That’s Chinos 101. But a straight, classic fit? Or even a wide-fit? This instantly feels edged-up, streetwise, almost Italian in vibe.
Are chinos more dressy than jeans?
Whilst ultimately the formality of your chinos depends on your styling of them, at their very core we would say that yes, chinos are more dressy than jeans. However, upping the sartorial sakes of the classic chino is easily done.
For a more smart-casual feel, we’d suggest eschewing stretch chinos (the cotton kind blended with some sort of elastane) for something sturdier, like a pure cotton or a hardy twill. In terms of retailers, think along the lines of Raey or Nudie Jeans.
For something more spicy and streetwise, look to Uniqlo, Dickies, and Carhartt. And when it comes to styling? Keep things simple. Add a sweatshirt or a hoodie, maybe layer with a vest. Think... what would a Hackney guy do?
How do we select our favourite chinos?
So, how exactly do we choose what constitutes the best chinos for men in 2024? Simple. We know our stuff, we do our research, and we get out there to experience as much product as possible.
Our section head of menswear for GQ Recommends, Heidi Quill, is obsessed with clothes. Joining British GQ in 2021, Heidi might primarily look after clothing content, but she spends a healthy amount of time up to her neck in samples, checking product for the very best quality, price and design, all before recommending it to you. That includes knowing everything there is to know about a good pair of chinos.
A trouser with almost unlimited potential (black tie may be one of the very few places they're a no-no), choosing the right pair of chinos can set your wardrobe lightyears ahead. To that end, Heidi and our team of contributing writers and freelancers (Jessie Atkinson, Faye Fearon and Adam Cheung) have strongly considered a flattering, straight leg fit and majority cotton/cotton twill material in their choices. Scroll on for their findings.
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