The Ultimate Chinos Guide
We’re pulling the most asked, most interesting and most puzzling Reddit Male Fashion Advice questions and helping you answer them
Chinos get a bad rap. Contrary to popular belief chinos don’t have to be designated 9-5 work wear or fit two sizes too big. The modern man wants his chinos to fit slim, but not skin tight. Here’s how to work them into your wardrobe for different body types.
Athletic Build
For guys with muscular legs and a more rectangular frame, finding pants with enough room in the legs is hard. You don’t want your chinos to fit too tight or you’ll look bulky and disproportional.
Take a look at the measurements of the pants - a 17" or 18" leg opening is a good sized wide-leg pant that will look fitted on the body. Tuck your button-down shirt in so you look clean and crisp and don’t forget to wear a belt.
Life/After/Denim 5oz Slim Fit Chino
Tall and Slim
Choose a straight-cut, low-rise pair of chinos to keep your look long and lean. Finding inseams (pant length) at 36" or longer is a challenge, which is why these J. Crew unhemmed chinos come with a 37.5" leg so you can tailor the length to your preference or them leave raw. Banana Republic offers a 36" leg chino pant that’s perfect for the office.
J.Crew Unhemmed Essential Chino
Regular and Slim
A tapered leg will give you a slim look without being too skinny at the ankle. Norse Projects is a cool brand to check out for a rugged, casual look. Club Monaco makes pants with a 30", 32" and 34" inseam with a good cut, zipper fly and quarter-top pockets.
You can roll the pants a couple times and go sockless with a casual pair of slip-on sneakers or sandals in the summer or chukkas in the fall.
Heavyset
For men who fit a waist size of 40" or more, it’s hard to find awesome brands that have a stylish, modern take on chinos and are at a good price point. If your body is rounder, make sure you don’t wear pants with a tight leg opening; a relaxed fit is the way to go. Deep front pockets and back pockets that sit closer together are flattering for this body shape.
Banana Republic Aiden Slim-Fit Chino
Pro Tip: If you’re trying out a new brand or style, you can either head over to the store to try them on or order online and try them at home. Most e-commerce stores have excellent shipping and returns/exchanges policies. The best way to do it is order two sizes in each item and return the one that doesn’t fit.
Now that you’ve read the guide, check out some pants you’ll want to wear on Wantering.
