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The 10 Best Chino Shorts To Rock This Summer
Like their longer-legged sibling’s chino pants, chino shorts serve an interesting purpose in men’s fashion. They lean more casual, but they’re just refined enough to pass for slightly dressy, or smart casual if you will.
That makes chino shorts the perfect base for summer outfits, where occasions tend to be casual but with a lively vibe. So as summer rolls in, you’ll want to have several pairs in rotation, because this versatile piece of clothing can be worn in just about any warm-weather setting. Here are the 10 best pains of men’s chino shorts at every price point.
Best Buy
1. Asket The Shorts
In our opinion, Asket’s “The Shorts” are just about perfect as far as chino shorts go (and aptly named – gotta love the art of simplicity). The shorts are super clean-looking, with front slant pockets, rear slash pockets, and no logos anywhere. They’re made of 100% organic cotton twill that’s both soft and crisp, which helps them retain their shape all day. These chinos also hit just above the knee, giving them a modern fitted silhouette.
If you need another reason to pull the trigger and buy these Asket chinos, the Swedish company focuses relentlessly on sustainability. It publishes stats like a garment’s landed cost and traceability, and openly encourages consumers to buy less but really love the items they do buy. That’s a company value we can certainly get behind.
2. Todd Snyder 9” Japanese Cut Off Short
We frequently sing Todd Snyder’s praises here at Next Luxury. We’re huge fans of the designer’s innovative and surprising New-York-City-meets-London-meets-military pieces – mostly because they’re just as wearable as they are stylish.
These 9” Japanese Cut Off Shorts are a perfect example: they pay homage to the military with authentic melamine buttons and impeccable tailoring, but they also have a perfectly frayed hem. In what world do the military and frayed anything meet? Todd Snyder’s world, that’s where. The shorts are also woven on vintage looms to give the 100% cotton fabric a genuine surplus look and feel. Note that these chino shorts are based on Todd Snyder’s Japanese Selvedge Chino Pants, so if you like either one, you’re bound to like the other, as well.
3. H&M Slim Fit Chino Shorts
Thankfully, you can find fantastic men’s chino shorts even if you’re not shopping with a Tom Snyder budget. H&M always comes in clutch for affordable, high-quality fashion pieces, and the company’s slim fit chinos are one of our favorite examples.
Clocking in at less than $20, it’s fairly (and very pleasantly) surprising that these H&M chino shorts are made of 100% cotton. They’re light and, of course, breathable, and several reviewers mention that the fabric has a nice super-soft, almost slick feel. As is often the case with H&M, these shorts are classics with a fun twist: they have traditional styling, such as button-close rear pockets, but they also have a rolled cuff hem and come in prints.
Please note: “slim fit” appears to be a bit of a misnomer, as these chino shorts have an obviously relaxed fit.
4. Polo Ralph Lauren Cotton-blend Chino Shorts
Is it just us, or is Polo Ralph Lauren synonymous with chinos? The classic, all-American look fits perfectly with one of the most classic, all-American fashion houses of all time. And in keeping with that, these chino shorts for men are an extra-smart take on the closet staple.
The chino shorts scream summers on Cape Cod, with a slim, straight-leg fit that hits a couple of inches above the knee. Their cotton-blend twill fabric is just thick and stiff enough to ward off wrinkles and hold their shape, even on the most active days, but also has a bit of stretch for comfort. To wear chino shorts this fitted, take a cue from the designer itself and balance them with an open button-down layered over a fitted t-shirt, or even a Hawaiian shirt.
5. Bonobos Stretch Washed Chino Shorts
Bonobos make some of the best men’s modern wardrobe essentials – they fit really well, they’re well-constructed, and they’re no-frills, but in the best possible way. These chino shorts are no exception. They stand out from other options because they come in several colors, a relatively rare feature in this particular clothing item. We especially love the seafoam green Nopales and gray Castlerock variations.
The shorts have a 7” inseam to hit slightly above the knee, and a mid-rise, very classic silhouette, striking a perfect balance between not-too-slim and not-too-relaxed. The material also has just a touch of stretchy spandex for all-day wearability.
A final feature we really like in these shorts is the monochrome buttons on the rear pockets. This subtle, simple detail goes a long way in making the look more streamlined and modern.
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6. Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that these chino shorts quite literally have a lot going on: they come in different lengths (7” or 9”) and several colors. There are even more options than the Bonobos pair above! They also look slightly different than your standard chino shorts, with a fabric blend that “stretches like a performance short.” That means you’ll practically live in these, which is likely how they got their name.
The decidedly modern yet classic look of these chino shorts makes them appropriate for nearly any environment. If you work in an office that has a slightly relaxed dress code or allows shorts in the summer, you’ll really live in these shorts. We love the side welt pockets and rear slash pockets, plus the fact that they’re so lightweight. Pair them with a chambray or flannel shirt and you have a new everyday uniform.
7. L.L. Bean Wrinkle-Free Double L Natural Fit Chino Shorts
L.L. Bean is another one of our go-to brands. The company has been around (and more importantly, relevant!) for well over a century, focusing on clothing, boots, and accessories designed for maritime and outdoor life. That means it’s exceedingly durable and functional, and the price point is totally reasonable as well.
In the case of these 100% cotton chino shorts, they’re about as classic as you can get. They lend themselves to a preppy look with their 8” inseam, natural fit, classic color options, and crisp, plain front. The wrinkle-free, stain-resistant, no-shrink technology makes these shorts no-fuss, so this is one of our favorite pairs for travel and especially active days. Bonus: they come in extended waist sizes up to 44”.
8. Saturdays New York City “Ross” Chino Shorts
Back in 2016, GQ name Saturdays New York City the “Best New Menswear Designers in America,” so it’s safe to assume these guys know how to make a great pair of chino shorts. The company gets all of its clothing inspiration from NYC (where else?), which means it’s designed to be extremely functional, versatile, and of course, stylish.
The workwear-inspired Ross chino shorts have a noticeably more relaxed fit than the other options on this list, but they’re not at all baggy. It’s a look inspired by the old-school chinos that were worn day in and day out, and the washed color options align well with that. To style these shorts, balance them with a more fitted shirt, like a short-sleeved button-up or a simple v-neck.
9. Everlane Slim Fit Performance Chino Shorts
If you’re a fan of Lululemon and similar activewear brands, this is the perfect pair of chino shorts for you. They look like a totally classic pair of shorts, but as a “performance short,” they’re made of lightweight 94% cotton and 6% elastane with four-way stretch, designed to allow unrestricted movement. Like Lulus, these Everlane chino shorts are also quick-drying and sweat-wicking, so they’re up for anything from a casual brunch date to a full day on the golf course.
Choose from four colors and two different inseam lengths, 7” and 9”. We always appreciate a company that offers extended sizes, and Everlane doesn’t disappoint, with single-digit waist size options ranging from 28 to 38. And at a budget-friendly price point, it’s not at all difficult to understand why Everlane has become such a cult favorite in recent years.
10. Rhone Commuter Shorts
Since performance and activewear shorts are increasingly popular, we wanted to include more than just one option in the chinos realm. Designer Rhone has aptly named these shorts the Commuter, because they’ll take you literally anywhere you want to go and they’re up for anything.
Made of 100% lightweight polyester with four-way stretch, these are perhaps the least chino-looking shorts on the list and certainly the most modern. Choose from several hip colors (we see you, Blue Grouper and Redwood Trail) and sizes ranging from 30 to 40”, all with a 7” inseam.
Our absolute favorite feature is the cleverly designed pockets. You’ll find two hidden secured pockets, perfect for your phone or cash – one in a front pocket and a zippered pocket inside one in the rear.
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Chino short FAQs
Chino shorts are often referred to as khaki shorts, but they’re actually two distinctly different styles. They’re a utilitarian style and almost always made of cotton twill, with modern versions often including spandex or elastane for stretch and comfort. Another identifying factor for chino shorts is typically hidden or very subtle stitching, whereas it’s much more obvious in khakis.
Since they’re so timeless – not to mention the fact that they generally come in neutral colors – chino shorts go with just about everything. Depending on the fit, whether you prefer a slimmer silhouette or a pair with a slightly more relaxed cut, we recommend balancing it out.
For example, pair a slim-fit pair of chino shorts with an untucked button-up shirt or top your look with a denim jacket. Similarly, wear a fitted, simple tee-shirt or light sweater with more relaxed shorts. A sleek blazer or sport coat also works well as a somewhat unexpected topper with any chino shorts look.
The single most important factor when it comes to chino shorts is fit. Chinos aren’t meant to be baggy (though they can be relaxed; there’s a distinct difference), so they can easily look sloppy if they don’t fit right. This is especially true of colors like beige and stone that aren’t particularly forgiving. Almost all chinos are cut with a classic silhouette, so look for a pair that’s comfortable for you in a fabric that you’ll enjoy wearing.