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The 7 Best Breathable Pairs of Chinos for Men
The way things are going, warm weather will soon be year-round. Time to purchase accordingly.
Dressing nicely for the office or assembling an outfit worthy of that romantic outdoor dinner date you’ve had circled for weeks can get tricky when the temperature is downright disgusting. One of the easiest ways to look polished and presentable without sweating your ass off? A great pair of breathable chinos—handsome enough for grown-up plans, lightweight enough to keep you from melting into the patio furniture.
To do our menswear due diligence, yes, we know that chinos are a very specific type of pant made from a specific type of fabric. However, America’s 2026 vernacular, “chino” has become shorthand for business-casual pants in general, so we’re doing a service to the less-nerdy readers that ended up here and showing them everything in and around the category. That means casual tailored pants as well as suit separates. Though we will lean more towards chino-looking earthy colors.
Expect legitimate chinos alongside some clean-cut pairs made from lightweight fabrics you can wear to the office, on a date, or around the golf course. If your closet could use a breezier upgrade, we’d recommend trying out these options.
Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Trousers
Lululemon ABC Classic-Fit Trousers
These cult-classic pants from Lululemon already have our Endorsement, and you knew they’d have to be on this list. As far as we’re concerned, every guy should own at least one pair of these fundamental trousers, and they’re especially great for hot temps. Not only is the fabric stretchy, super soft, breathable, and quick drying, but the pants just look good, period. You can wear them to work, then out to drinks—and they’re comfortable enough that you’ll want to wear them on the weekends, too.
| Colors | 15 |
| Sizes | 28-40 |
| Lengths | 28", 30", 32", 34", 37" |
| Materials | Elastomultiester, recycled polyester |
Casatlantic El Jadida Linen Trousers
Casatlantic El Jadida Linen Trousers
In post-pandemic work culture, there’s been a whole debate on whether it’s appropriate to ever wear shorts to the office. Well, commerce editor Luke Guillory’s take is that, with a good pair of linen pants like these ones from Casatlantic, you should never have to wear shorts to the office.
“I’ve worn them on multiple 100 degree days in Georgia’s sweltering midsummer heat; you’ll be fine wearing them on the walk from the parking garage to the office,” Guillory says. Handcrafted in Morocco, these breezy pants are made from 100 percent linen and come in solid black or white or a brown houndstooth. We’re partial to the white—just don’t spill anything while you’re wearing them.
| Colors | Black, brown, white |
| Sizes | 28-38 |
| Lengths | Fixed length |
| Materials | Linen |
J.Crew Classic-Fit Trousers in Linen Herringbone
J.Crew Classic-Fit Trousers in Linen Herringbone
Another great 100 percent linen option, these herringbone trousers from J.Crew are a nice pair to have for summer work days. Instead of being too tapered or too wide legged, they’re a true, wide and straight chino cut, like the old-school military trousers chinos originated from. But instead of a sturdier cotton twill, the breathable linen makes them much more suitable to hot weather.
| Colors | Light brown, dark brown |
| Sizes | 28-38 |
| Lengths | 30", 32", 34" |
| Materials | Linen |
Ralph Lauren Linen Suit Trousers
Ralph Lauren Linen Suit Trousers
Again, the fact that these are linen suit trousers means they’re not technically chinos in the pure sense of the word, but we like a suit pant as a classy, refined option for summer. A bit more luxe than the other linen options here, these ones from Polo Ralph Lauren have finished hems and a zip fly with a hook-and-bar closure. The cream and navy colorways are classic and perfect for the office, and the orange and yellow options bring a fun pop of color that’s great for days spent outside with an iced drink in hand.
| Colors | 4 |
| Sizes | 28-40 |
| Lengths | 32", 33", 34" |
| Materials | Linen |
Bonobos Lightweight Chinos
Bonobos Lightweight Chinos
It’s pretty incredible how customizable and high quality these lightweight chinos are for being under $100. Out of all the pairs on this list, what really sets these Bonobos pants apart is how many different color and sizing options there are, so you can really get your perfect fit. They come in three fits—a classic slim fit with a slight taper; an athletic fit with more room in the seat and thigh for muscular builds; and a tailored fit, which is slimmer in the hips and narrows from the thighs down.
| Colors | 9 |
| Sizes | 28-42 |
| Materials | 28", 30", 32", 34", 36" |
| Lengths | Organic cotton, elastane |
Marine Layer Saturday Hemp Chinos
Marine Layer Saturday Hemp Chinos
If you want to try something a little different from the usual cotton or linen summer pants, give these hemp chinos from Marine Layer a try. With a comfortable elastic waist and a super lightweight—but still soft—fabric, they’re easy to love.
| Colors | 4 |
| Sizes | S-2XL |
| Lengths | 30", 32", 34" |
| Materials | Hemp, TENCEL lyocell, spandex |
Straight Fit 5-Pocket Chinos
Straight Fit 5-Pocket Chinos
Finally, we had to include another pair of your classic cotton chinos, and Todd Snyder makes a nice breathable pair. These 5-pocket chinos go with literally every outfit and are made from a stretch twill fabric that’s more comfortable than denim and other stiffer materials. They come in five classic colors, with the khaki and canvas being the best for summertime.
| Colors | 5 |
| Sizes | 28-38 |
| Lengths | 30", 32", 34" |
| Materials | Cotton, polyester, lycra |
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