When you think of the best men’s shorts, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? When I think of shorts, I think of something casual and classic, something easy to wear. In my experience, that means I reach for something like chino shorts, of course.
Chino is, first of all, a type of cotton, with a compact weave and a hard-wearing construction.
Because we’re talking shorts here, chinos often get a summer boost with the use of stretch fabric, and sometimes, a fabric like linen is thrown into the mix. I prefer shorts with a toe line, like the cotton stretch of a chino short, and hopefully, you feel the same way.
Flint and Tinder 365 Shorts
Huckberry’s popular brand Flint and Tinder really knocks it out of the park when it comes to the best chino shorts – I’m personally a big fan of the design, season after season, and it just seems to get better.
Here, the key is using the same lightweight, soft yet durable fabric as found in the aptly named 365 Chino Pants brand. The 7-inch inseam is flattering, while the wide range of color options suit every style.
Billy Reid Chino Shorts
It’s time to take your unconventional style to the next level. When you wear stylish chino shorts that are really designed with every single detail in mind, you tend to notice the difference right away. That’s certainly the case with Billy Reid’s Chino Shorts, crafted with unexpected details like half-moon stitching and bar tacking on the pockets.
Both of those touches bring next-level durability, while the cotton-twill fabric is machine-washable for incredible softness. A slim fit at the waist should look flattering and dressy, making it the perfect pairing with polished loafers and a white polo.
Bonobos Chino Short 2.0
In the same way that Flint and Tinder took their famous 365 fabric and turned it into shorts, Bonobos has taken a similar tack when it comes to its Stretch Washed Chino Shorts. I found the brand’s chino shorts to be as well made, comfortable and reliable as the brand’s chinos, with plenty of colors and options to suit every stylish, modern guy.
Think of them as a shorter version of the versatile chinos that made the company so popular. The ability to customize your fit (Regular, Slim or Running) and inseam length (from 5 inches to 9 inches) is also a huge bonus.
AG Wanderer Chino Shorts
Soft, breezy poplin chino shorts are a strong summer style move, with all the comfort you need, and AG understands that well. They also feature 2 percent elastane for added stretch and ease of movement, while bright color options add a touch of glamor to the perfect summer look. When it’s time to break out of AG’s famous denim, step into these chino shorts.
Devil-Dog Dungarees Performance Twill Chino Shorts
Although perhaps best known for its denim, Devil-Dog Dungarees take a more modern approach to chino shorts. I’ve had great success wearing the brand’s jeans that are strong, stretchy and soft but mostly hold their shape.
I expect the same from its shorts, which use a reliable sand cotton sateen fabric with a hint of stretch that’s key for summer style and travel. The color is also classic, and the fit (normally straight fit) is on point, too. They could be your new go-to shorts for the summer, just like I can’t get enough of my denim Devil-Dog Dungarees.
IJ.Crew Stretch Chino Short
Leave it to J.Crew to design a pair as timeless as any. In fact, my first sophisticated, stylish pair of shorts – beyond the cargo shorts of my youth – came from J.Crew, and I’ve been able to rely on the brand in the years since.
I also appreciate the comfortable chino fabric, and colors like Dusty Navy and Aircraft Surplus. It also helps that the 7-inch inseam hits above the knee on most guys for a clean, cool look.
How to Style Chino Shorts
In the right cut and color, you can wear them with everything from a pocket tee to a polo to a henley. I’ve found that a pair of chino shorts that fit perfectly is perfect for everything from backyard BBQs to casual brunch. Paired with my chino shorts and a navy polo with loafers, or a pocket tee and canvas sneakers.
How Should Chino Shorts Fit?
Find the right inseam length (a 7 or 8 inch inseam seems to work for most guys), and pair it to your liking with your summer style favorites. I usually wear shorts with a 7 or 8 inch inseam myself (I’m 6’3″, for reference). To start you on your way to becoming a seasoned style expert, here are my picks for the best chino shorts.