You might not call raw denim a summer staple. So, as temperatures rise, consider lighter weight chinos — a cooler alternative to heavyweight jeans. Chinos, like denim, are made from cotton-twill fabric, which typically ranges in weight between seven and 10 ounces per yard. Lighter weight summer options, meanwhile, are exactly that — lighter — and they provide a more flexible, less-insulating pant.
“Generally, fabric weight has everything to do with feel and breathability,” says Mike Faherty, a New York-based designer behind Faherty Brand. “A ‘summer weight’ typically has a cotton or linen blend, it’s ultra breathable and packs in the suitcase really nicely.” Here are 10 options to choose from.
L.L. Bean Tropic-Weight Chino Pants
This natural-fit chino is made from six-ounce cotton that’s been pigment-dyed for a casual, lightly-worn look. Available in six different colors, it features front on-seam pockets and two back button-through pockets.
Everlane Lightweight Travel Chino
This pleated chino is cut from 4.2-ounce cotton poplin fabric that includes four percent elasatane for comfort. Available in three colors, it features an interior button-and-hook closure and a slim fit.
J.Crew 484 Lightweight Chinos
Offered in blue, gray and tan, this chino is cut from 5.1-ounce fabric. A small percent of added elastane makes the slim-fit pant more comfortable.
Club Monaco Connor Chinos
These chinos are more substantial, offered in a seven-ounce twill. Like other options, they come with added elastane (three percent) for comfort and are avaiable in a rich green colorway.
Orvis World’s Most Comfortable Chino
This 5.5-ounce poly-cotton-spandex blend is available in four earthy colors. The design features a hidden zipper pocket inside the right front pocket, and back flap pockets.
Bills Khakis Hampstead Twills
Available in a straight fit, these chinos are cut from 5.5-ounce cotton twill. The pant comes in six different colors, washed for a more casual appearance.
Faherty Stretch Chino Pant
This slim-fit chino is cut from a 7.5-ounce cotton twill. With added elastane for comfort, they feature a medium rise, traditional trouser-style front pockets and rear- welt pockets.
NN07 Marco 1240 Chinos
Featuring a 5.6-ounce Italian cotton-poly blend, these chinos come in a slim fit with a tapered leg. They also include three percent elastane for comfort and are available in both navy and gray colorways.
Todd Snyder Hudson Chino
Made in Portugal, these chinos are cut from 6.5-ounce piece-dyed twill. The design features a trim fit, horn buttons and zip fly with tab closure.
Incotex Summer Uniform Chino
Cut from lightweight cotton blended with three-percent elastane, these pants feature a zip fly, brass-tone metal hardware and two side entry pockets. Detailing draws on military and workwear inlfuences.
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