Chinos & Cotton Pants for Men

Chinos for men are smart-casual cotton trousers: a clean flat front, belt loops and a soft, light cloth. They sit between jeans and formal trousers, which makes them the most useful pair you can own: the office on a weekday, dinner on a Friday, travel on a Sunday.

Fabric. Our chinos are cotton with a little stretch, so they move with you and keep their shape through the day; a few are cotton-polyester blends that crease less. Choose a satin weave for a smooth finish, a structure or dobby weave for a fine texture, or twill for the classic chino look. For hot days we also have cotton linen trousers.

Fit. Most are tapered: slim through the thigh and narrowing to the ankle. Skinny is closer still. Drift is our straight fit, and Comfort is straight with more room. Check the size chart on each trouser's page.

Colours. Navy, grey and black are our biggest groups, followed by khaki, beige and brown, and greens from olive to light green. Khaki and beige are the classic chino colours; navy and grey dress up well for the office.

How to wear them. With a tucked-in shirt and loafers for a smart-casual office; with a polo or T-shirt and white sneakers for weekends. Khaki and beige chinos go with blue, white and olive shirts; navy and grey go with almost everything.

Alterations are free at every Basics Life store, so you can have the length finished to suit your shoes.