The Ultimate Guide to Chinos

Chinos are one of the most versatile trousers a man can own. Smarter than jeans, but more relaxed than dress trousers, they’re ideal for almost any day. This guide explains what makes chinos unique, how to style them, and where to buy them—plus how Tellar.co.uk ensures the perfect fit every time.

1. What Are Chinos?

Originally developed for military use, chinos are cotton twill trousers that bridge the gap between formal and casual. They typically feature:

• Straight or tapered leg

• Flat front (no pleats)

• Mid-rise waistband

• Minimal detailing for a cleaner look

Unlike denim, chinos are smoother and often lighter, making them appropriate year-round.

2. Best Fit Types for Chinos

• Slim Fit – Close cut through leg, best for a sharp silhouette

• Regular Fit – Balanced and comfortable for most body types

• Relaxed Fit – More room through the seat and thigh, great for casual wear

Use Tellar’s sizing tool to find your exact fit in brands like COS, Percival, Closed, or Drake’s.

3. Styling Chinos for Every Occasion

• Smart-Casual: Slim khaki chinos + navy merino knit + leather loafers

• Workwear: Stone chinos + Oxford shirt + suede chukkas

• Weekend: Relaxed fit + tee + Converse or Veja trainers

• Evening Look: Black chinos + overshirt + Chelsea boots

Need more outfit inspiration? Read Smart, Casual & Comfortable.

4. Best Colours to Own

• Khaki – A timeless original

• Navy – Smart and versatile

• Olive – A modern neutral that works year-round

• Stone – Perfect for spring/summer

• Rust or Camel – Stylish alternatives for bold dressers

5. Where to Buy the Best Men’s Chinos

• Drake’s – British tailoring meets off-duty style – drakes.com

• Closed – German brand known for elevated casualwear – closed.com

• Sunspel – Premium quality and comfort – sunspel.com

• Percival – London-based brand with a twist on classics – percivalclo.com

• NN07 – Clean Scandinavian tailoring – nn07.com

• Bellerose – Belgian label mixing workwear and polish – bellerose.be

• Folk – Understated modern design – folkclothing.com

• Massimo Dutti – European elegance at a mid-price – massimodutti.com

6. Why Tellar.co.uk Is Your Secret Weapon

Brands all cut differently. Tellar.co.uk instantly matches your body measurements—or a known size from a brand you wear—to the right size across 1,500+ stores.

1. Enter your waist and hip measurements

2. Or your size in a known brand like COS or Drake’s

3. Get your correct size in every other label

Start here: Tellar Store Size LookupNeed measuring help? View Men's Measuring Guide

7. Explore the Tellar Fashion Hub

Tellar’s Fashion Hub is the UK’s largest free styling library, built to help men shop smarter. No ads. No fluff. Just stylist-written, unbiased fashion content.

• How to Do Casual Style Well

• Best Men's Jeans Brands

Final Word

Whether smart or laid-back, chinos are always a good idea. And with Tellar.co.uk, you’ll know exactly which size to buy—wherever you shop.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy. blog post here...