The 14 Best Lightweight Chinos to Buy Now

Generally speaking, any "performance" chino will wear better in warmer weather than a traditional iteration. Sure, polyester doesn't breathe as well as cotton or linen, but Everlane's slim-fit Performance Pant promises better moisture-wicking, a quick-drying seat and plenty of give so air moves through them more consistently. Plus, these come in nearly a dozen colors.

Editor's Note [9/21]: The Buck Mason Carry-On Pant is currently sold out, but it'll surely be restocked... even if it's next spring. They're half of the Carry-On Suit, one of Buck Mason's most popular designs.

These are one half of Buck Mason's Carry-On Suit, which we recently reviewed in full. All of the three colorways work on their own, but the khaki-colored version is probably the most appropriate without its matching top. They're stretchy without looking like Lululemon, comfortable in the waist (there's a hidden string tie inside) and they come in sizes 28 through 38.

Uniqlo's entry-level chinos offer comfortability without sacrificing formality. The classic Slim Fit Chino Pant features a flat front for a polished look, plus four pockets — two on the front and two (with buttons) on the back. They were designed to be lightweight, stretchy and wrinkle-resistant. Free alteration services are available for folks who need (or want) a shorter hem, too.

Todd Snyder's standard Straight Fit 5-Pocket Chino is pretty light to begin with, and the designer sells heavier chino pants, making this the defacto lightweight chino in the catalog. It's made from a mix of cotton and synthetic; they're tailored but not too snug; and these pants stretch enough to give when you get down but not to be noticeable to those who can spot unnatural fibers.

Not only does the fabric of Patagonia’s airy chinos weigh a mere 4.5 ounces, it’s also a 76/24 organic cotton/hemp blend that punches up its cooling power. The elasticated and drawstring waistband offers improved comfortability, but that does make them look more casual — at least at the waist. But, if you wear an untucked shirt no one is likely to see your cinched waist.

Bonobos' Stretch Washed Chinos offer the look of dress pants with the comfortability of breathability of lighter options. They're cut from a 92-8 cotton-elastane blend, which makes them non-iron but wrinkle-resistant. There's an embedded four-way stretch, plus a zipper pocket for safekeeping.

Available in six colors, Mott and Bow's medium-weight chinos are stretchy, soft (because they're garment-washed) and super comfortable to sit in, courtesy of a v-notched rear waistband, which gives when you plop down.

Mack Weldon made its summertime chino out of technical fabrics, meaning they perform like athletic wear, not formal attire. Not only do they have seven pockets, but they're stretchy, spill-, stain-and wrinkle-resistant.

Madewell uses a popular quick-drying technology called COOLMAX for its lightweight chino, which makes these capable of competing with more performance-focused pairs without looking like a performance pant. Aesthetically, these are about as casual as they come, but they'll help you keep cool by staying separated from your skin, stretching when you move and drying fast when you sweat.

I'm not usually the biggest fan of Lululemon's lifestyle designs. They look too Lulu, if that makes sense. But the Commission Pant, seen here in slim-fit, is an OK alternative to the brand's super fitness-forward stuff. These will pass for a classic pair of chinos, but they perform like activewear because they're made with the brand's proprietary wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, shape-holding material, Warpstreme.

These lightweight pants are treated with a garment softener for a velvet-like feel, but that doesn't make them any less breathable. They're plenty airy, impressively put together and polished once buttoned-up, courtesy of a French bearer that keeps the front tight and tidy. These are also slightly customizable, considering you can choose your own combination of color, fit, waist size and inseam.

Rather than featuring slanted pockets, which most chinos have, Faherty opted for a 5-pocket style — like jeans. While that does make these less formal, it doesn't make them any less versatile. Dubbed the Movement Pants, they feature four-way stretch and an organic cotton-COOLMAX-elastane construction that promises quick-drying, lasting comfort and permanent coolness (at least in temperature).

Weighing in at a featherweight 5.5 ounces, Bills Khaki's M2 Island Twill is a lightweight chino fit for tropical trips. It's made from lyocell, cotton and elastane to be both super soft to the touch and on the body when worn. The pockets are deep; there are 8 belt loops; and the waist can easily be altered over time.

Spoke London says its Cotton Lightweights are 25 percent lighter than its traditional chinos, which makes these 5.5 ounces overall. That's as light as Bills Khakis' slightly pricier pants, but these are made from Italian cotton instead of Island Twill. Spoke's signature chinos are also made with 3 percent elastane, so they give when you stretch.