The best budget chinos? Uniqlo Men’s Slim Fit Cotton Chino Review

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The best budget chinos? Uniqlo Men's Slim Fit Cotton Chino Review

I’ve been wearing the Uniqlo Men’s Slim Fit Cotton Chinos for quite some time now, and they have become a staple in my wardrobe. I bought my first pair about three years ago so it’s about time I did a review on them.

They’re my go-to pants for work, weekends, and everything in between. In fact, I love these chinos so much that I currently own 5 pairs – 3 in khaki and 2 in navy. (If I’m not wearing these chinos, I’m either wearing Uniqlo Kando pants or cotton shorts)

Whether I’m running errands, meeting friends for coffee, or attending a business meeting, I always feel confident and comfortable in these chinos.

The Pros

The Fit

One thing that I love about these chinos is their versatile fit. As someone who prefers a modern and neat cut, I find that these chinos strike the perfect balance between slim and relaxed. They’re not too tight around the thighs and calves, but they’re not too baggy either.

This makes them a great option for different occasions and dress codes. For example, I can wear them with a casual t-shirt and sneakers for a laid-back look, or I can pair them with a button-up shirt and dress shoes for a more formal outfit. They also look great for the Ivy League look we detailed not long ago.

The best budget chinos? Uniqlo Men's Slim Fit Cotton Chino Review

The Material

The quality of the material is another aspect that stands out to me.

These chinos are made of 98% cotton, which makes them soft and breathable. I can wear them for long hours without feeling sweaty or uncomfortable. The material is also thick enough to provide some structure and weight to the pants, so they drape nicely and don’t look flimsy.

Plus, they’re durable enough to withstand frequent washing and wearing, which is a big plus for me. That said darker colors do fade (see the cons below).

The Price

At around 49 USD, these chinos are a steal. I’ve owned more expensive chinos in the past, and I can honestly say that the Uniqlo Men’s Slim Fit Cotton Chinos hold up just as well, if not better, than some of those higher-end options.

I appreciate that I can stock up on multiple pairs without breaking the bank, which allows me to always have a fresh pair ready to wear when needed.

The Cons

The Darker Colors Fade

While I love the navy color of these chinos, I have noticed that they tend to fade a bit over time. This is especially true if I wear them frequently or wash them frequently. However, I’ve found that this is a common issue with most dark-colored clothing items, so it’s not a dealbreaker for me. Also, they can easily be redyed at home when needed!

This may be because I live in South East Asia, where it is very sunny and sun damage happens easily. I am not sure as I have not tested them elsewhere for long enough. If any of you have any information on this, it would be great to hear from you in the comments.

That said, If you’re someone who prefers a more uniform color or who wants to keep the original color intact for longer, then you may want to opt for the khaki color instead. I have had one pair of khaki Uniqlo slim-fit chinos for almost 2 years and they are still going strong.

The Sizing

As someone who is 6 foot 1 and weighs 190 pounds, I wear a waist size of 85cm (33.46 inches). The standard leg length of 34 inches works well for me, but I can see how it might be too long or too short for others.

For example, if you’re shorter than me, you may need to have them taken up, which can add to the cost of the pants. On the other hand, if you’re taller than me, you may find that the pants are a bit too short for your liking. In either case, it’s important to try them on or read the size guide carefully before making a purchase.

Upkeep and Folding Size

Upkeep is an important consideration when it comes to these chinos. As they are made from 98% cotton, they do tend to crease and will need to be ironed if you want them to look their best. While this can be a bit of a hassle, it’s worth it to maintain the overall aesthetic of the pants.

One thing to note is that these chinos may not be the best option if you’re looking to travel minimally. They do take a bit longer to dry than some other materials, and they don’t fold up as small as you might like. That being said, they are still a great option for everyday wear, and the overall quality and versatility make them a worthwhile investment. Sometimes, we can’t have it all, and in this case, the benefits of these chinos outweigh the minor inconveniences.

The Verdict

All things considered, I would highly recommend the Uniqlo Men’s Slim Fit Cotton Chinos to anyone looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality or style.

They’re comfortable, versatile, and durable, making them a great addition to any wardrobe.

Overall, the Uniqlo Men’s Slim Fit Cotton Chinos are a great value for their price point, and I believe they would make an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and stylish pair of chinos.