Men have been wearing chinos for roughly a century, and in that time very little has changed. But that doesn’t mean they can't benefit from a little tweaking.

That brings us to stretch chinos. They’re nearly identical in look and feel to their non-stretch cousins, with one crucial difference. The cotton fabric has a tiny amount of spandex, just enough to give it literal “stretch,” allowing it to move with the body.

You’ll feel that difference right away. But you’ll still be able to wear them with whatever else you pair your chions with, from rolled-up buttondowns to sportcoats. This makes them a great choice for anyone who commutes to the office via bicycle.

They’re also useful for another place where dress codes exist—the golf course. As most ask players to wear a collared shirt and non-denim pants, the stretch chino is a way to honor those requirements without compromising your performance.  

Menswear specialist (and golfer) John Donahue has worn his stretch chinos on the links, to great result. “Standard chinos can be very restrictive when trying to execute a golf swing,” John says. “Stretch chinos give me mobility, and the great fit allows me to play with more confidence.”

Not to mention that you’ll still look polished and put-together when you reach the 19th hole.