Find your fit: men’s chinos, casual pants and shorts
Mainstreet's casual bottoms come in six core fits, skinny, slim, tapered, straight, cuffed and relaxed, so you can match the cut to your leg shape and the occasion.
- Skinny — Sits close through the leg and is best suited to slimmer legs.
- Slim — Gives you a closer, neater shape without fitting as tightly as a skinny cut.
- Tapered — Offers more ease higher up the leg before narrowing towards the ankle.
- Straight — Provides more room through the leg with a consistent shape from thigh to hem.
- Cuffed — Finishes at the ankle with a cuff for a more casual look.
- Relaxed — Loose through the thigh and leg for a laid-back Style
Think about where the pants will get the most wear. A slim or tapered pair can take you from business luncheons to after-work plans without looking underdressed, while straight cuts are ideal for travel and weekend plans. Cuffed styles lean more relaxed, so they make sense for coffee runs, errands and low-key social plans.
Once you know which cut you prefer, use our men’s size guide to compare measurements before ordering. Don’t assume the number on your favourite jeans will translate directly to chinos, as sizing can vary between brands and style.
Chinos vs jeans: which should you wear?
Chinos are smart-casual cotton-twill trousers that dress up more easily than jeans, while jeans read more casual, so most men keep both for different dress codes.
Men’s chinos have a cleaner finish, which makes them an excellent choice for the office, dinner, a pub lunch or any event where jeans might feel a little too informal. Pair them with a collared shirt and you can look put together without stepping into formal-trouser territory.
Jeans make more sense as everyday pants. They also give an outfit a distinct texture and easygoing feel compared to men’s chinos, even when you wear them with the same shirt or shoes.
If you are building a versatile rotation, keep both rather than treating one as a substitute for the other. Browse our men’s jeans collection, including Levi's jeans for timeless styles.
How to get the size right online
Measure the waist of your favourite pair of pants rather than copying your jeans size, and if you are between sizes, size up for comfort through the seat and thigh. This is especially useful for slim-fit chinos or more tapered cuts.
Explore our range of men’s casual pants in Australia today and find a fit that feels right from the first wear. Order online and get free shipping and easy returns for a little extra peace of mind.
Style them from town to weekend
A pair of tan or navy chinos pairs with a casual shirt and boots for town and a tee and sneakers for the weekend, which is why one good pair earns its place.
If you’re building out the basics, tan and navy are useful starting points because they work with plenty of colours already in the wardrobe. Navy looks especially clean with lighter shirts and neutral knits, while tan works well with navy, white, olive and earthy shades. Once you’ve settled on the colour, browse our short-sleeve shirts to wear with them for a dependable warm-weather pairing.
Chinos also work well as a base for layering. Add a knit over a collared shirt in cooler weather, or use leather boots and a belt to sharpen the same pair without pushing the outfit into formal territory.
For days when comfort comes first, our trackpants offer another relaxed option and pair well with a sweatshirt or casual jacket. If you like your casual pants with a bit more shape, cuffed pants bring the leg in neatly at the ankle.
Across our men’s fashion bottoms, you can move from refined pairs to more relaxed cuts depending on the occasion. Keep the rotation flexible with denim jeans for off-duty wear and shorts when the temperature climbs.
FAQ
-
The main distinction is how formal they look. Chinos generally sit between denim and dress trousers, making them useful when jeans feel too casual but formal pants feel unnecessary.
-
Slim or stretch styles are a versatile starting point for many men. Choose skinny if you have slimmer legs, straight if you prefer extra room, or tapered if you want more space through the thigh with a narrower ankle.
-
Go up a size if you are between two options and need more comfort through the seat and thigh. If the fabric starts to bunch or balloon instead of falling cleanly through the leg, however, the larger size may be too roomy.
-
Yes. Chinos suit many smart-casual occasions, particularly with a collared shirt. They are generally less appropriate where the invitation calls for black tie or a more formal wedding dress code.



