Chinos are a cornerstone of an American man’s casual wardrobe. They come in and out of fashion—from the early days of WWII vets sporting them on college campuses to becoming the first weapon against the suit-and-tie conformity of corporate America to Ivy style's revival in the early aughts. But all along, they've been a solid choice for guys of all ages. What changes over the years is the fit and feel of said cotton pants.

And right now, the chinos you want are relaxed, with a wide leg and a slightly baggy fit. And the best ones have pleats. They look as good with a tucked-in tee and some loafers as they do with a knit polo and some sandals. Of course, you can always pull them on with office-appropriate shirts and proper lace-ups to look presentable, too. But who makes the best pairs for your money? We tried on and tested well over a dozen pairs to bring you three of the smartest options, guaranteed to fit any budget.