Bonobos Tech Chinos vs. Lululemon: Which one is better?

While both Bonobos and Lululemon offer popular modern chinos, they solve different problems. Bonobos Tech Chinos are known for their exceptional, customizable fits and classic styling perfect for the office or smart-casual wear. Lululemon's chinos focus on high-performance, technical fabrics that offer superior stretch and moisture-wicking properties, designed for an active lifestyle.

Here's a detailed comparison to help you choose the right pair of chinos for your wardrobe and daily routine.

Bonobos Tech Chinos

The Bonobos Tech Chinos are a modern staple of menswear, celebrated for solving the biggest problem for most men: fit. They combine a classic, versatile look with performance-oriented fabric, making them suitable for everything from a day at the office to a casual weekend dinner. Bonobos built its reputation on offering a vast range of sizes, fits, and inseam lengths.

• What they are: Versatile and highly customizable chinos made from stretch performance-like fabric designed for both style and comfort.
• Key features: Available in multiple fits (Slim, Athletic, Straight, Tailored), a wide range of waist and inseam combinations, wrinkle-resistant fabric, and a signature curved waistband for a better fit.
• Price: $98 - $128, with frequent sales and promotions offering better deals.
• Materials/Construction: Typically made from stretch cotton blends or innovative technical fabrics that are breathable, durable, and comfortable.
• Sizing/Fit: Renowned for their incredible fit options. The "Fit Finder" tool helps dial in the perfect size, reducing the need for tailoring. The Athletic fit is especially popular for men with larger thighs.
• Pros: A huge number of size and fit combinations, classic styling that works for many professional and casual settings, slightly more affordable, and they feel less technical and "swishy", often have a bunch of colors available.
• Cons: The fabric isn't as high-performance as Lululemon's. The style is more traditional and less athletic.

This is the perfect chino for the man who wants a tailored, traditional look for work or weekends without sacrificing comfort or searching endlessly for the right size.

Shop this product: bonobos.com/c/pants/tech-pants

Lululemon Chinos & Casual Pants

Originally known for a cult-favorite yoga gear, Lululemon has become a massive force in everyday menswear. Their chinos, like the popular ABC pants, use proprietary technical fabrics to merge the feel of athletic wear with the look of a casual pant. They are designed for motion, comfort, and all-day wear, easily transitioning from a casual commute to a weekend outing.

• What they are: High-performance casual pants and chinos crafted from innovative, athletic-grade fabrics.
• Key features: Made with signature fabrics like Warpstreme, offering four-way stretch, moisture-wicking capabilities, and wrinkle resistance. They often feature hidden pockets and gussets for added mobility and freedom of movement, ensuring overall comfort while on the move or during travel.
• Price: $128 - $138, they rarely go on a deep discount, with occasional markdowns.
• Materials/Construction: Utilizes advanced tech-forward fabrics that retain their shape over time, resist abrasion, and have quick-drying properties suitable for frequent wear, whether in an office or on the golf course.
• Sizing/Fit: Available in multiple inseams and sizes, their cuts cater well to athletic builds but offer enough variety and flexibility for almost anyone to find a good fit. They now offer more sizing options, allowing you to select waist sizes by 1", such as 31 and 33, versus only 30", 32", or 34".
• Pros: Amazing comfort and incredible freedom of movement. Tech-forward fabric is very durable and holds its shape and color great over time. Their clean and minimalist aesthetic is sleek and works for anyone looking for that athleisure look.
• Cons: They come at a premium price and rarely go on sale. Some might feel that they look a little bit too much like a gym-inspired pant.

This is a great option for an active customer who wants an incredibly comfortable pant that feels like athletic wear but has the look of a classic, everyday chino pant.

Shop this product: shop.lululemon.com/c/men/trousers

Bonobos Tech Chinos vs. Lululemon Chinos Comparison

Price & Value

Bonobos tends to win on affordability. With prices typically topping out at $128 and very frequent sales events, you can usually buy a pair of their Tech Chinos for under $100. This makes building out a work wardrobe or grabbing multiple colors much more reasonable.

Lululemon is less flexible from a pricing standpoint and commands an extra $10-$30 on top of the average ticket price on their pants, and they rarely go on markdowns. However, many owners appreciate Lululemon's signature fabrics, which feel less stiff when wearing them while seated at a desk job or on a long travel day.

Materials & Construction

The materials are one key difference. Bonobos uses a high-quality classic performance blend, which can be comfortable, but they do not have the four-way stretch comfort fabric or the water resistance you get from a Lululemon pair.

Lululemon's technical fabrics like Warpstreme fabric are in a league of their own for movement, durability, and moisture control. They hold up amazingly well after endless wearing. If you do spill coffee or get any stains, they come out easily in the wash. For anyone on the move with travel days or long commutes, Lululemon is an ideal choice.

Style & Aesthetic

Bonobos leans classic and offers a modern, cool professional look. They are great for both business casual and casual settings. With more color options, they provide a traditional look that can be dressed up with a blazer or worn casually.

Lululemon chinos focus on a clean, minimalist look with a "tech" feel. They're stylishly understated, making them perfect for pairing with high-end sportswear, a popular look among athletes and younger professionals.

Versatility

If versatility means effortlessly blending them with blazers or classic button-down shirts for work, then Bonobos is a better selection. Their wide variety of designs makes them adaptable for both work and leisure outings.

Fit & Sizing

Bonobos is renowned for its inclusive sizing with options for almost every body type. Their Athletic Fit is specifically designed for men with larger thighs and buttocks, providing a solution to a common fit issue. Additionally, specific inseam options from 29" to 34" help avoid the need for tailoring.

Lululemon offers more choice with single-inch waist sizing, ideal for those needing specific measurements. Their standard inseam lengths and consistent sizing are great for various body styles.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands make excellent pants, but your choice should depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Choose Bonobos Pants if:

• You prioritize a perfect fit for your body frame.
• You want a wide range of color and style choices, including seasonal styles.
• You need pants suitable for business casual settings.

Consider Lululemon if:

• Comfort and stretch are your top priorities.
• You lead an active lifestyle and need versatile pants.
• Durability and sustained quality over time are important to you.
• You prefer a modern, clean aesthetic with an athleisure look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for work, Bonobos or Lululemon?

For most offices and traditional business-casual environments, Bonobos offers a more classic look akin to khakis or chinos that easily pair with blazers or button-down shirts. Lululemon is ideal for younger, modern workplaces with more relaxed dress codes.

Who offers a more comfortable pant?

Comfort is subjective. Lululemon's four-way stretch offers great freedom of movement and athletic comfort. Bonobos provides traditional comfort with their stretch cotton blends.

Do Lululemon's pants have a sporty or "swishy" feel?

No, they engineer their Warpstreme fabric to feel more like a soft cotton blend, ensuring comfort without the "swishy" sound commonly associated with athletic pants.

Does Bonobos offer styles for warmer weather similar to Lululemon's ABC pants?

Yes, Bonobos offers tech pants and cotton options with breathability technology to keep you cool during warmer months.

Do Bonobos still have retail locations to try their pants in-store?

Yes, Bonobos has retail locations where you can try their pants in-store, despite some closures during the pandemic. Their fit guides and style experts are available to assist with any questions.