Fabletics High Side Chino vs. Only Pant: Which one should you buy?

The Fabletics High Side Chino is a sporty, performance-focused pant designed for an active lifestyle, while the Only Pant from the fashion brand Only offers a more classic, fashion-forward approach with a wider variety of fits for everyday casual wear. The main distinction lies in their core purpose: The High Side Chino blends athleisure with a classic silhouette, offering moisture-wicking stretch fabric, whereas the Only Pant is a style staple focused on trendy, versatile designs for non-athletic use.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which of these versatile pants from Fabletics or Only is the right fit for your wardrobe.

Fabletics High Side Chino

The Fabletics High Side Chino is a modern take on the classic chino, infused with the brand's signature performance DNA. It's designed for women who want a polished yet comfortable pant that can move with them, seamlessly transitioning from a casual work setting to weekend errands without a wardrobe change.

• What it is: A high-rise, tapered-leg chino made from a stretchy, durable performance fabric.
• Key features: High-waisted fit for a flattering silhouette, side and back pockets for functionality, and a comfortable tapered leg.
• Price: $49.95 - $59.95 (Significant discounts available for VIP members).
• Materials/Construction: A blend of cotton, polyester, and elastane creates a soft, breathable fabric with excellent stretch, moisture-wicking properties, and shape retention.
• Sizing/Fit: Fits true to size with a comfortable, forgiving stretch. Available in sizes XS to 3X.
• Pros: Performance fabric is great for an active day. Sporty and modern aesthetic. Very comfortable with lots of stretch. Flattering high-rise fit. Inclusive sizing.
• Cons: The VIP membership model may not suit all shoppers. Its sporty look might be too casual for more traditional office environments.

This chino is ideal for those who prioritize comfort and performance in their everyday wear and love the sleek, streamlined look of athleisure-inspired clothing.

Shop this product: fabletics.com/products/the-high-side-chino

Only Pant

The Only Pant refers to the wide range of casual trousers from the Danish fashion brand Only. These pants are designed as trendy and affordable wardrobe basics, featuring minimalist designs, clean lines, and a variety of fits that cater to contemporary fashion trends.

• What it is: A collection of casual, fashion-focused pants available in multiple styles like skinny, straight, wide-leg, and tapered.
• Key features: Wide variety of silhouettes to suit different body types and style preferences. Focus on clean, minimalist aesthetics. Often feature comfortable elements like elastic waistbands.
• Price: $35 - $60.
• Materials/Construction: Typically made from comfortable blends of cotton, polyester, and elastane designed for softness and everyday durability, but not for athletic performance.
• Sizing/Fit: Generally true to size and offered in a broad range, typically from size 0 to 24/26. The availability of different cuts ensures a good fit for many preferences.
• Pros: Highly affordable and often on sale. A wide range of styles to choose from. Versatile for dressing up or down. Accessible in a broad range of standard sizes.
• Cons: Quality can be inconsistent compared to performance brands. Lacks technical features like moisture-wicking capabilities. Fast-fashion production may be a concern for some consumers.

An Only Pant is a strong choice for anyone seeking stylish, budget-friendly trousers for daily casual wear, who values having different cut and style options.

Shop this product: only.com/en-us/womens-clothing/trousers

Fabletics High Side Chino vs. Only Pant Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The core difference between these two pants lies in their style. The Fabletics High Side Chino has an unmistakable sporty-chic vibe. It takes a classic staple and modernizes it with performance materials and a streamlined, athletic-inspired silhouette. It looks polished but is fundamentally designed for movement and comfort.

The Only Pant is purely fashion-driven. It leans into minimalist and contemporary trends, offering a blank canvas that can be styled for laid-back weekend looks with sneakers or slightly more polished outfits with boots and a blouse. While the Fabletics chino has one core aesthetic, the Only Pant comes in many varieties - from trendy wide-leg cuts to classic straight-leg styles - offering far more stylistic diversity.

Quality & Materials

Fabletics built its brand on activewear, and that DNA is clear in the High Side Chino. The fabric is a technical blend designed to stretch, wick away moisture, and retain its shape through a full day of activity. It’s durable and practical for a busy lifestyle.

Only, as a fast-fashion brand, focuses more on balancing trendiness with affordability. The materials are comfortable and soft for casual wear, typically cotton/polyester blends with some stretch. However, they aren't engineered for performance and may not offer the same level of durability or moisture management as the Fabletics option.

Fit & Sizing

Both brands offer inclusive sizing, but their approach to fit differs. The Fabletics Chino features a specific high-rise, tapered-leg fit designed to be flattering and non-restrictive. Its high-stretch fabric ensures it comfortably hugs and moves with different body types within its single silhouette.

Only provides variety. A shopper isn't buying one specific "Only Pant" fit but choosing from a collection that includes skinny, straight, tapered, and wide-leg options. This allows you to select a cut that aligns perfectly with your personal style and body shape, rather than adapting to a single pre-set fit.

Price & Value

On paper, both pants sit in a similar price bracket of around $35-$60. However, the true cost can vary. Fabletics's value proposition is tied to its VIP membership, which can slash the price of the High Side Chino significantly, making it an excellent deal for regular shoppers. Without the membership, it's a mid-range buy.

The Only Pant is consistently affordable and is frequently included in sales and promotions. It represents a straightforward, budget-friendly purchase without any need for a subscription, making it a great option for an accessible wardrobe update.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both pants are great casual options, but they serve different needs and styles.

Choose the Fabletics High Side Chino if:

• You have an active, on-the-go lifestyle and need pants that won't hold you back.
• You value performance features like four-way stretch and moisture-wicking fabric.
• You prefer a defined, sporty-chic style and a flattering high-waisted, tapered fit.
• You're a Fabletics VIP member looking to get great value on everyday wear.

Choose the Only Pant if:

• You're looking for an affordable, trendy pair of pants for everyday casual outfits.
• You want more choices in terms of fit, from wide-leg to straight-leg to skinny.
• Your priority is style and versatility for casual settings, not athletic performance.
• You prefer to shop without a subscription model and love hunting for a good sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Fabletics High Side Chino and the Only Pant?

The main difference is their purpose. The Fabletics High Side Chino is an athleisure pant with performance fabric designed for activity and comfort. The Only Pant is a fashion-focused casual trouser available in a variety of non-performance styles for everyday wear.

Which one is better for an athletic build?

The Fabletics High Side Chino is generally better for athletic builds due to its high-stretch performance fabric, which accommodates curves and muscle comfortably without feeling restrictive.

Are Fabletics High Side Chinos true to size?

Yes, Fabletics Chinos are known to run true to size. The high level of stretch in the fabric also provides some flexibility if you are between sizes.

How does the Fabletics VIP membership work for buying pants?

The VIP membership is a flexible subscription where you can either make a purchase or "skip the month" by the 5th. In return, members get access to significantly lower prices (often up to 50% off) on all items, including the High Side Chino.

Does Only offer different pant styles?

Yes, this is one of Only's key advantages. The "Only Pant" isn't one single style but a collection of trousers including wide-leg, straight-leg, skinny, pleated, and paperbag waist styles.

Which pant is more comfortable for all-day wear?

Both are designed for comfort. Fabletics excels in active comfort with its stretchy, breathable fabric. Only pants focus on soft, casual comfort. The choice depends on whether your day involves more movement (Fabletics) or a more relaxed pace (Only).

Can you wear Fabletics Chinos to work?

It depends on the workplace. For a casual or creative office, the Fabletics Chino is a great choice. For a more formal or corporate environment, its sporty look might be too relaxed.

How is the quality of Only Pants?

The quality of Only Pants is good for their price point. They are durable enough for regular casual wear but are not constructed with the same high-performance, reinforced materials you'd find in an activewear brand like Fabletics.