In Review: Bonobos Travel Jeans

Bonobos Made in the USA Travel Jeans – $78 – $98

Bonobos might have built their business on the butts of their washed chinos, but it’s their more substantial travel jeans that keep many of us coming back to scour their sale section.

They’re mid-weight jeans that have the fit Bonobos is famous for, they’re made in the USA, and they seem to hit the sale section in a variety of colors with some consistency. For $60 – $80 (on sale with codes) they’re noticeably more expensive than Levi’s, but the fit, feel, and flexibility of these things is pretty incredible.

The Travel Jeans in their Straight Fit. Size shown: 32×30

Cut from 10.5 oz Cone denim, they’re not super lightweight like oxford cloth pants or summer weight chinos, but they’re softer than your average pair of jeans. The 1% of “stretch” (spandex) in the fabric goes a long way. (Maybe that’s what accounts for the very, very slight slub-like texture in the weave?) Despite feeling like they can take a beating, they don’t fight against you.

The Straight Fits feel somewhere between a 514 and a 505.
Good for guys with some extra weight on their legs.

The straight fits are neither too wide through the leg nor constricting on the calf, but for those who prefer a closer fit, they do make them in slim as well. Rise is neither super low or navel slicing high. Waist seems to be a little generous in circumference. Construction feels extremely good, and the hardware is heavy duty & solid.

Made in the USA from Cone Mills denim. ‘Murica!

This particular shade of grey is pretty much a go-to for plenty of us this time of year. It looks a little cleaner than a standard khaki in bright sun, and even though they’re denim/5 pockets, this lighter dove-grey can be dressed up a bit. It pairs perfectly with navy polos & blazers, or whites on days it gets unusually hot. Sneakers and t-shirts do just fine here too.

Currently on sale and the extra 20% off code SALEAWAY (expires 5/1) dips them down into the attainable realm for most. Sure, you could probably get a pair of similar 5 pockets from Banana Republic for less if you catch a good code (those have been my personal go-to grey & off-white 5 pockets for the last couple of years), but they’re just not going to be quite as good. And if you end up disagreeing? It’s Bonobos, so you can always ship them back for free.

NOTE: It appears that at some point Bonobos changed the fabric used on their Travel jeans, and that didn’t sit well with those who had previously purchased the old version. Never had a pair of the old Travel Jeans, so I can’t compare. These have the “new” fabric from Cone Mills, and I personally love em’. See comments below for more info.

Not Exactly The Muscles from Brussels…
Polo by UNIQLO (last year), shoes by Zara.