What I'd Buy From Bonobos Right Now (and What I'd Wait For)

The Insider Perspective

I spent ten years at Bonobos. Ten years of fitting guys, selling clothes, and watching what actually holds up. I know every fabric, every cut, every seasonal drop. I know which items are worth every penny and which ones you'll find in the sale section six weeks later.

But here's the thing: just because I left doesn't mean I stopped paying attention. I still get the emails. I still talk to former colleagues. I still know what's working and what's not.

So here's my honest, no-BS guide to what I'd buy from Bonobos right now — and what I'd wait for.

What I'd Buy Right Now (Full Price)

1. The Athletic Fit Chinos

This is the item I recommend more than any other. Bonobos was one of the first major brands to nail the athletic fit — room in the thighs and seat, tapered through the leg. For guys with big thighs and a smaller waist, these are a godsend.

The Fabric: The stretch cotton blend moves with you without looking like a sweatpant. It's substantial enough to hold a crease but soft enough to be comfortable.

The Color: Navy or khaki. These are the two colors you'll get the most wear out of. Don't get tempted by the seasonal colors unless you already have your basics covered.

The Price: $98. Honestly, it's fair. You'll wear these twice a week for years.

Why Full Price: Bonobos chinos are rarely discounted deeply. The best you'll typically get is 20% off during a site-wide sale. If you need them now, buy them now.

2. The Tech Stretch Chinos

This is the "I have to look professional but I'm flying across the country and I refuse to be uncomfortable" pant.

The Fabric: The Tech Stretch fabric is lighter and stretchier than the standard chino. It's breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and looks like a proper trouser.

The Color: Charcoal or navy. Both are incredibly versatile.

The Price: $98-$118 depending on the exact style.

Why Full Price: These don't hit the sale section very often. When they do, the sizes go fast. If you need travel pants, buy them now.

3. The Oxford Shirt (Standard Fit)

Here's a controversial take: I don't love Bonobos dress shirts. The fit can be inconsistent. But the Oxford shirts in the Standard Fit? Those I love.

The Fabric: The Oxford cloth is heavy and substantial. It wrinkles nicely — the good kind of wrinkles that look lived-in, not sloppy. The collar has a good roll, and the buttons are mother-of-pearl.

The Fit: Go for the Standard Fit, not the Slim. The Slim is too narrow through the chest and shoulders for most guys over 40.

The Color: White and light blue. Get both. Wear them forever.

The Price: $98.

Why Full Price: These hold up incredibly well. I've had mine for years. They're worth the investment.

4. The Travel Jeans

I resisted the "travel jean" trend for a long time. But then I got a pair and I got it.

The Fabric: Lightweight stretch denim that feels like a jean but moves like a chino. Great for travel, great for long days, great for guys who hate restrictive denim.

The Cut: The Athletic Taper is the one you want.

The Price: $128.

Why Full Price: This is a relatively new category for Bonobos, and the supply is still limited. Don't wait for a sale that might never come.

What I'd Wait For (Buy on Sale)

1. The Dress Shirts

I love Bonobos. But their dress shirt sizing drives me crazy. The collar, the armhole, the body length — it's all a little inconsistent. And on top of that, they're $135.

The Strategy: Wait for a 30% off sale (they happen every few months). Or better yet, skip the dress shirts altogether and buy from Spier & Mackay or Charles Tyrwhitt instead.

The Quality: They're fine. They're not great. For $135, they should be great.

2. The Suits

Bonobos suits are solid. The wool is decent, the construction is good, and the fit works for a lot of guys. But $650 is a lot for a half-canvassed suit.

The Strategy: Wait for a site-wide sale. Bonobos runs 20-30% off multiple times a year. Buy the suit then.

The Alternative: Spend a little more and get a full-canvassed suit from Spier & Mackay or SuitSupply. Or spend a little less and get a solid suit from J.Crew on sale.

3. The Seasonal Colors

Bonobos loves seasonal colors. Every spring, they release a "new" shade of pastel green or coral. Every fall, there's a new shade of rust or olive.

The Strategy: Wait for the end-of-season sale. These colors always go on deep discount because Bonobos needs to clear inventory for the next season.

The Warning: Don't buy a seasonal color as your "only" version of that item. Buy it as an extra. Your wardrobe should be built on neutral colors first.

4. The Outerwear

Bonobos makes good jackets. The parkas are warm, the bombers are stylish, and the chore coats are great layering pieces. But $400 is a lot for a polyester-filled parka.

The Strategy: Wait for the end-of-winter clearance. You'll find outerwear at 40-50% off.

The Alternative: Buy outerwear from a brand that specializes in it. Patagonia for warmth, Carhartt for durability, or Filson for heritage style.

How I Spend My Own Money at Bonobos

People always ask me what I personally buy. Here's the honest answer.

I buy the Athletic Fit chinos. I have four pairs. They've been in my rotation for years. I replace them when they wear out, which takes about two years of heavy wear.

I buy the Oxford shirts. I have three — two white, one blue. I rotate them through the week.

I buy the Travel Jeans. I take them on every flight, every road trip, every long day.

I don't buy the dress shirts. I've had inconsistent experiences with the sizing and the fabric. I get my dress shirts from Spier & Mackay now.

I don't buy the seasonal colors. I've been burned too many times by buying something "interesting" and then never wearing it.

The James Story

I remember a guy named James who came into the Guideshop a few years ago. He was about to drop $600 on a full wardrobe — two pairs of pants, three shirts, a jacket, and a pair of boots. He was excited. He was ready to spend.

I talked him down.

I said, "James, here's what I want you to do. Buy two pairs of Athletic Fit chinos and two Oxford shirts. Wear them for a month. See how you feel. Then come back and buy more."

He looked at me like I was crazy.

A month later, he came back. He said, "You were right. I didn't need the rest. I love these pants. Can I get another pair?"

That's the thing I learned at Bonobos: you don't need to buy everything. You just need to buy the right things.

The Bottom Line

Bonobos is a good brand. They make good clothes that fit a lot of bodies. But they're not perfect, and they're not cheap.

Here's my rule: buy the basics from Bonobos, and wait for sales on everything else.

Buy right now: Athletic Fit chinos, Tech Stretch chinos, Oxford shirts, Travel Jeans.

Wait for: Dress shirts, suits, seasonal colors, outerwear.

Skip entirely: Anything that doesn't fit your body just because you want the brand.

Fit First. The Rest Is Noise.

Bonobos is a brand I know well. But the rule still applies: fit first. If the Athletic Fit chinos work for you, they're a great investment. If they don't, don't buy them just because I said I would.

Try them on. Trust the mirror. Buy what fits.