Chinos pants, or chinos, are part of modern wear and are popular among men for their comfort, versatility, and timeless styling. What are Chinos? Chinos are trousers typically made from a cotton twill fabric called chinos cloth. However, some variations of chinos are made from polyester or elastane. Chino cloth is comfortable for everyone because it is lightweight, long-lasting, and ideal for warm weather.
But why have chinos gathered so much attraction among men’s fashion? This guide will look at the relevant history, features, and the best way to style this timeless staple.
The Origin of Chinos
The origin of chino can be traced back to the mid-19th century. The term is derived from the Spanish word for “china” because the cotton twill is originally imported from the region. Military uniforms of the time, especially those worn by the American and European forces during the Spanish and American wars, were made from chino pants. These pants had a high waist, wide legs, and buttoned flap pockets, which can be used to store essentials.
After World War II, chinos became the conventional wear for civilians. Due to their versatility, comfort, and warm weather friendliness, chinos became a thing in the United States. Now, it has been a casual dress globally, and the reason is mainly due to its more polished look when compared to jeans. Though, the style has evolved. Unlike earlier, the silhouette has a lower waist and slimmer legs.
Recently, the trend of chinos has shifted towards more detailed and slim-fit chinos. This reflects the preference for sleeker silhouettes. Also, the stretch fabric introduced with chino has made the cloth more comfortable and adaptable to different body types.
Chinos vs. Khakis: What's the Difference?
People usually mistake chinos for Khaki wear. They, however, have some subtle distinctions. First, chinos are made from twill weave, while khakis are made from twill and chino cloth but with smoother finishes. Secondly, chinos have a more versatile color, but khaki is made in a neutral shade, has a tidier look with minimal stitching, and is made from lighter cotton twill fabric. Khakis, on the other hand, have a rugged appearance with visible stitching. They are often made from a heavier cotton fabric.
What are the Features of Chinos Pants
Chino pants have some essential features that differentiate them from other trousers. The fabrics are generally lightweight. They are made from durable cotton twill fabric. However, the modern variations are blended with synthetic fibers for stretch and comfortability. The chino's silhouette is exceptionally sleek because they are usually made to be straight and have tapered legs. Chinos typically have minimal stitching visible outside, unlike jeans. This made them look clean and polished. They also usually have welt-back pockets and slant front pockets. Chinos are available in different ranges of color. They are generally in navy, black, olive, and even brighter colors for those who prefer casual settings.
What are the Best Chinos for Men?
To find the best chinos for men, one needs to consider some factors like fabric, fit, and color. Ensure you choose a fit that aligns with your body type and makes you comfortable. Also, consider a mid-rise or a lower-rise chino for versatility if you want a contemporary look. Classic colors like navy and olive are timeless, but you may explore bolder options like burgundy or rust for a more fashion-forward style.
For quality assurance, you should buy chinos from top chinos brands. The following are the top recommended chinos brands.
- J.Crew 484 Slim-fit Stretch Chino Pant
- Uniqlo Men’s Slim-fit Chino Pants
- Ralph Lauren Sullivan Slim Stretch Chino Pant
- Dockers Alpha Khaki
- Bonobos Stretch Washed Chino 2.0
- Banana Republic Chino Pants
- Outlier slim-fit Chino Pants
- Ralph Lauren Sullivan Slim Stretch Chino Pant
How to Style Chinos
Chino Pants are loved for their incredible versatility. This means they hardly go wrong with any cloth combination as they can be dressed up and down as you may prefer. Let's look into when to wear your chinos and how to style chinos.
First, Chino is a perfect trouser for casual events. Just pair it with a simple T-shirt and sneakers. For a laid-back vibe, just roll up the cuffs slightly. Then, you will appear charming for that weekend outing or casual get-together.
Chino is also suitable for a smart casual dress. Just pair it with a casual button-down or polo shirt. Then, wear desert boots or loafers to complement the outfit. This is a good fit for a casual office environment or dinner dates. For chinos business casual events, pair them with a crisp dress shirt and blazer. Wear brogues or Oxford shoes to enhance your professional look.
Though Chinos are notorious for casual events, they can also be a perfect fit for formal occasions. A dark-colored chino trouser with a crisp dress shirt and a blazer will exude formal dressing. Then, balance the look with polished dress shoes.
For a far less formal event. Chinos and polo shirts are good options. Some even called it a dress for a quartet formal event. This means it is a dress for everyday life. It is a highly casual dress yet makes you look well-groomed and composed. To slightly upgrade the look, adding a blazer is a great addition.
When adding accessories, make it minimal. Carefully select your chino outfit. Only use a leather belt and ensure it complements the color of your shoes. Black leather belts are suitable for black navy or black chinos. Any other color is well suited with a brown leather belt. Also, socks are a great addition to your overall look. For a casual outfit, wear crew socks. If it is a dressed-up look, match it with dress socks that align with the pant color shoes.
Finally, it is necessary to understand that there are some perfectly complementary clothing for chinos, even though it is versatile. For shirts, button-down shirts, polos, henleys, and t-shirts can all work well with chinos. For sweaters, your top priority should be crewneck sweaters, v-neck sweaters, and turtlenecks. They can be layered over shirts. If you want to wear jackets over chino, the best complementary options are Blazers, bomber jackets, leather jackets, and denim jackets.
