No, we couldn't miss an article on chinos . Essential pants in the men's wardrobe, it's simple, they can be worn with everything and all the time.
Chinos are pants made of cotton canvas that are much lighter than jeans, although models made of thick canvas also exist. They have many advantages: they are light, flexible, ultra-comfortable and, if they are well cut, extremely elegant.
In short, a more than adequate alternative to jeans that allows you to maintain a relaxed look, without sweating enough to fill an aquarium.
Advice on quality, how to wear them and which brands to turn to, we answer all these questions about these magical pants (yes really, magical) from Asia.
The history of chinos: lightweight pants that symbolise the preppy movement
As with jeans, chinos were born out of a practical need. Invented in the mid-19th century, they originated in India. The reason? To provide clothing adapted to the local climate, intended for soldiers of the British colonial troops.
The English soldiers, then stationed in the Punjab , were not used to high temperatures. Chinos were much lighter than jeans or wool trousers : they were made of cotton serge and, originally, always light in colour.
It is also called "khaki" ("dust" in Punjabi) because of its sand color. Originally a military garment, it is a piece that is intended to be durable and solid, in addition to being comfortable.
The famous British Khaki uniforms as illustrated by The Graphic magazine in 1884.
These pants were later adopted by American GIs during World War II. They even became the outfit of the typical American hero that was seen everywhere in the media of the time.
It was then very quickly taken up by the students of the "Ivy League", becoming the symbol par excellence of the preppy style . It was then radically opposed to jeans, which, for their part, gave off a much more "tough guy" image, reserved for rockers, thugs, in short, all neo-cowboys.
In the 1980s, these pants began to be worn by everyone. It was the Levi Strauss & Co. brand that popularized them by creating the Docker's brand , specializing in chinos . Docker's would experience real success, and was exported to Central America, Asia and Europe.
Although the brand has now diversified and expanded its product range, it is still known for its flagship model, the Alpha Khaki . A pair of tapered pants (a cut that is fitted at the calves but wider at the thighs).
Levi Strauss Dockers store in 1990, 4 years after the brand was born.
If you want to know more about the history of chino, we have made a dedicated video on the subject that you can find right here:
The stop stitches finish the sewing of the pocket and prevent it from tearing.
- Prefer buttons made from natural materials (horn, wood, etc.)
In addition to being more solid, they add a little twist to your pants.
- And finally, a quality zip
YKK is a very good reference for strong and durable zippers. We can also think of Riri.
2. How to choose the right size of chinos?
As with jeans, chinos will tend to stretch slightly after the first few washes. So choose them a little tight at first, especially at the waist.
- The belt should follow the lines of your body, without gaping.
- The buttocks must be supported, the material does not sag.
- There should be no excess material at the crotch.
- The cut should be snug without being too tight.
- The pants should break naturally over the shoe.
If the pants are too long, don't panic! You can either make a rolled cuff like we see a lot, or have them taken up by an alterationist in order to make a hem. I also invite you to read this article which explains how to choose the right length for your pants , depending on your body shape.
Roll up your chinos to accentuate their casual dimension. Conversely, the hem is more formal.
How to wear men's chinos?
As we said, chinos are extremely versatile. They may even be the only piece that goes with everything! Another positive point: they are pants that are widely available in many colors. As you will have understood, the possibilities are therefore endless...
Come on, because we're nice, we'll give you some outfit ideas that work well with chinos , and in different styles!
Ideas for well-constructed men's looks with chinos
With so many choices to choose from, it's easy to fall into color-blocking: be careful! Start with simple colors like navy blue or beige , colors that you can easily combine.
In this look, Paul Binam wears beige chinos that he pairs with a gray hoodie and a fir green jacket. To spice up his outfit, he adds a mustard yellow beanie.
Secondly: let loose! Chinos are an easy and safe way to introduce colour into your wardrobe. Dare to wear electric blue, sky blue, red, green, white… But remember to create a certain balance by having a basic top.
When it comes to style, chinos don't belong to anyone and everyone at once! It's the cut, the color, but also and above all what you wear them with that will determine the DNA of your outfit. Due to their versatility, the same chino can be worn casually or dressed up.
© Gettyimages
On chinos, the play on volumes is also very interesting for original silhouettes.
In a formal outfit, chinos can be worn mismatched . However, the color of the pants and the jacket should not be too close, at the risk of creating a somewhat confusing "fake suit" effect.
You can choose unusual colours like sea green for summer or burgundy for winter, but be careful not to overdo it on accessories and to wear more sober tones on other pieces (grey, blue, beige, white...).
Once again, chinos are a great alternative to jeans for the summer because they are much lighter. But there are others made from thicker fabrics that you can wear once the temperature drops. We told you, nothing can stop chinos!
It is also one of the essential pieces of the workwear style : to wear with a checked flannel shirt, a thick chunky knit sweater, raw materials and warm colors, but also and above all the essential leather boots.
Not forgetting our own chinos
Whether at work, on the weekend, or for going out for a drink, our chinos adapt to all situations. Our magic recipe: a French Velcorex canvas with a “peach skin” feel, 2% elastane for comfort, a fitted cut, hidden zipped pockets and high-end finishes.
Our selection of good chino brands
- Beams Plus : Known for its masterful take on classic American menswear, the brand offers wide-leg chinos
- 1st PAT-RN : the brand created by Cristiano Berto and Silvia Piccin offers designer chinos with quality materials.
- Arpenteur : a brand with a high-end and artisanal positioning that offers chinos with beautiful materials and French manufacturing
- Barena Venezia : originally from Venice, the brand combines sartorial and rural Italian inspirations. You will find chinos in a classic style
There is also...
- General Pharmacy
- Casatlantic
- Kaptain Sunshine
- Nicholson Studio
- Auralee
- Well Made
- Cellar Door
- Allevol
- Belafonte Ragtime Clothing
- Jelado
- Old Joe
- Soundman
- Haversack
What you need to remember
In summary, chinos are a very versatile piece that will suit all styles , from preppy to streetwear , and all seasons depending on the weight of the fabric, more or less thick.
This is a piece where you can dare to be colorful, so go for it! But don't forget that, to start, blue and beige are two essentials that will go with EVERYTHING.
Finally, whether you want a dressy or casual outfit, the same chinos will work very well in both cases. So it's high time to invest in a beautiful piece that you won't take off!
How to choose a good quality chino that fits you?
Today, chinos have truly become a must-have basic in the men's wardrobe . They are an ultra-versatile piece that you can wear to the office or to the beach. There are models in lightweight cotton canvas to wear in the summer, others with much thicker canvas for other seasons.
In short, it's definitely a piece you can afford to invest in!
1. How to recognize a quality chino?
To judge the quality of a chino, here are some things to consider when purchasing: