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 cotton canvas pants that are much lighter than jeans, although heavy canvas models also exist. It has multiple advantages: it is light, flexible, ultra-comfortable and, as long as it is well cut, extremely elegant.
In short, a more than correct alternative to jeans which allows you to maintain a relaxed look, without releasing enough perspiration 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: light pants symbol of the preppy movement
As with jeans, chinos were born from a practical need. Invented in the middle of the 19th century, it has its origins 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
It is also called “khaki” (“dust” in Punjabi) because of its sand color. Originally a military garment, it is a piece that is durable and solid, in addition to being comfortable.
The famous British Khaki uniforms as illustrated by The Graphic magazine in 1884.
These pants were then taken over by American GIs during the Second World War. It even became the outfit of the typical American hero that we saw everywhere in the media of the time.
It was then quickly taken up by “Ivy League” students, becoming the ultimate symbol of preppy style . It is then radically opposed to jeans, which convey 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 it by creating the Docker's brand , specializing in chinos . Docker's will experience real success, even exporting to Central America, Asia and Europe.
Although the brand has now diversified and extended its range of products, it is nonetheless known for its flagship model, the Alpha Khaki . Tapered cut pants (a fitted cut at the calves but wider at the thighs).
Levi Strauss Dockers store in 1990, 4 years after the birth of the brand.
If you would like to know more about the history of chinos, we have produced a dedicated video on the subject which you can find right here:
The bar tacks complete 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 chino size?
As with jeans, chinos will tend to stretch slightly after the first few washes. So choose it a little tight at the start, 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 level.
- The cut should be snug without being too moldy.
- The pants should break naturally on the shoe
If the pants are too big in length, don't panic! You can either make a rolled cuff like we see a lot of, or have it taken over by a retoucher in order to make a hem. I 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 have said, chinos are extremely versatile. It might even be the only piece that goes with everything! Another positive point: these are pants that are widely available in many colors. You will have understood, the possibilities are endless...
Come on, because we're nice, we'll still give you some outfit ideas that work well with chinos , and in different styles!
Ideas for well-built men's looks with chinos
With this multitude of possible choices, it is 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 which he combines with a gray hoodie and a pine green jacket. To spice up his outfit, he adds a mustard yellow hat.
Secondly: let go! Chinos are an easy and safe way to introduce color into your wardrobe. Dare to go with electric blue, sky blue, red, green, white... However, remember to create a certain balance by having a basic top.
When it comes to style, chinos belong to none and all at the same time! It's the cut, the color, but also and above all what you wear it with that will determine the DNA of your outfit. Due to their versatility, the same chinos can be worn casually or dressed up.
© Gettyimages
On chinos, the play on volumes is also very interesting for original silhouettes.
In a dressy outfit, chinos can be worn mismatched . However, the color of the pants and that of the jacket should not be too close, otherwise it could cause a somewhat confusing “false suit” effect.
You can choose unusual colors like sea green for summer or burgundy for winter, but be careful not to overdo it on accessories and wear more sober tones on other pieces (gray, blue , beige, white...).
Once again, chinos are a very good alternative to jeans for summer because they are much lighter. But there are others designed in thicker fabrics, which you can put on once the mercury has gone down. We told you, there’s no stopping chinos!
It is also one of the essential pieces of 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.
Without forgetting our own chinos
Whether at work, on the weekend, or going for a drink, our chinos adapt to all situations. Our magic recipe: French Velcorex fabric 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 : Renowned for its masterful interpretation of 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 : brand with a high-end and artisanal positioning which 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
- Studio Nicholson
- Auralee
- Good workmanship
- Cellar Door
- Allevol
- Belafonte Ragtime Clothing
- Jelado
- Old Joe
- Soundman
- Haversack
What you must remember
In summary, chinos are a very versatile piece that will suit all styles , from preppy to streetwear , and in all seasons depending on the weight of the canvas, more or less thick.
This is a piece on which you can dare to use color so let go! But don't forget that, to begin with, 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. It is therefore high time to invest in a beautiful piece that you will never leave!
How to choose quality chinos in the right size?
Today, chinos have truly become an essential basic in men's wardrobe . It's an ultra-versatile piece that you can wear to the office or to the beach. There are models in light cotton canvas to wear in summer, others with much thicker canvas for other seasons.
In short, it’s really a piece you can afford to invest in!
1. How to recognize quality chinos?
To judge the quality of chinos, here are some elements to take into account when purchasing: