What are Chinos? And How to Wear Them | ClothedUp (2024)

FAQs

What are Chinos? And How to Wear Them | ClothedUp? ›

The chino style of pants originated in the American military; Soldiers would wear cotton pants that fitted slim to the body. Nowadays, it refers to a pant style that is between a smart and casual trouser style that can be dressed up or down and worn to most events.

Chino was an alternate word for china, which is where the pants were manufactured, this is where which is where the name chino is from. The pants were used as military uniforms. The style reduced the need for fabric by making it a slimmer fit and getting rid of excess frills like large pockets.

When comparing chinos to dress pants, you'll notice that dress pants have a very prominent center crease in them, and they also have pleats. Chinos, on the other hand, do not have pleats or creases. They are flat all the way around the leg. And, dress pants have a distinct sheen to them.

Typically chinos are seen as more casual than dress pants but they can be appropriate for formal settings. It depends on the level of formality and what you pair it with. With a few styling tricks they can be dressed up a bit for formal events.

Chinos should taper gently along the calves, following the natural curve without being constricting. While they shouldn't feel too tight, an excess of fabric can create a baggy appearance. The ideal fit is one where there's a comfortable amount of space between the fabric and the calf, allowing ease of movement.

The first difference between chinos and khakis is that chinos are tapered, while khakis are straight-legged. Another major difference between khakis and chinos is that chinos usually have a flat front, while khakis tend to have a pleated front. Main Differences: Cut: Chinos are tapered, while khakis are straight-legged.

With jean sales like these, it's fair to ask the question, why are chinos so popular? Chinos have been described as a unique niche between jeans and dress pants and the perfect contemporary business casual look. They have a visible stitching, giving them a more polished, formal, and dressy appearance.

Cut: chinos have a tapered leg and fitted cut, while khakis have a straight or pleated leg and a looser fit. Fabric: chinos are made of a light, breathable, and slightly shiny cotton twill, while khakis use a heavy, thick cotton twill.

Comfort: Chinos are popular because of their comfort. The material is usually light and airy, yet incredibly durable.

Etymology. As the cloth itself was originally made in China, the trousers were known in Spanish as pantalones chinos (Chinese pants), which became shortened to simply "chinos" in English.

Can I wear chinos instead of slacks? ›

That said, if we look at chinos vs. slacks, they are not the same thing. Think of chinos as one step down the ladder from dress pants. You certainly can dress them up a little, and you will look very nice in them, but they're not quite able to transition into all the same spaces as dress slacks can.

Our favorite chinos come in tan, olive green, or black. These are perfect neutral colors that are super easy to style and wear anywhere. Black chinos will easily pass for dress pants and can be styled for more formal events. Tan and olive green chinos will be perfect for shopping, lunch, or casual dinners.

Only roll them once or twice up on the hem so they end at the ankle. Anything else looks like you're going wading. And If you're wearing them unrolled, the hem should hit the top of your shoes. So, that's the SANVT view on how a Chino should fit.

A: Absolutely! Pair a black blazer with khaki, grey, or burgundy chinos for a stylish look. However, pairing with black chinos might make the outfit look too formal.

Chinos have become a staple in the wardrobes of style-conscious men, blending both casual and formal elements. A common debate among fashion aficionados is should chinos have a crease down the front? The answer is down to personal preference, chinos traditionally do not have a crease down the front.

Chinos should be snug but comfortable around your waist, with no fear of them dropping down even without a belt. For chinos, the waist will sit lower than suit pants but should hit exactly where the waist of your jeans should be (between the upper and mid-hip bone area).

All wool gets hung, folded over a hanger. Sometimes corduroy gets hung by the cuff or waist in an effort to minimize pile disruption. Chinos are folded in a drawer. All trousers except pants for yard work and such are folded over hangers, on their own, i.e., not under a shirt or jacket.

Chinos have become a staple in the wardrobes of style-conscious men, blending both casual and formal elements. A common debate among fashion aficionados is should chinos have a crease down the front? The answer is down to personal preference, chinos traditionally do not have a crease down the front.

Well, thanks to their lighter fabric, typically cotton-twill Chinos lend themselves to a roll up – but in the end it is up to you. But if you are rather short, remember that cuffing can make your legs look even shorter… How much to roll up? Only roll them once or twice up on the hem so they end at the ankle.