What Are Chino Pants?
Chinos are perhaps the most versatile type of pants a man can buy today because they can be dressed up and down in various ways.
A simple and classic pair of khaki chinos can be mixed and matched with several other garment pieces throughout the year, and for this reason, I think every man ought to own at least one pair.
A Brief History of Khaki & Chino Pants
Like many classic menswear pieces, the robust history of khakis and chinos can be traced back to their military application and subsequent use across various entities.
Khaki Pants
Khaki pants originated in India in the late 1840s as a uniform for the Corps of Guides, a regiment comprised of British and Indian officers.
These men served primarily in the North-West Frontier, consisting of infantry and cavalry units.
Over time, this regiment adapted, renamed itself, and eventually established a new presence elsewhere.
The Corps of Guides was the first to adopt a khaki cotton uniform and enjoyed its practical use in a particularly arid environment.
The grandfather of khakis (and Commandant of the Corps), British General Sir Harry Burnett Lumsden, used dye from river mud and plants indigenous to the region for the cotton-twilled uniforms to better conceal his men from enemy forces in the arid environment.
Eventually, during the 1880s and onward, British colonial forces adopted khakis as their uniform of choice for future campaigns, including the Mahdist War from 1881 to 1899 and the Second Boer War from 1899 to 1902.
From this point onward, the greater British forces wore khakis, and the U.S. military followed suit by incorporating khaki uniforms in many of its branches.
Chino Pants
By 1898, American forces stationed in the Philippines during the Spanish-American War would also become outfitted with cotton-twilled uniforms manufactured in China from chino cloth; in fact, the word "chino" is Spanish for China.
By World War I, many American and British forces had adopted olive-drab khakis that would prove invaluable due to their lightweight, form-fitting construction.
They also served as a more practical camouflage than previously ornate, brightly styled military uniforms, which often featured more saturated colors. This inspired many other militaries across the globe, who quickly followed suit with their versions of these military fatigues.
From Military to Civilian
Fast-forward to the 1950s. Following the return of troops from World War II, civilians noticed the pants featured on magazine covers worn by soldiers fighting abroad.
Thus, by the 1960s, khaki dress pants (now known as chinos) had become a classic business casual staple, filling classrooms at higher learning institutions and offices across the nation.
Fabric & Design
As mentioned, chinos are constructed from a cotton-twill fabric that is often light, breathable, hardy, and versatile.
Nowadays, there are numerous types of chinos, and with the advancements in modern technology, some are made with synthetic materials to allow for more comfort and built-in stretch; these types of chinos are often called "tech" or "performance" chinos and, in some cases, do a great job of looking like formal dress pants while feeling more like workout or general lifestyle trousers.
Today, a chino's construction is more or less straightforward: flat-fronted (no pleats), concealed stitching, slanted front pockets, jetted back pockets (however, some have patched pockets), a zipper front fly, and belt loops.
Which Colors Are the Best?
Sticking to neutral colors is the best strategy for maximizing the appeal of your chinos.
Admittedly, I'm a bit of a traditionalist because I believe the first pair of chino pants any man should own ought to be khaki. That said, I also recommend owning at least three to four pairs of chinos in different colors to maximize the number of outfits you can put together over time.
If you want to build out a capsule-style wardrobe, the need for neutral clothing increases exponentially, as these are the safest, most classic, timeless, and interchangeable colors a man can wear.
If you already have khaki chinos, get yourself a pair of navy blue chinos, followed by olive green and gray chinos. How dark or light you want these to be is entirely up to you.
Proper Fit & Sizing
As with everything in the realm of personal style, fit is critical. So long as you find a pair of chinos that fit and flatter your lower half, that is all that matters.
It took me a while to find the best fit before building a robust collection of classic chino pants. I wish it were as easy as knowing your waist size and inseam measurement, but God didn't design us all to be the same.
The good news is that in today's world, numerous options are available, ensuring that there is undoubtedly something for everyone. It's only a matter of knowing your body and its unique dimensions.
For example, I'm usually a 34W x 32L in an athletic taper. Due to my larger thighs and glutes, most brands typically offer more room in the seat with their athletic variants.
If you have slimmer legs, you might want to opt for a pair of slim-fit chinos. By the same token, if you have thicker legs and thighs, consider straighter or relaxed fits, as they will usually flatter your frame more effectively and provide greater comfort and mobility.
The best chinos for you are out there. You may need to research and visit a few stores for try-ons to find a good and comfortable fit.
Can Chinos Pass for Dress Pants at Formal Events?
The answer to this question is... "it depends." It depends on the fabric and cut of the chinos.
Dress pants are traditionally made from wool (e.g., worsted wool, wool flannel, etc.). But despite all chinos being made of the same signature cotton-twill fabric, those types of chinos with more spandex for stretch and comfort are inherently less dressy and more casual.
Dress chino pants do exist, and if you need a pair of dressy chino pants, then be on the lookout in stores for those with a flat front (maybe even pleats), hook fastener, and ironed with a crease up each of the pants' legs.
Pay attention to the fabrics; you'll want something closer to 100% cotton-twill (you'll feel the difference and the lack of stretch).
In addition to more casual pairs of chinos, dress chinos are great for adhering to stricter dress codes and more formal occasions.
When to Wear Chinos
The great thing about chino pants is that they can be dressed up and down very easily (as you'll soon see in thirty-plus outfit examples).
Recommended Brands
When it comes to chinos, my recommendation is Bonobos. A single pair will cost you about $100, but I have yet to find a brand that fits me and feels so comfortable. In addition to Bonobos, here are some other great brands:
I always recommend picking up a well-made, classic pair of khaki chinos that will become a wardrobe staple, usable continuously over time.
This is where the $100 asking price of a premium pair of pants becomes worth it, in my opinion, but I also understand that not everyone shares the same view.
For some, $100 is a substantial amount of money, so don't be afraid to snag a budget starter pair so long as you focus on proper fit and sizing (this is where the need for a well-trained tailor might come in handy).
How to Wear Chinos (32 Outfit Ideas)
Wearing khaki chinos might be basic, but that doesn't mean your options are limited or boring.
Brilliant Basics (Khaki Chinos)
Outfit #1: Plain White & Black T-Shirts
Great everyday relaxed outfit options that can make you look well put-together (even if you're not necessarily trying to be).
Outfit #2: Black Polo Shirt
A little dressier than a plain T-shirt, this is an excellent option for out-and-about. You never know who you'll see. Pair it with some clean white sneakers or boots (it's up to you).
Outfit #3: White Oxford-Cloth Button-Down Shirt (OCBD)
Look a little smarter and more refined if you like; after all, you're a gentleman at heart. Great for church, brunch with friends, and even dates with lovely women.
Outfit #4: Denim Jacket & White OCBD
If you don't have a denim jacket, then I highly recommend snagging one. They're affordable, well-made, classic, and timeless.
This is a textbook look for a denim jacket. A masterclass in neutral pairings, blue, white, and khaki, will never fail you.
Outfit #5: Gray Sweater Layered or Standalone
Do you need to combat the breeze for spring and fall while simultaneously looking smart and put together? No worries. Wear a sweater, stick to neutral tones, and you'll be golden.
Outfit #6: White OCBD & Oxford Dress Shoes
The versatility is really on display here. With just a few subtle swaps for garments, you can be dressed up while still remaining casual.
Outfit #7: Leather Jacket, White T-Shirt & Sneakers
This smart-casual yet rugged ensemble is always a classic and masculine choice for any modern gentleman.
Outfit #8: Green Polo, Navy Harrington & Chukkas
Break out the classic Harrington jacket with a tastefully colored polo shirt. Steve McQueen himself would approve.
Outfit #9: Casual Navy Blazer & German Army Trainers (GATs)
A navy blazer is a timeless staple, and Hopsack is an excellent choice for any classic blazer due to its lightweight breathability and durability. Pair with a white crewneck t-shirt, classic khaki chinos, and some sporty German Army Trainers (GATs), and you have a recipe for success.
Outfit #10: Smart Casual Blazer, Polo & Loafers
Here is a classic blazer look that you might already be familiar with. A polo shirt, rather than a dress shirt, is always a classy way to keep things comfortable and casual. Wear this for a casual job interview or an equally casual work or family event.
Other Neutral Tones
As mentioned, after owning a pair of classic chinos in khaki, you ought to graduate to shades of green, brown, gray, white, and navy chinos. Here's how I like to style them.
Outfit #11: Navy Harrington, White T-Shirt & White Sneakers
The Harrington jacket is an excellent blend of sporty and elegant, making it a perfect choice for pairing with neutral chinos and a clean pair of white sneakers.
Outfit #12: Black Harrington, Polo Shirt & GATs
Another Harrington-style outfit, this jacket is often waterproof (or at least water resistant), so zipping it up to shield you from the wind or rain is a great option. Pay attention to the materials and construction, as not all Harringtons are built for rainy weather.
Outfit #13: Blue Coach's Jacket, Knit Oxford & GATs
Blue and green work so well together, especially for men with cool skin tones. This color pairing is analogous, meaning the two colors sit next to each other on the color wheel (see below).
Outfit #14: Blue Polo, Tan Raincoat & White Sneakers
Here is a great look that will shield you from the rain and wind while keeping you dapper for the day ahead. The Ivy green chinos look brilliant under the navy polo and tan rain jacket.
Outfit #15: Brown Harrington, Green Polo & Loafers
Here, I am wearing a pair of white chino pants, a green polo shirt, a brown Harrington jacket, and brown leather penny loafers. This chic and sophisticated ensemble is perfect for dates, church, or simply for running errands out in town.
Outfit #16: Green Linen Shirt, Fedora Hat & GATs
I'm wearing a green linen button-up shirt with white chinos and GATs. This outfit is perfect for almost any occasion during the casual summer days when the temperature rises.
Outfit #17: Chambray Button-Down & GATs
Blue and green are my "go-to" color combinations, if you haven't noticed. Here are some decidedly lighter shades of green and blue. Chambray is a much lighter and more breathable type of denim that adds lovely texture and visual intrigue to any spring or summer ensemble (similar to the previous look).
Outfit #18: Navy Pique Polo & Brown Loafers
Blue and brown always go great together; in a neutral-colored wardrobe, you can easily (and safely) pair the two together. These chestnut chinos have hues of orange.
Blue and orange are complementary colors, which means they sit opposite each other on the color wheel.
Throw on a leather belt and matching leather shoes, and you've elevated this basic outfit to new heights.
Outfit #19: Green Polo & Gum-Soled White Sneakers
Summer usually means warm weather (depending on where you reside geographically).
Choose your favorite color combinations (consult the color wheel beforehand), tuck in your polo shirt (or leave it out), and pair it with a clean pair of sneakers. A look like this is polo perfection.
Outfit #20: Blue Bomber, Black T-Shirt & White Sneakers
White goes exceptionally well with shades of gray, navy blue, and a little black. The ever-classic lightweight bomber jacket is perfect for springtime and is reliable for dates, casual outings with friends, or even running errands.
Outfit #21: Denim Jacket, Gray OCBD & Suede Chelsea Boots
This look is an excellent example of incorporating fun colors into neutral-colored outfits.
Here, the crimson chinos complement the blue in the denim jacket due to the purple hues within the red. Consider throwing on a ballcap to lean further in a more casual direction (Go Braves).
Outfit #22: Tobacco Suede Jacket, White Polo & GATs
This outfit is an excellent choice for a sophisticated yet rugged look on your date night. Suede is a fascinating texture that adds visual interest and works well throughout the year.
This outfit will be perfect for spring or winter if you reside in a location like Southern California.
It is another example of neutral colors at work, and your date will appreciate it as you lead her through the exciting evening you have planned.
Outfit #23: Ruby Quarter-Zip, Dress Polo & Chukkas
Here, I have chosen dark olive-green chinos because red and green are complementary colors that always look great when paired in similar tones or shades.
The olive suede chukka boots and the green pants also look great, adding texture and visual interest.
Outfit #24: Smart Casual Blazer, Sweater & White Sneakers
This look is also very casual but decidedly elevated. I think that this ensemble is a masterclass in lightweight layering. The stone-colored chinos pair well with the clean white sneakers, and the texture of the navy sweater looks charming when coupled with the Hopsack blazer. It's a great choice for a lovely date.
Outfit #25: Gray Sport Coat, White Polo & Sneakers
This sport coat goes well with a pair of white sneakers in much the same way as a navy blazer. Given that there are more types of sport coats in terms of pattern, fabric, etc., the sport coat can offer more options.
Just remember that a blazer and sport coat are not the same...
Outfit #26: Denim Jacket, Black Turtleneck & Chelsea Boots
Here, I have black chinos, a black turtleneck sweater, a denim jacket, and rich suede chelsea boots. Trust me, this is a clean and straightforward look that any woman would love to see you in for a nice date on the town.
Outfit #27: Leather Jacket, Black Turtleneck & White Sneakers
Leather jackets and leather sneakers go together like Steven Spielberg and John Williams (they just work).
Not every leather jacket is created equal, but a classic brown variant like the one above is a safe bet. Paired with neutral chinos and a textured shirt or sweater, you have the perfect date night ensemble for the spring or fall.
Outfit #28: Navy Puffer Jacket, V-Neck Sweater & GATs
It isn't easy to rock a pair of sneakers like these for the late fall and early winter months, but if I were to try my hand at it, I would do it this way.
Of course, the later months in the year call for the darkening of colors in most cases, and this earthier analogous pairing is a great smart-casual way to stay layered and stylish.
Outfit #29: Navy Harrington Jacket, V-Neck Sweater & Chukkas
Take the previous look and swap out the puffer jacket for a classic navy Harrington, and exchange the GATs for chukka boots. You can accomplish a lot with an analogous color scheme of blue and green all year long.
Outfit #30: Camel Overcoat, Denim Jacket & Navy Turtleneck
Again, relying on a neutral-colored palette, this ensemble is another testament to the power of color. Another mostly analogous color scheme, with the clear statement piece being the camel overcoat.
Edgy, colorful, cozy, daring, and stylish.
Dress Chinos Outfits (Olive Green)
As mentioned earlier, dress chinos are best suited for business casual settings. Here are two very similar business casual outfit ideas featuring the same olive-green dress chinos.
Outfit #31: Business Casual Blazer
This more formal outfit features a navy blazer, powder blue Oxford-cloth dress shirt, dark olive-green chinos, a light blue cotton pocket square, and a navy grenadine tie.
Grenadine is traditionally a silk material with much more texture and thickness than conventional silk neckties.
This texture is ideal for a business casual outfit like this one, which incorporates other types of texturing to ensure a cohesive look throughout.
The brown double-monk strap shoes are an intentional and casually elegant choice that will command respect in the workplace.
Outfit #32: Business Casual Harrington
I love this classic and professional look featuring the same pieces as before, this time with a classic navy Harrington jacket instead of the navy blazer.
The Most Versatile Pants a Man Can Own
After reading this style guide, I hope you understand how classic, versatile, and essential a quality pair of fine-fitting chino pants can be.
Prioritize neutral colors, a great fit that flatters your frame, and quality fabrics, and you can seldom go wrong with including these ever-stylish trousers in your routine wardrobe rotation. When it comes to wearing chinos, there truly is something for everyone!
