If we were to go through all the men’s closets one by one, there would be very few in which we would not find chinos. These pants have been essential for decades and, it is not surprising, since they are comfortable, functional and elegant. Their versatility has also made them timeless and they understand neither fashion nor seasons.
It is likely that the Chinese have accompanied you in your suitcase this vacation and, surely, they will also be with you these days back to the routine. For many, this garment is the alternative to jeans, but with a semi-formal touch capable of adapting to almost any situation and style.
The curious origin of chinos for men
The color and style of this garment makes it not difficult to intuit that its origin is closely related to military contexts. What is curious is why we call them that, “Chinese.” Apparently, they began to be used as a uniform in the Spanish-American War of 1898 and were manufactured in China. From here, the simplification is obvious.
However, in other countries they are known as “khakis”, a word that has its origin in India that means dust or earth and with which it seems that a type of fabric used in the Asian subcontinent was also known. late 19th century. In that case, it was the British soldiers posted there who included pants with these characteristics in their wardrobe. On the other hand, here it is also obvious what the origin of the name of the color khaki, the basic one in the Chinese, is.
The jump to the streets
After decades confined to military contexts, Hollywood and its influence in the 40s and 50s is responsible for making them popular and they take to the streets and earn the place they occupy from then until today.
In the United States, many schools and universities adopt them as part of their students’ uniforms, combined with navy blue blazers. This does not happen in Spain, but through cinema, on this side of the Atlantic its use is normalized and, furthermore, without student memories.
How to choose the chinos that best suit you?
Chinos are pants that, although they are classic and semi-formal, must be comfortable. When you try them on, choose ones that are neither too tight nor too loose. The ideal is that they do not make folds in the front area and, to do this, the easiest thing is to choose the chinos with the front part without darts.
As for the length of the chinos, perhaps we could say that they are shorter than formal pants. In this case, the ideal is that they do not rest too much on the shoes, but rather that they are slightly below the ankle. You can also hem the hem and they will look great.
As for color, we have already talked about khaki, the classic, but, today, there is a wide range. A navy blue chino is also one of those timeless and versatile pieces that becomes a wild card for any outfit.Greenish or grayish tones are less common and more original, without departing from a classic and wearable style.
How to wear chinos?
How We have seen, the Chinese have gone to war in different conflicts and this already gives us an idea that they are capable of adapting to any situation. Whether day or night, work or holiday, these pants will fit almost any casual or semi-formal context.
In the most relaxed situations, they can be combined with sneakers or moccasins and even dispense with socks and show off ankle boots. In these cases, with a polo or t-shirt they will look great.
To go to the office, what we saw as the American university look is considered a classic. A white shirt and a navy blue blazer with chinos, especially during halftime, is a correct and semi-formal outfit, as well as elegant and comfortable. Of course, it must be taken into account that the more formal the jacket is, the more it will demand the same style for the pants and it may not be the best companion for these pants.
For nights and other moments of leisure, the Chinese accept almost everything. From some prints to leather jackets. You set the limits.
The wild card for halftime
Another advantage of chinos – which perhaps also has its origin in their military nature – is their durability and resistance, so you surely have some chinos hanging in your closet. In the coming weeks, with the changes of season and weather, those pants will surely become your best ally.
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