Chinos are a classic style of men's trousers, with a long and interesting history. The style is often referred to as khakis, although this is actually a specific type of chino fabric. Chinos are often seen as a more casual alternative to suit trousers, but the two styles are actually quite different. Here, we take a look at the history of chinos and the key differences between chinos and suit pants.
The History of Chinos
The term' chinos' is derived from the Spanish word for Chinese. The style was first developed in the mid-19th century for British and French military uniforms. The fabric used was a lightweight cotton twill, which proved to be durable and comfortable in warm climates. The trousers were made in a light color, which helped to reflect sunlight and keep the wearer cool. This original style of chinos was soon adopted by civilians, becoming a popular style of trousers for men in the early 20th century.
The style was popularised even further by the US military in World War II. The trousers were issued to troops in a light beige color and soon became known as 'khakis', due to the fabric's color. Khakis are now considered a type of chino, although the original style of chinos was usually darker in color.
Difference between Chinos and Suit Pants
The key difference between chinos and suit trousers is the fabric. Suit trousers are usually made from wool or a wool blend, while chinos are made from cotton twill. The fabric is usually heavier and more structured for suit trousers, giving them a more formal look. Chinos, on the other hand, are usually lighter and softer, making them more comfortable to wear.
The cut of chinos and suit trousers is also different. Chinos are usually looser and more relaxed, while suit trousers are cut more slim and tailored. This makes them more formal and suited to wear with a suit jacket. Conversely, Chinos are often worn with more casual jackets or even on their own.
Finally, the color of chinos and suit trousers also varies. Suit trousers are usually darker, such as navy or black, while chinos are usually lighter, such as beige or khaki. Chinos can also come in various colors, making them more versatile and suitable for a range of occasions.
Conclusion
Chinos are a classic style of men's trousers with a long and interesting history. The style is often seen as a more casual alternative to suit trousers, but the two styles are actually quite different. Chinos are usually made from a cotton twill fabric, while suit trousers are usually made from a wool or wool blend. The cut of chinos is usually looser and more relaxed, while suit trousers are usually cut more slim and tailored. The color of chinos is usually lighter than that of suit trousers, making them more versatile and suitable for a range of occasions.
