Chinos are a versatile type of pant – commonly found in short and pant lengths – that are made with a specific type of fabric that’s lightweight and durable. You can style chinos for any occasion.
What Is Chino Fabric?
Chinos are made of chino fabric, which was originally a purely cotton fabric constructed with a durable twill weave – similar to denim but in a lighter weight.
Nowadays, chino material is still woven but is sometimes mixed with polyester, nylon or elastane to improve durability and flexibility. Regardless of the mix of materials, chinos are a light and breathable alternative to denim.
Chino fabric was originally dyed from white to a sandy, khaki color to help soldiers blend into the local environment. This khaki color is a staple, but today, chinos come in a range of shades and colors including black, navy blue, olive and more.
Chino Shorts
Chino shorts – also known as bermudas – are as versatile and durable as chino pants. Lengths generally come in short (17-18”), medium (19-20”) and long (21-22”).
Are Chinos the Same as Slacks or Khakis?
Yes, with subtle differences.
Slacks are always tapered, meaning that they become a little narrower near the ankle, and while chinos do come in a tapered cut, they also come in a variety of other fits.
A defining characteristic of chino pants is that there is no pleat, differentiating them from formal pants and making them a good choice for a laid-back look.
Khakis, which come in similar colorways to chinos, and used to offer a more ample, straight-leg fit, but is now also a popular fit for chinos, especially within the skate community.
Lastly, the seams and visible detailing around pockets on chinos and slacks are more subtle than khakis.
Chino Pants History & Origin
Chino pants have a long history, and like a lot of staples in men’s clothing, their origins lie in the military.
During the Spanish-American war, soldiers fighting in the Philippines found it quicker and easier to get clothes from China rather than having them shipped from the U.S.
These clothes were made of the lightweight, pure-cotton fabric which came to be known as chino fabric. The term “Chino” is the Spanish slang term for “China,” which led to chino pants.
Soldiers returning from the war continued to wear chino pants in their everyday lives, and the style became popular as it bridged the gap between slacks and jeans.
Different Chino Styles
Although there can be differences between brands, chinos generally all come with:
- Five pocket design, including two side pockets, two back pockets, and a ticket pocket
- Fixed waistband with belt loops
- Zippered fly and button closure
Some of the most common styles, or fits, are:
- Slim/Modern – Tapered and close-fitting, offering the most tailored look without being as tight as skinny jeans
- Regular – Looser fitting than slim without being overly baggy and either straight or slightly tapered
- Loose – Providing ample room for movement and a comfortable fit with straight legs
Another main style difference of chino pants is the leg fit:
- Tapered – Wider at the thighs and thinner near the ankles, giving a more tailored look
- Straight – Same width the whole length of the leg, giving a looser look
How Should Chinos Fit?
Choosing the right fit for you comes down to personal preference.
That being said, there are a some things to consider when choosing a pair of pants:
- The waist should be the right size and your pants should stay up without the help of a belt.
- The top of the inseam shouldn’t sit so low that it interferes with your movement.
- The length, unless cropped, should be just enough to reach the tops of your shoes without bunching.
Chinos and chino fabrics have become a classic because of their durability and universal wearability. From workwear to more tapered styles, chino pants will always have their place in our lineup.
