Style -- 6 days ago
The Chino Edit: the ultimate guide to picking the perfect pair
Whether you're looking for a slim-fitting smart pair, or a splash of serious colour — these are the chinos to invest in this season...
Words: Zak Maoui
Chinos are a sure staple in the modern man’s wardrobe and the menswear canon. Whether you’re dressing to impress on a dinner date, trying to strike the right smart-casual note in the office, or just strolling out for a casual coffee, a reliable pair of chinos will always fit the bill handsomely.
Classic chinos are typically crafted from twill, which is a classic cotton fabric that you can also find in jeans and denim fabric. The name comes from the Philippines, as during the Spanish colonial rule in the 19th century members of the army wore trousers made from twill, which historically came from China - “Chino” is the Spanish word for “Chinese”. Note: in America, chinos are often referred to as "khakis".
Chinos have a colourful (literally) history. Moving away from their use solely int he military, the chino was reappropriated by the Ivy League preppy dressers of the American Mid-Century. Teruyoshi Hayashida’s biblical menswear tome Take Ivy or Black Ivy: A Revolt in Style by Jason Jules and Graham March, deftly depict the way in which stylish guys wore their chinos. Button-down Oxfords paired with smart, clean trainers and chinos of all shapes, colours and sizes became the uniform of those at Princeton and beyond, an aesthetic to be picked up by the likes of JFK Jr, who wore them expertly well, and rappers such as Chance the Rapper, Tyler the Creator and Lil Yachty.
And, with a prep revival very much happening in menswear (look to brands like Gant, Wales Bonner and Ralph Lauren to see it happening in real time), there is no better time to embrace an effortlessly cool preppy style, and pull on a pair yourself.
Read on for our shortlist of the best men's chinos you can buy right now...
Smarten up with slim-fit chinos
Slim-fitting chinos are loved by guys everywhere for being the perfect, versatile essential that you can wear everyday without worrying if you’re looking sharp enough for a surprise meeting with the boss. Perfect for giving your jeans a day off — they can also be dressed down with a white T-shirt for an easy spring look.
Loosen up in linen chinos
Whilst the summer sun might seem an eternity away just now, the suggestion of the clement weather is actually just around the corner. With this in mind, it’s time to turn your attention to some lighter pieces to last you through the warmer months.
Summer trousers require lightweight and breathable materials, and linen chinos come in as our top choice for ticking all the right sartorial boxes.
Rest up in relaxed-fit chinos
Your weekend uniform is not complete without a pair of these. This fit is roomy through the seat and thighs, with a tapered, slightly cropped ankle and a streamlined front (i.e. no pleats).
Instead of pairing these with smart shoes, the best way to style these pairs is with simple leather sneakers and a I-just-threw-this-on T-shirt.
Conquer in coloured chinos
We know, even the suggestion of introducing a few brighter numbers to your chino repertoire can seem unbearably uncomfortable — and slightly too 2011 — for many. But, trust us when we say that separating the wheat from the chaff in this saturated market will help take your wardrobe to an admirably exciting level.
Here are some of our favourites.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out the edit of the things we're buying right now
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