Wardrobe Essential: The Chino
Words: Charlie Thomas
The chino is perhaps the most versatile pair of bottom-half garments a man can own. Made of cotton, they can vary in weight and thickness, meaning you can find a pair for the height of summer as well as for the glum depths of winter. Smarten them up with a crisp shirt and blazer or pare them down with a simple t-shirt and plain oxfords, for a look reminiscent of the great style icons of the last century.
Of course, chinos come in a wide range of colours too, so whether you want to keep it classic in neutral beige or make a statement in a rich seasonal hue, you’ll be able to do so with ease. If you don’t own a pair there has never been a better time to stock up. Here’s where to look.
INCOTEX, , Incotex is a sub-brand of the Slowear group, a company which produce simple, contemporary classics that could easily form the basis of your entire wardrobe. These ‘Four Season’ chinos have been constructed from a special cotton mix that’s designed to let you wear them year round, and you’ll want to once you discover their flattering slim fit and expert finish.
Incotex Four Season Slim-Fit Chino, £190 from Mr Porter
SUNSPEL, , Masters of understated elegance, Sunspel have been an English favourite since 1860. These navy chinos feature a 5-pocket design and the 100% cotton twill mix will mean that they’ll get better with age, producing a worn-in patina that will make them individually yours. Navy chinos make a great alternative to jeans, although they do boast a smarter aesthetic.
Sunspel Navy Chino, £135 from Sunspel
J.CREW,
Once you’ve purchased a neutral and navy pair of chinos, the next move is to introduce colour. A sky blue pair such as these from J.Crew are perfect for summer, infusing an air of the riviera, which would actually look just at home on the Strand as it would on the Promenade des Anglais.
J.Crew Broken-In Chino, £75 from J.Crew
BURBERRY, , Brooding and masculine, a pair of black chinos will see you through the evening in style. Pair them with a white oxford shirt and some slick black penny loafers and you’ve got yourself a suave monochromatic look that ticks all the right boxes for a night out on the town.
Buberry Brit Albany Slim-Fit Chino, £135 from Matches Fashion
MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA, , If you want to subtly stand out, then opt for a pair of chinos in a variation of a more popular colour. A great example would be a blue/green mix like these from Maison Martin Margiela or, if you dare, a rich burgundy hue.
Maison Martin Margiela Dark Blue Chino, £250 from Liberty
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