So, What's The Difference Between Chinos and Khakis?

In recent years, the terms chinos and khakis have mistakenly been used interchangeably to refer to a type of sandy-coloured trousers. If you are going to raise your fashion awareness, which we would hope every man would aspire to do, you'll need to correctly recognize these two very different pants. To understand the real differences between chinos and khakis and where each is appropriately worn, it is important to understand the characteristics and history of each.

History and Information of Chinos

Chinos were first developed during the middle of the 19th century right after the Spanish-American war. These trousers were made by the Chinese and were dubbed "chino" because it means Chinese in Spanish. Originally, military men wore this type of trousers.

These trousers have adapted over time, and although they have a military heritage, men's chinos are considered smart and fashionable. During World War II there was not a lot of extra fabric to go around, so the pants were not pleated and they did not have any more pockets than necessary. To this day, the pants still resemble the simple style they did back then.

Chinos cloth is made from twill. This twill is typically cotton, although other materials can be used. The colours of the pants will vary, which is one thing that can be confusing when distinguishing them from khakis. Although many times the trousers are made in a light brown colour, they can also be found in many other colours as well.

History and Information of Khakis

The word khaki is derived from a Persian word that translates as dust or dusty. The development of khakis dates back to the 1800s and has similar origins to the chinos.

Khaki refers to both a colour and a type of pants. This type of pants also originated in the military, but is made from material that is heavier and more durable than that of the chinos. Although on rare occasions, khakis can be seen in other colours, they are generally light brown or sandy coloured trousers.

Chinos versus Cargo Pants

Yet another confusion that has occurred recently has been between chinos and cargo pants. Many individuals believe that they can interchange these types of pants, but even though there are some similarities, these two trousers are different. Like chinos and khakis, many military outfits now use cargo pants as their battledress, or as fatigues. Although they may come in the same colours, the biggest difference between them is the number of pockets that they have. Cargo pants are known for their excessive amounts of pockets, which allow individuals to carry multiple items.

Where Are Chinos Appropriately Worn

As you can see, each of these have evolved from military backgrounds, but they have gone in three different directions. Chinos have gained popularity as a preppy style and can be worn with fashionable knitwear, casual shirts and sports jackets. Chinos look smart with Harris Tweed jackets and make the perfect addition to any man's wardrobe.

Khakis and especially cargo pants are considered much more casual. Cargo pants cannot be paired with sports jackets and are more suited for wearing around the house. In order to look your best regardless of the occasion, stick with chinos. They are casual enough to be worn running errands, matched with a polo shirt or sports jacket, yet can also be dressed up with a sports jacket for an evening out.

So, What's The Difference Between Chinos and Khakis?

Military Jackets

So, What's The Difference Between Chinos and Khakis?

So, What's The Difference Between Chinos and Khakis?
So, What's The Difference Between Chinos and Khakis?

Military Jackets

So, What's The Difference Between Chinos and Khakis?

So, What's The Difference Between Chinos and Khakis?

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"Burberry" Spring Summer 2013 Milan 3 of 3 Menswear by FashionChannel

"Burberry" Spring Summer 2013 Milan 3 of 3 Menswear by FashionChannel

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"Burberry" Spring Summer 2013 Milan 3 of 3 Menswear by FashionChannel
"Burberry" Spring Summer 2013 Milan 1 of 3 Menswear by FashionChannel The iridescent finish, satin lapel tuxedo and metallic leather for jackets. This catwalk brings about the harmony between the formalism and the British found disrespectful, with an old style elegance. Twists are the colorful bomber on complete flawless, light and crispy as the trench coat foil, shirts that show off minute print tie. The more you treat the puffy sleeves and collars duplicate those hanging on threatening military pea coat. At the foot of green sandals, always metallic, worn with long socks.
"Burberry" Spring Summer 2013 Milan 3 of 3 Menswear by FashionChannel

"Burberry" Spring Summer 2013 Milan 3 of 3 Menswear by FashionChannel

"Burberry" Spring Summer 2013 Milan 3 of 3 Menswear by FashionChannel

"Burberry" Spring Summer 2013 Milan 3 of 3 Menswear by FashionChannel

So, What's The Difference Between Chinos and Khakis?

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So, What's The Difference Between Chinos and Khakis?