“Chinos” or “Khakis”, like many popular items of
clothing, have their origins in the military.
During the 1840s, British soldiers fighting in the Punjab
realized their white and scarlet uniforms made them easy targets, and they
decided to dye them to blend in with the local terrain. The color became known
as khaki, from the Urdu word for “dust”. As armies around the world came to realize
the strategic advantage of neutral and camouflage clothing, khaki cotton
uniforms became standard issue.
Throughout the twentieth century khaki became an all too
familiar sight due to the First and Second World Wars. They came to be
associated with bravery and patriotism, and between the wars were worn by
explorers, hunters and those wealthy enough to visit far-flung countries on
safari. During and following the Second World War there was a strong connection
with Hollywood, with many stars signing up for military service. The Hollywood
Canteen, a glamorous nightclub for GIs, was established and manned by many film
and TV stars of the day. Female stars such as Katherine Hepburn and Marlene
Dietrich wore khaki outfits, and fashion designers created collections entirely
in khaki.
Khaki trousers (known as Chinos because they were mainly
manufactured in China) became a part of mainstream youth fashion when American
soldiers returning from World War II wore their uniform khakis to university.
During this period chinos became a staple of college and high school life,
particularly as it was a time when jeans were not permitted to be worn on
campus. Teamed with button-down shirts and loafers they became the original
preppy look.
Chinos have had a dual role throughout the latter part of
the twentieth century, worn by the wealthy and privileged during their leisure
hours, and also periodically adopted by youth groups, worn loose or low slung
as a symbol of rebellion and an alternative to jeans.
Chinos for men are somewhat
similar to the normal trousers you see people wearing but their material is a
little different. Chinos for men are more comfortable and have more pockets in
them than the normal khakis. Moreover, chinos for men are not specified for a
particular event. With a little effort, a person can pull the look off no
matter what the nature of the event is; either formal or informal. They can be
worn all year round, but are ideal for Spring and Autumn. They come in many
colors other than khaki, green,blue,red or yellow. You can dress them with a
t-shirt and trainers for a relaxed look, or for a more smart-casual outfit you
could adopt the preppy look (currently championed by designers such as Ralph
Lauren) by teaming your chinos with a shirt or smart polo shirt and loafers or
some of the latest deck shoes
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