The History of Chinos

“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