Chino cloth is a twill fabric, originally made of 100% cotton. The most common items made from it, trousers, are widely called chinos. Today it is also found in cotton-synthetic blends.
Historically, the chinos were first seen in the mid 19th century as uniforms for the French and British military. Soon after America had a taste of the comfortable yet fashionable chinos as well with the Spanish-American war, and moved through generations to become an icon all thanks to the famous brand called Dockers. This more than 100-yr old trending garment soon took the continent by fire… Not only was it seen sported through the years by iconoclasts like Steve McQueen and James Dean, Bowles in Marrakech, Isherwood in Berlin, William Holden in Picnic, and Bobby Kennedy in Hyannis Port, but also by brands like Gap, Brooks Brothers and Dockers… and now a list of top fashion designers!
And even though with changing times the’ chinos’ has seen major facelifts…its appeal has stayed intact through the years and generations. It’s never been associated to formal wear… however, ‘chic’ ‘sporty’ ‘elegant’ ‘smart casual’ often come to mind when one wants to opt for chinos.
Chinos come in an array of colours that make it apt to wear it according to the occasion you’re headed for …. Nonetheless.. some popular colours are khakhi, beige, navy blue, grey, black, tan etc.
TGIF @ Work – Cream/ beige chinos with a white classic-collar dress shirt, and striped or solid coloured silk tie and loafers to go with. If its winter round the corner, throw in a navy blue blazer
A Classy Luncheon – Navy cotton stretch chinos with a light blue or pink open necked chambray shirt and a summer white jacket. Wear it with a pair of espadrilles and you’re rocking the formal yet very hip meets artsy look.
Get Summer Sporty – Mid-blue slim-fit chinos worn short – ankle length, teamed with a pastel linen shirt with rolled up sleeves and tucked out. Team this up with a pair of sneakers.
A Suave Semi-formal Business Do – Go European – Wear a Stone-coloured tailored chinos with a white crisp shirt and light brown jacket. Accessorise it with a vintage watch, a pair of dark brown brogues /oxfords and a belt. And don’t forget the very chic pocket square.
Just casual – Opt for grey or a teal coloured chino and mix it up with a check/plaid shirt in shades of maroon/red and driving shoes or boat shoes in brown or tan.
Ryan Reynolds, was recently seen sporting a very rustic look with navy chinos, red flannel overshirt , white tee and a sturdy boots. Very elegant yet ruggedly handsome.
With winters round the corner you can spice up your wardrobe with darker richer colours such as mustard, emerald, forest green, eggplant, olive green.