Whats the Difference Between Khakis and Chinos?

There is much confusion surrounding the differences between khakis and chinos. Indeed, even fashion industry experts sometimes disagree about whether the terms can be used interchangeably. Many well-known, highly respected designers create pants that are called both khakis and chinos. Nationwide chains may bill their pants as khakis and chinos at the same time. Understandably, many consumers feel a sense of confusion when searching for these types of pants. It is important for buyers to understand that these pants are indeed different. Knowing the differences and the similarities between khakis and chinos can make purchasing decisions much easier.

Khaki Pants 101

There is no doubt that khakis and chinos have many similarities. However, there are distinct differences between the two styles of pants. These differences can help men decide which pant to seek out in different situations. Most closets will have an assortment of both khakis and chinos. Because each pant style is more appropriate in certain settings, it is wise to have the information about each type prior to purchase.

The History of Khakis

The birth of khaki pants can be traced to the mid-19th century. A British military officer named Sir Harry Burnett Lumsden was stationed in Punjab, India. The typical uniform at that time was the red coat, which consisted of white trousers and a bright, red tunic. The red coat was made from wool, an excellent choice for cold atmospheres but a less than desirable one for the heat of Punjab. Lumsden abandoned the red coat, choosing instead to wear more lightly woven pajama bottoms. Lumsden further made the decision to camouflage these new trousers with mazari so that the appearance would blend with the soil. The name khaki was given, which some say originates from the Hindu word for dust. Others say the word comes from the Persian word for soil. Whatever the origins of the word may be, the yellowish-brown hue became commonly known as khaki in Britain. Within a short amount of time, the British adopted khaki as part of their military uniforms. They utilized the same design as Lumsden's pajama bottoms: durable cotton pants with pleats. This style of military wear began to be copied by armies all over the globe.

Styles of Khakis

Khakis grew into popularity for casual wear in the United States after World War II. Civilians saw the smart-looking pants worn by military personnel and adopted it for their own daily lives. The 1950s saw a surge in popularity as individuals searched for long-lasting pants that were stylish as well. Since then, khakis have been a mainstay in the wardrobes of men all over the country. Today, khaki pants are available in a variety of shades and multiple styles. Though the original yellowish-brown is still the most common color, khakis are also available in variations of that shade as well as browns, greys, and greens. Khakis are still almost always made from cotton twill but can also made from linen. Khakis can have few or multiple pockets. They are available in both pleated and flat-front styles. Some are now treated with a special chemical that makes them wrinkle-free or wrinkle-resistant. This greatly helps those who want the casual look of khakis without having to iron.

When to Wear Khakis

Khakis are popular for those who wish to be able to easily transition from an office to a more casual atmosphere. Khakis offer a good alternative to jeans for those who do not like the stiffness of denim yet need to have comfortable, reliable clothing. Khakis can double as casual wear and work clothing but can also be semi-formal. Khakis are appropriate for light dinners and daytime social events.

All About Chinos

Chinos and khakis are often confused because they are so similar. The reason for their similarity is that their origins intertwine. The word chino simply refers to the country in which the pants were originally manufactured: China.

The History of Chinos

The beginnings of chinos can be traced to the Spanish-American War. American uniforms were produced in China during that time. Chinese manufacturers modeled the uniforms they made after the new British khakis. However, they were unable to mirror the design exactly due to the need to conserve cloth. Instead of the pleated, pocketed khakis, chinos had flat fronts and few-to-no pockets. The pants legs were also tapered, which made fabric stretch even further. Another distinction between the newly created chinos and the British khakis was the material. Chinos were made with an even more lightly woven cotton to keep soldiers cool in the heat of the Philippine islands.

Styles of Chinos

Chinos were brought back to the United States after the war. Many soldiers continued to wear their military-issue pants in their civilian lives. It is argued that those who went on to college helped to spread the chino phenomenon by showing up to classes in the dressy yet resilient pants. Soon, college students everywhere were clamoring for a pair of the comfortable and stylistic chinos. Now, true chinos are still distinguished from their khaki counterparts by their streamlined style. Chinos are not always tapered, but they always have few pockets and flat fronts. Unlike khaki pants, which are generally only available in neutral shades, chinos can be dyed in almost any color. Recent color trends have introduced shades that are bright, like cobalt blue and lime green. Reds, yellows, and oranges are widely available from mass-produced retail stores to high-end, luxury designers to one-of-a-kind, handmade items.

When to Wear Chinos

Chinos are dressier pants, which makes them unsuitable for manual labor. While some men may wear khakis for yard work, chinos are not durable enough for that type of activity. Chinos are much better for professional work day activities. They are also excellent for formal events, including dinner parties and weddings. They can be worn as easily for casual evenings as for night clubs. Like khakis, many designers now treat chinos with chemicals that make them wrinkle-resistant. The light weave that constitutes chinos make them much less likely to wrinkle than some other styles of pants. When ironing is necessary, it is often quick work. This is another reason that busy professionals prefer true chinos to khakis.

Other Styles of Pants

It is not uncommon for a manufacturer or a retailer to bill their pants as khakis or chinos without paying specific attention to the traditional styles of each pant. A pair of pants may be called chinos or khakis because they were inspired by these pants, but they are often missing some of the vital elements of the clothing. Both chinos and khakis are typically unobtrusive in their design. They were historically made for military wear, which means they have fewer buttons, zippers, and additional storage space that may be offered in some other types of pants. Many manufacturers pattern their pants after these styles using a different type of fabric. Pants made from corduroy or denim may be considered to be khakis or chinos by their manufacturers, but these are not standard. Likewise, some manufacturers list overalls and cargo pants as khakis or chinos. While these products have their place in every man's wardrobe, true khakis and chinos would not have the bibs or extra pockets that these clothing items possess.