Recently, you can increasingly hear the term chinos, especially often at fashion shows, in branded stores, etc. Although in fact, many people will find these newfangled trousers in their wardrobe.
This piece of clothing combines the original military base, but with a bit of rigor.
Thus, chinos are quite versatile and suitable for many life occasions, as evidenced by the various looks created on their basis.
Chinos - what are they?
And so, chinos are a special type of trousers with a long history and an excellent track record in the form of a large number of different styles. Although there is a certain standard for the type of chinos, each manufacturer of this clothing has its own vision of their shape, so in principle there are no two identical pants from different companies. But as far as their color is concerned, the situation here is somewhat different, and the most popular variations are camouflage, beige and mustard.
If you know what mustard color is, then you must be already a very experienced, accomplished fashionista wearing cargo.
If this is the case, the article is unlikely to be useful to you, because it will describe the advantages, disadvantages and variations of men's trousers in the “for dummies” format. But if you still want to learn something for yourself, perhaps new and interesting, you are welcome. All the advantages of chinos, the reason for their name, and even some interesting details of their biography will be described here. Relax, read thoughtfully and get ready to update your wardrobe soon.
Classic and trendy colors
Traditional shades include a “masculine” palette: dark blue, black, gray, beige, mustard. They allow you to create discreet and classic looks that feel great in the office, shopping, or walking with friends.
Pants received a huge leap in popularity after they were adapted into “women’s” fashion. The model became playful, acquired new bright shades - blue, pink, yellow, red, delicate pastel colors. In such colors the image turns out incredibly feminine and romantic.
Traditional shades include a “masculine” palette: dark blue, black, gray, beige, mustard
Pants received a huge leap in popularity after they were adapted into “women’s” fashion.
The model became playful, acquired new bright shades - blue, pink, yellow, red, delicate pastel colors
Today in stores you can find chinos with colorful patterns. It can be a cage, abstraction, geometry, floral motifs.
For example, check out the latest collections from Tom Ford. He suggested bright dark blue trousers with white and gray spots that spread across the material like cumulus clouds. Another trendy model was a cream-colored one with vertical stripes of gray small circles and diamonds.
Chinos or chinos
Those who first heard about such clothing ask, men's chinos - what are they? There may be several answers to this question, it all depends on what exactly you want to hear and what specific information interests you. The best option in this case would be to lay everything out in order.
Chinos are not a specific trouser model. This is, in fact, a whole type of clothing that is part of Western culture and even etiquette. This is all thanks to the fact that these trousers are much closer to classics than jeans - in the USA they can be freely worn to almost all official events where there are no strict regulations regarding clothing. Actually, that’s basically what they do there.
True, women do this more often - as usual, they have a lot of variety in types, styles and colors, and some cunning designers even sew shoes specifically for these trousers and sell whole sets at discounts. But this is also part of American culture. This is the way it is, and many people like it.
But what about men? Is it right for them to wear chinos, both everyday and on special occasions where there are no restrictions on what they can wear, but looking good is a must?
The answer is yes.
Differences from other models
Before describing the features of these trousers, we need to dwell on the history of their appearance. Initially, this cut appeared among the military of the American and British armies. Cotton uniforms have become much more comfortable and pleasant to wear than denim uniforms.
The first chinos were exclusively in colors suitable for soldiers, that is, beige and khaki. The peculiar name of trousers came from China, since the fabric of this country was originally used for tailoring.
Reference ! The year when chinos were released was 1848, at that time the British troops were in sultry India, and they were ordered to wear white cotton uniforms.
But as you know, the military way of life is not characterized by good conditions, and one can only guess what could have happened to the white color. Therefore, the general of that army ordered the trousers to be dyed with improvised means - coffee, curry or mulberry. And unexpectedly for everyone, a new color appeared - khaki and a new type of trousers - chinos.
Over time, civilians also became interested in these comfortable pants, so their colors also changed.
Nowadays you can find many styles and shades of these cotton trousers in boutiques.
Important ! We can conclude that chinos are not characterized by a specific cut. But a prerequisite for sewing this type of trousers is the use of cotton fabric or a combination of cotton and synthetic fibers - such fabric is similar in texture to jeans.
Mostly chinos are preferred by teenagers and young men under 35 years of age and even older.
Social status is not a hindrance. Such clothing will be appropriate on tourist trips, in everyday life, at informal meetings and even at some semi-formal receptions.
If you are interested in the classic version of chinos, then they are sewn as follows:
- material – 100% cotton;
- trousers are tapered;
- the fly has buttons instead of the usual zipper;
- There are slanted pockets in front, and straight cut-in pockets in the back.
Reference ! Currently, classic chinos are becoming less and less common; there are a huge number of variations of this type of pants, both in terms of style and material for sewing them; mixed fabrics are increasingly being used.
What chinos are and how to wear them correctly is explained in the video:
A little history
The fact is that these trousers originate from the times when only men wore trousers and all clothes of a similar format were made only for them, and this is the end of the nineteenth century!
At a time when there was no detailed information about the suffragettes, the world revolution was still gaining momentum, and European countries, without hesitation, fought for their colonies around the world. China acted as the main supplier of cotton for almost the entire world. That's why the trousers have this name - chinos means Chinese in Spanish.
The most plausible story of their origin tells us that it was the Spaniards, who fought with the Americans for a sphere of influence in the Pacific Ocean, who called all clothes made from Chinese cotton with this word. Further, this description migrated only to trousers, sewn in a special way - loose at the top and tapered at the bottom. This type of them was in demand for several reasons and style, oddly enough, was the last of these criteria.
First of all, this need was dictated by saving material and, accordingly, reducing the cost of the product. Secondly, the convenience of wearing trousers by soldiers, for whom at that time it was very important not to get tangled in the folds of their own clothes. You can see it yourself in the photos of those times.
What to wear with chinos
Many years have passed since the time when chinos first came into fashion, and were usually worn together with soldier boots and a rifle. In fact, starting from the fifties of the last century, when women received their rights and the opportunity to dictate their terms to fashion, special outfits began to be selected for chinos, which had already become a fashion trend.
And here the nature of these trousers was fully revealed. They turned out to be so universal that their inventors would literally be surprised how this is possible. Chinos adapt to any possible situation - first of all, they are useful because they can be completely formal and official. All you have to do is put on the right jacket and shirt, and you're ready to go out. In this case, trousers will be the base that will allow you to experiment.
In everyday life you will also have no equal, since versatility here also gives you the opportunity to play carte blanche. A T-shirt of a similar color or shade with some interesting print, a stylish shirt and jewelry on the arms will go perfectly with them. The only limitation may be the choice of belts. In fact, you can only choose from classic ones, made of leather and decorated with small, neat buckles. Large and bulky ones will not work here, since chinos are sophisticated clothing.
Multifunctionality
One of the most important qualities for which we value clothing. Chinos are about as adaptable as it gets. Depending on the setting and purpose, you can style your outfit to achieve the desired level of formality. Moreover, chinos here will be the base, framing and complementing which you will create the desired mood in your outfit.
From the most everyday:
To the strict one in which you can go to a business meeting:
And also many intermediate situations:
The d-shaped belt buckle is an interesting option to wear with this type of trouser.
Chino shoes
Intuition and experience will tell us how to choose shoes to match these trousers. But, first of all, you need to focus on convenience and the season, since almost all types of boots and shoes go here, and if you want not only to look impressive and stylish, but also like dynamics in motion, then even sneakers will fit here. Don't forget brown shoes!
This is where the very special feature of chinos is expressed - versatility and practicality. But for those who cannot decide what exactly they like in shoes, it is recommended to wear loafers, which will give you an official and sophisticated look, or desserts - boots with high tops. It is advisable that the shoes be suede, since the matte color suits the style of this clothing well.
Also, if you like to look not just good, but even obscenely expensive, there is a special option for you - boat shoes. This is a very interesting type of shoe, which is very popular among young people. But you need to be as careful as possible with them, since their flashy appearance can play a bad joke and make any stylish outfit tasteless.
Historical excursion into the “fashionable” issue
Like jeans, chinos were originally utilitarian in nature. They first appeared in the uniforms of soldiers of the British colonial troops. According to legend, in the mid-19th century. a certain Harry Lumsden, commander of a British regiment stationed in India, in order to eliminate the unsightly appearance of the light-colored military uniform, came up with the idea of painting it with a mixture of gunpowder, coffee and mulberry juice. This solved two problems at once: on the one hand, the soldiers’ uniform no longer looked sloppy, on the other, it acquired camouflage properties, because in this version the soldiers were almost invisible against the background of Indian landscapes. The Hindus called the simple color of the British clothes “khaki”, which translated meant “dusty”.
Photo from the site: manlife24.ru
The term “chinos” appeared half a century later and was already associated with the uniform of American soldiers. At the beginning of the 20th century, during the Spanish-American military conflict for dominance over the Philippines, the United States military used the “find” of the British in their uniforms - all soldiers were dressed in colors that blended them with the local landscape. The fabric for sewing uniforms was purchased in China. Chinese fabric among the Spaniards was called “chinos”, which meant “Chinese” in translation. This term quickly came into use among American soldiers, after which the name was assigned to the trousers themselves.
Finally, chinos migrated to the civilian wardrobe after the end of World War II. Soldiers were returning from the fronts, and due to the lack of free funds to purchase new clothes, many men continued to wear military trousers, combining them with civilian clothes. And just a couple of years later, women also appreciated the convenience and practicality of chinos. Moreover, in the women's wardrobe they have undergone many transformations - enriched with color, decor, etc.
What to do next?
If you follow all the slightest trends in fashion, then you have definitely wondered whether these trousers need to be rolled up? The answer is yes. But only with the mind. Always remember the rules of how to roll up your pants and how to make it look stylish and beautiful.
You should not try to outplay yourself - if you are short, then you definitely need to refrain from such an idea. Also, if the chinos are in super slim or skinny format, then this simply will not be necessary. However, remember that without twists you are just as irresistible as with them.
Black or blue - the color of chinos
This is a strong question. Black chinos are a gift from modern fashion and a possible variation on a classic. But they are practically not perceived as the main color. And they practically cannot serve as a basis for creating an image. But as for the long-proven and trouble-free camo green, here you will find an interesting discovery - it is this that makes the trousers so suitable for everything.
This color, along with beige, is the standard color for chinos and many similar-looking and cut trousers that have been relevant for more than fifty years. Therefore, when choosing new clothes for yourself, always pay attention to this.
If you want to be stylish and at the same time feel comfortable, chinos are exactly what you need. This is an ideal option for a walk, a business meeting and a country trip. I hope you make the right choice.
There will be many more articles on the blog of the adventure project “On the Edge” devoted to the style of clothing and the specifics of its choice, so stay with me and don’t go to other sites!
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Product benefits
It’s not for nothing that Chinos have taken root so well in society, because they have many advantages:
- They fit perfectly on any figure. The main thing is to find the optimal cut and coordinate it with her individual characteristics.
- They give magical comfort. They don't tighten or press. They do not hinder movements at all. You feel comfortable in them all day long, even during intense activity.
- Allergy sufferers will appreciate the hypoallergenic nature of the materials. The risk of irritation, rashes, and any other reaction is eliminated.
- Natural fabrics are characterized by excellent strength and breathability. They also withstand frequent washing and retain their color and shape for a long time even with increased use.
They fit perfectly on any figure. The main thing is to find the optimal cut and coordinate it with her individual characteristics.
They give magical comfort. They don't tighten or press. Doesn't restrict movement at all
Natural fabrics are characterized by excellent strength and breathability
- Fits into many styles: casual, office, sporty, romantic, vintage.
Note. Despite their military roots, chinos cannot be classified as military at all. This means they are not worn with heavy boots, combat boots, or classic Timberlands. These are typical representatives of the glamorous, urban, everyday youth lifestyle, more related to the “dandy” category.
Flaws
There are few of them, but they are present. First of all, curvy girls will have to work hard to find a suitable model. Unfortunately, very often trousers make you look fat and visually add weight.
The second disadvantage is the laconic appearance and minimal decor. Coupled with simple fabric, such a thing is difficult to fit into an evening or formal look. Although, given the inconsistency of current fashion, especially brave and courageous young ladies may well try.
Very often, trousers make you look fat and visually add weight.
It’s difficult to fit such a thing into an evening or formal look.
Products wrinkle heavily, like all things made from cotton or linen materials
Thirdly, the products wrinkle a lot, like all things made from cotton or linen materials. Stains and dirt literally “stick” to them. Light-colored specimens are especially susceptible to soiling.
Advice! Short women should definitely wear heels with their trousers. Otherwise, a shortened pant size will further reduce the length of the legs and create visual imbalances in the body.
