How to Buy the Perfect Chinos

Your Guide to buying the best chinos

Overview

Chinos are an essential piece of any wardrobe. They’re versatile, stylish, and comfortable, making them perfect for any occasion. If you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe, a great pair of chinos is a great place to start. In this buying guide, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to find the perfect pair of chinos for your style and budget. From understanding fit and fabric to finding the right color and style, we’ll make sure you’re prepared to make the best purchase.

Key features

  1. Style: Consider the style of chinos and how it will fit into your wardrobe. Different styles are available, such as classic, slim, or tapered.
  2. Fit: Look for a fit that is comfortable and flattering. The trousers should sit at your natural waist and have a slight taper at the bottom.
  3. Fabric: Choose a breathable fabric such as cotton or linen for comfort and style. Avoid synthetic fabrics that are not as breathable.
  4. Color: Select a color that will match or complement the rest of your wardrobe. Neutral colors such as khaki, navy, black, or gray are the most versatile.
  5. Details: Look for small details such as reinforced pockets, adjustable waist tabs, and cuffs that give the trousers a more tailored appearance.
  6. Care: Read the care instructions on the garment tag carefully. Chinos should typically be machine washed in cold water and air dried.

See the most popular chinos on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Affordable: Chinos are an affordable and versatile wardrobe choice, offering plenty of options to suit any budget.
  • Durability: Chinos are made from strong and durable materials, such as cotton and wool, which makes them an ideal choice for daily wear.
  • Easy Care: Chinos are easy to care for and require minimal ironing, making them a great choice for people on the go.
  • Stylish: Chinos come in a variety of styles and colors, making it easy to find the perfect pair for any occasion.
  • Versatile: Chinos can be dressed up or down, making them an ideal choice for both casual and formal events.

Cons

  • Fabric - Chinos are typically made from cotton or a cotton blend, which means they can be prone to wrinkles and creasing.
  • Fit - Chinos can be difficult to fit, since they are usually designed to be a more tailored fit than other styles of trousers.
  • Maintenance - Chinos require special care since they are usually made of natural fabrics. They must be washed and ironed properly, and they may need to be dry-cleaned more frequently than other types of trousers.
  • Price - Chinos can be more expensive than other types of trousers, due to their tailored fit and higher-quality fabric.

Best alternatives

  1. Khakis - Pants made from cotton twill fabric with a pleated front.
  2. Cords - Woven fabric with ridges or cords running through it, typically made from cotton or polyester.
  3. Dress Pants - Dress pants are traditionally made from wool, though cotton dress pants are also available.
  4. Jeans - Denim pants made from cotton and/or synthetic materials.
  5. Joggers - Tapered pants usually made from lightweight fabric such as cotton or polyester.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Belts - An accessory used to hold up the waistline of chinos.
  • Cuff Links - A decorative piece of metal used to secure the cuffs of dress-style chinos.
  • Press Cloth - A piece of fabric used to press out wrinkles in the fabric of chinos.
  • Sewing Kit - A collection of tools used to repair and reinforce chinos.
  • Shoe Polish - A product used to give chinos a polished look.
  • Tailor's Tape - A flexible measuring tape used to measure chinos to ensure the perfect fit.

Common questions

  1. What is the difference between chinos and khakis? Chinos are usually made of a lighter fabric than khakis and tend to be more form fitting. Khakis usually have a thicker, heavier material and a looser fit.
  2. What fabrics are commonly used for chinos? Chinos are usually made of cotton or a cotton blend, with twill being the most common fabric used.
  3. What kind of fits are available for chinos? Chinos typically come in slim, straight, and relaxed fits.
  4. What colors are typically found in chinos? The most common colors for chinos are khaki, navy, gray, and black.
  5. Are chinos only for men? Chinos are made for both men and women.
  6. What type of occasions are chinos suitable for? Chinos can be dressed up with a blazer or dress shirt for formal occasions, or dressed down with a t-shirt for casual occasions.
  7. Are there any additional features to consider? Some additional features to consider when shopping for chinos include pockets, cuffs, waistband, and belt loops.

Trivia

In the 1960s, the term "khakis" was used to refer to chinos. This changed when a popular clothing company, Gap, mislabeled their chino pants as khakis. Since then, the term "khakis" has been used to refer to a different type of pant. This amusing mix-up has become an iconic part of chino history. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.