Chinos are trousers made of 100% cotton twill. Similar but not the same as khakis, chinos tend to be tighter fitting and are not pleated at the top. They have a cleaner less formal look, although in a pinch they work nicely with a well paired sports jacket and collarless shirt.
No one really is sure how they got their name, but it is believed that since the cloth these were made from came largely from Chinese looms, they took on the Spanish word for Chinese: "chino"
Like khaki pants, chinos got their start in the military. Both British and then American armies started issuing chinos as standard leg-wear during the latter half of the 1800s. Beige and brown chino pants became popular in the mid 20th century, and were particularly favored by men in urban environments. They hit their zenith in the 1960s, when everyone from urban school boys to surfers to the Rat Pack wore them. They have staying power.
Traditional chinos are pleatless and tend to terminate at the top of the shoe. Hipsters today like them tight fitting and higher off the ankle and sometimes rolled up. I hate that look, but whatever floats yer boat... Suffice it to say chinos are back with a vengeance.
No one really is sure how they got their name, but it is believed that since the cloth these were made from came largely from Chinese looms, they took on the Spanish word for Chinese: "chino"
Like khaki pants, chinos got their start in the military. Both British and then American armies started issuing chinos as standard leg-wear during the latter half of the 1800s. Beige and brown chino pants became popular in the mid 20th century, and were particularly favored by men in urban environments. They hit their zenith in the 1960s, when everyone from urban school boys to surfers to the Rat Pack wore them. They have staying power.
Traditional chinos are pleatless and tend to terminate at the top of the shoe. Hipsters today like them tight fitting and higher off the ankle and sometimes rolled up. I hate that look, but whatever floats yer boat... Suffice it to say chinos are back with a vengeance.