Chinos

Guide Note

Chinos are a type of lightweight cotton pants made from Chino cloth. Chinos are sometimes confused with khakis but chinos are a bit more dressy. Chinos can be easily dyed in different colors, including navy blue, brown, and khaki.

Fast Facts

1. Chinos is the Spanish term for Chinese
2. Chino cloth a twill fabric made primarily of cotton
3. Chino pants originally made in China
4. First chinos sold in the United States were Army military-issued pants

Chino cloth was originally used to make British and French military uniforms in the mid-1800s. Chinos were made in China and most commonly worn by the peasants.

Chinos became popular in the United States in the 1900s when soldiers returned from the Philippines after the Spanish-American War. Times were tight so the military issued khakis were worn after their return and quickly became popular amongst civilians.

Original Chinos had no pleats and straight tapered legs.