A pair of pants everybody wants right now
Returning to the basics of menswear with the classic chino.
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New season, new pants. That seems to be a common point with every fashion enjoyer. A good pair of pants is the glue that holds the entire outfit together—you may have figured out the rest of your fit, but if the pants are not right, then the entire outfit could fall shorts.
Now, I spend a lot of time observing clothes and the trends that drive them. There are obvious styles that are more popular than others, and I think that it’s fair to say that the classic chino is one of the more popular pant styles that all of the online menswear bros seem to be obsessed with right now.
Quick lesson on the chino; origins go back to the 19th century as the base for military uniforms for the British colonial troops. Chinos ended up being brought back to America by decommissioned soldiers and given new life through the Ivy League era. The style evolved when they started being worn with loafers and sneakers, which would go on to become on of the most classic pairings in menswear. Usually crafted out of a cotton twill fabric that remains lightweight and durable all at the same time.
With time all trends take a backseat, but those that keep coming back or continue to stay relevant after decades end up cementing themselves as classic wardrobe staples. Chinos are definitely one of those items.
It’s no secret that classic menswear is an absolute boom right now. The numbers don’t lie either. Content around chinos is guaranteed to do numbers on the algorithm, but with so much information in our face it could become harder to make the right chino purchase.
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THE CLASSIC CHOICE
There’s a clear interest around the classic khaki chinos right now—Polo Ralph Lauren’s ongoing partnership with Beams is proof of that. Their newest chino collaboration is dropping on the Beams Plus website on April 24th. References of vintage Ralph details throughout, these were mainly inspired by the chinos worn by Woody Allen in Annie Hall (1977).
Depending on how you wear your chinos you might not be so interested in the coin pocket at the front. This detail definitely leans more into the ivy style, which is slightly less casual in comparison to chinos without this detail.
The Big Fit Chinos from the last Polo + Beams Plus collaboration might be a good substitute for those that want a similar fit in a more casual finish. Same with the Beams+ 2 Pleat Chino. I would say they are the closest fit to the Polo Ralph Lauren AH-77 you’re going to get.
Of course the real best option if you’re looking to go down that Polo route is to search for vintage pairs on eBay. A lot of choice in different colors and fades, and a lot of them are under $50.
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The beauty of chinos is how easily adaptable they are. They pretty much work with any outfit, giving you the ability to lean into specific styles using only one item. Dress the chinos up with a loafer and a tee for that casual yet put together look. Of course swapping for a sneaker will end up creating the most common relaxed fit we see on the streets. Have an evening that requires a dressed up look that still more casual? Throw a button up a blazer, a nice pair of oxfords, and you’re set. Denim jacket and a pair of chinos go together like PB&J. I can keep going, but the point is, there are infinite ways of dressing a chino that doesn’t require a lot of thinking on how to make them work within your wardrobe.
MY PICKS
Below are some of my chino recommendations for the shopper that doesn’t feel like going down the Polo route, instead you want something a bit slightly different, maybe more casual leaning through a more relaxed fit. Of course the chino itself is going to be more or less the same in style, but where they differ is either through color, specific fabrics, or slightly altered fits throughout.
THISISNEVERTHAT CHINO
Probably the best option for your buck. You’re getting 100% cotton classic fit chinos in 3 solid garment fades. Beauty of thisisneverthat is the price; you can’t go wrong with a pair of classics for $120 dollars. You get a more loose fit on the thighs, which gives these pants more relaxed flowiness throughout the entire leg.
Available over at thisisneverthat website here.
18 EAST ROSSI CHINO
I don’t think 18 East needs any introduction, but if you’re someone who hasn’t experienced the excellence of their products then maybe this is your sign to give them a proper go. Besides making one of the best fits on the market, the quality from my 18 East pants stand above the rest of my pants in my rotation.
The Rossi Chino is crafted using a soft brushed cotton melange cavalry twill—sounds like a lot of words but all you need to know is that they are extremely comfortable on the body—it’s one of those fabrics that will soften rapidly with wear, making them your go to bottoms in no time.
Available in various colors on the 18 East website here.
NANAMICA CHINO
Nanamica is one of my secret weapons. I’m tall so I need pants that fit me properly, and I think that Nanamica has nailed that length. I mean, for my taller people you should definitely have this brand in your back pocket. One thing that Nanamica does really well is create garments that look great while not requiring a lot of maintenance. These chinos are 65% cotton 35% polyester but hear me out.
The cotton poly blend comes together to create a soft fabric that’s anti-wrinkle. Instead, the poly acts as a tool that ends up creating effortless flow to the fabric throughout the fit—the fabric is perfect for those who look for natural stacking on their shoe.
What I love about their brand is their fabric development. It’s really unlike anything else that you can get elsewhere, and it shows across all of their products.
Available over at Nanamica’s website here.
WTAPS CHINO
For those who are after an all-cotton chino that still has some anti-wrinkle properties should check out the WRKT2001 from Wtaps. A straight fit that tapers at the leg opening to give you a slightly narrowed cut down the leg. Doesn’t get any more straightforward than this. This one is for the busy guy that’s constantly doing errands and needs something that requires no thinking when wearing them.
UP NEXT:
what will it take to get non-mall brands to stop just doing S-XL sizing? 😩 even a 32" inseam will do if i have to (6'-5" and mad at pantsmakers)
Appreciate the tall rec, but any big recs as well? Know RL has some solid options but would love some other recs if anyone has em!