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What are chinos and how to wear them?

What do chinos look like?

Chinos are cotton twill pants. , straight and without clamps. Its shape is very similar to that of jeans, although in a lighter canvas. They are originally men's trousers used as military uniform. It is traditionally light in color, beige, ocher or khaki.

The history of chinos

The origins of chinos are mysterious and seriously debated. The only consensus, if there is one, is due to its inventor:Sir Harry Lumsden, commander of an English regiment stationed in India in 1848, is cited by several sources. The fact remains that he would have, on the one hand, had the white uniforms of the British colonial troops dyed to make them less dirty; dyed pajama pants Indians to equip his soldiers in a less conspicuous way, on the other. Each of its versions also justifies the nickname "Khakis" given to British troops for the color of their uniform, Khaki meaning "earth color" in Hindi. A third part of the story places the origins of chino pants in the Philippines! Produced in England and resold in the Philippines by Chinese merchants, they would have been bought by American soldiers stationed in the archipelago... hence their name, "chino", for these Chinese merchants. Whatever the truth, the conclusion was the same for the chino pants. Adopted by armies around the world, the chino became the official uniform of the American army in 1902. Worn by more than eight million soldiers at the end of the Second World War, it quickly invested male looks, reaching its peak in the 80s… before colonizing women's fashion much later!

Chinos on the women's side

Good news, the chinos invests without complexes the feminine wardrobes. And if it is mainly in a straight and classic shape, the best alternative to jeans knows how to adapt to all situations. You will find chinos with tapered legs or with darts at the waist, perfect for evening wear with heels ! In terms of colors, you will have the choice of a wide range, from the most vivid to the most classic. According to purists, chinos prefer earth colors, faithful to their origins:brown, ocher, aubergine, khaki, etc. For others, nothing prevents you from having fun in mustard yellow, fuchsia pink or baby blue! As for the material? The classic chinos is made of lightweight cotton canvas. The men's wardrobe has been using it for more than twenty-five years, and some brands have made it their business and are constantly testing new materials. Materials that are quickly found in women's fashion, starting with corduroy, ideal in winter!

Also read:

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