How To Wear Men’s Chinos in 2021 - 7 Tips
Posted on 29th July 2021 at 13:18
Since their inception, many people still find themselves a little confused as to which trousers actually constitute chinos.
What exactly are they?
Well, in a nutshell: chinos are lightweight men’s trousers that are neither very formal nor too relaxed and are often simply styled. It might help to think of chinos as the garment that bridges the gap between business wear and casual wear - meaning they really can be worn to (almost) any occasion.
Made almost entirely from cotton, it’s this material that gives chinos their lightweight feel and naturally refined look. When it comes to the cut of chinos, there’s a lot of choice too, so you can choose a style that’s perfect for you - whether you’re after classic, slim, or even skinny. But what about how to wear chinos casually? And which brands will you find at Heaphys? We have the answers with this quick 7 tips to wear men’s chinos in 2021.
1. CHINOS AND T-SHIRT
A classic look that’s super easy to achieve, the chinos/t-shirt combination is a solid go-to look that oozes simplistic style. Choose any colour chino and wear with a simple white or black t-shirt, paired with some casual footwear, just like this look below from Meyer. The perfect summer style!
MEYER
2. CHINOS WITH SUMMER KNITWEAR
Ah the typical British weather… Considering it’s now coming towards the end of summer there have been plenty of cool days and evenings. So why not try pairing your chinos with some casual knitwear? Light cotton loosely woven knitwear can come in a variety of colours and looks great with a laid-back t-shirt underneath like this combination from BRAX.
BRAX
3. CHINOS WITH A JACKET
Need to look even smarter?, then go for a chino and jacket combination. Dress your chino and jacket combo with a nice shirt and maybe even a tie, or you could even wear a quality t-shirt under your jacket for a modern alternative look. We particularly love the look of blue chinos and a navy blazer - or khaki coloured chinos with a grey/blue jacket keeping it simple, stylish, and smart - it’s the perfect business-casual approved look for work too.
BRAX
4. CHINOS THAT FIT PERFECTLY
Getting the fit right is essential for all of you chino wearers out there. The fit you choose can often be dependent on where you’re going too. For example, formal occasions call for mid-weight cotton chinos, that look like they could be part of a suit outfit. You’ll want a pair that sits snuggly on the hip, with the identical rise and length of a trouser. Ultimately, the way your chinos should fit is dependent on your own personal preference and trends of the time, so there is quite literally no “one size fits all” approach here. The best way to get the fit that suits you is to try on some different styles from different brands.
Bring a friend or partner with you for advice if you really can’t decide!
5. COLOURED CHINOS
Did you know dark green is the colour most associated with the original chinos? Summer could be the perfect time to expand your colour horizons. On the whole, to achieve the most ‘timeless’ look it’s probably better to stick to classic shades, such as sandy neutrals, grey, navy, or shades of blue. These are all great options when it comes to versatility. However, injecting a pop of colour into your wardrobes through your chinos can also be a great way to embrace the summer style.
Why not try a bold option, such as a pair of red or yellow chinos with a navy blue shirt, t-shirt or jacket?
BRAX
6. CHINOS FOR WORK
Workwear chinos are generally made from long-lasting durable fabrics that really stand the test of time. We’re talking hardwearing rugged cotton that doesn’t require the softer finish of a more luxurious cotton. Although similar to jeans these chinos are recognised for having a much more relaxed fit, with a somewhat ‘vintage Americana’ look. When styling workwear chinos, think about pairing them with a denim jacket, flannel plaid shirts, or an open over shirt and t-shirt.
7. CHINOS AND YOUR SHOES
If you’re wearing a smart pair of chinos and have a more formal event to go to, then wearing brogues or Oxford-style shoes are the perfect match. You can also team them with a smart pair of loafers too. Leather or a suede shoe works really well in summer time. If it’s a more everyday look you’re going for, then team them with a pair of casual trainers, deck shoes or driving shoes.
WHY SHOULD YOU THINK ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN BUYING CHINOS?
Thankfully, these days there are a lot of sustainable clothing brands that make great quality, stylish chinos, and also happen to take ethical issues seriously. With a growing consumer concern of just exactly what we’re wearing and where our clothes are coming from, it’s little wonder that many men’s clothing brands have really stepped up their game when it comes to transparency surrounding their sustainability efforts.
Chinos have traditionally been designed to be long-lasting and made without waste, so it makes perfect sense to select your new chinos from a brand that upholds these same sentiments. And you won’t have to look far to find great quality chinos that are environmentally friendly. Menswear brands such as Meyer are really leading the way when it comes to sustainability in men’s fashion - producing whole collections that are driven by sustainability and style in equal measure.
BUYING CHINOS IN WARWICK
At Heaphys in Warwick we stock Meyer & BRAX which are two very highly regarded German brands. In 2022 we’re adding 2 British brands to our offering in Gurteen and Farah to give an even broader choice to our customers. Keep an eye on our social media, sign up to Thread or simply pop into the shop to see our chinos.
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