Difference Between Chinos and Khakis

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Are Chinos and Khakis the Same Thing?

No, chinos and khakis are different types of pants. Khakis are made from plain-weave fabrics that feature strong yarns running in the warp, while chinos are usually made with twill fabric. Because they have similar designs, it is easy to confuse these two pants.

How Do Chinos and Khakis Differ from Each Other?

Chinos are a type of pants that originated from military uniforms. They have been popular as casual wear all over the world for many years now. In the U.S., chinos became known as “khakis” since World War II, worn by soldiers serving in tropical areas. This created confusion between these two pants, but they are different.

Chinos are made with sturdy cotton twill fabric that has a rougher surface than khakis. They also come in various colors and can be adapted to be worn for casual business outfits nowadays. Meanwhile, khakis are usually made of the same material as dress pants and are usually plain tan or brown, but they come in other colors.

What is the Difference Between Chinos and Khakis?

The basic difference between chinos and khakis is that:

Chinos: are made from a cotton twill fabric with a rougher surface than khakis. They come in various colors and can be adapted to business casual.

Khakis: are usually made of the same material as dress pants; they are plain tan or brown but come in other colors.

By looking at this basic difference between chinos and khakis, it’s easy to confuse the two types of pants. But once you know the difference between them, you’ll never mistake one for the other.

Should I Choose Khakis or Chinos?

When deciding between khakis and chinos, you can choose pants based on your preference. However, it is also important to check the type of outfit you will be wearing with that pair of pants.

Chinos are usually worn for casual outfits, especially if the weather is warm. These pants give a relaxed look, so it’s best to combine them with casual tops. On the other hand, khakis are often worn for formal outfits because of their versatility in colors, paired with sweaters, shirts, and blazers.

According to some people’s preferences, chinos give a more dressed-up look than khakis, even if they’re both plain in color. For example, a white polo shirt worn with chinos will look dressier than the same top paired with khakis.

The bottom line is that both pants have their purpose in dressing up and being casual, but it’s best to choose your clothes based on your preference and what you need for a particular outfit.

Chinos are usually made with sturdy cotton twill fabric that has a rougher surface than khakis. They come in various colors and can be adapted to business casual wear nowadays. Khakis are usually made of the same material as dress pants; they are plain tan or brown but come in other colors. By looking at this basic difference between chinos and khakis, it’s easy to confuse the two types of pants. But once you know the difference between them, you’ll never mistake one for the other.

FAQs About Difference Between Chinos and Khakis:

What is the best way to choose between chinos and khakis?

When deciding between khakis and chinos, you can choose pants based on your preference. However, it is also important to check the type of outfit you will be wearing with that pair of pants. Chinos are usually worn for casual outfits, especially if the weather is warm. These pants give a relaxed look, so it’s best to combine them with casual tops. On the other hand, khakis are often worn for formal outfits because of their versatility in colors, paired with sweaters, shirts, and blazers.

Are khakis or chinos more formal?

Chinos, which are a type of cotton twill, can be dressed up more than khakis. For example, chinos would look great with a collared shirt and dress shoes, while khakis might look better with a polo shirt and boat shoes. Chinos also tend to have a tighter weave and surface texture which makes them appear more formal.

Khakis, cotton twill with a little more sheen and looser weave, can be dressed down more than chinos. For example, khakis would look great with a simple t-shirt and casual sneakers, while chinos might look better with a dress shirt and leather shoes. Khakis also tend to have a looser weave and more sand-like surface texture, appearing less formal.

Why are chinos better than jeans?

Chinos are also a better choice than jeans for several other reasons. For one, people have an easier time finding chinos in various styles and colors compared to jeans. Second, many men feel more comfortable wearing a pair of chinos than jeans to work or social occasions.

Lastly, choosing chinos will help you avoid the dreaded “mom jeans” and other baggy styles that may come with purchasing a pair of jeans.

Conclusion 

So the difference between chinos and khakis is basically in their color. Chinos are a little more tan or a lighter shade of brown than a regular pair of khakis. There’s also a material difference, with chinos being much more textured. Finally, Khakis tend to have much sharper creases when pressed, whereas chinos have a softer line.