Dress Up or Down: Versatile Men's Chinos You Need

Men's chinos are a wardrobe staple that every man should own. They are the perfect alternative to jeans and can be dressed up or down for any occasion. As a professional clothing expert, I have seen firsthand the versatility of chinos and how they can elevate any outfit. In this article, I will be discussing everything you need to know about men's chinos, from what they are to how to style them for different occasions.

What are Chinos?

Chinos are lightweight, cotton pants made from a twill weave that feature a variety of colourways. They typically have a tailored fit and will taper slightly below the knee, which gives them a slimmer profile than most dress pants and khakis. Chinos originated in the American military and have since become a staple in men's fashion.

How Chinos Should Fit

The key to pulling off a chino pants is all in the colour and fit. The pant style should never be too long or too baggy, this is so the pants can elongate the leg and show some shape. The perfect chino fit should sit above the hips at the natural waist and be fitted around the knee and hips without being tight. The pants should gently taper from the knee down and sometimes gather slightly around the ankle. For more formal occasions, try a fit that mimics the look of a dress pant, making sure it sits comfortably on the hip and does not bunch. For a casual style, roll the bottom cuff 1.5-2 inches up for a cuffed look.

Shop the Best Chinos for Guys

When it comes to shopping for chinos, there are a lot of options out there. To save you some heavy lifting, here are our three favourite brands that we have tried and tested:

Vuori - Our go-to tech chinos, and honestly, our go-to chinos for smart casual styles, are Vuori's Cascade Tech Chino Pants. They're made from a blend of polyester and nylon, stretch like workout pants, but look sleek and formal like normal cotton chinos.

Beyours - Beyours chinos for men are known for their perfect fit and variety of colours. They offer a range of fits, from slim to athletic, so you can find the perfect pair for your body type.

J.Crew - J.Crew's chinos are a classic choice, with a range of colours and fits available. Their 484 slim-fit chino is a best-seller and a great option for a versatile, everyday chino.

Best Colors for Chino Pants

When choosing a color for your chinos, start with neutrals like navy, stone, white, or black. This will allow you to have multiple outfit combinations that will be suitable for most functions when paired with the right shirt. For a more formal look, stick to darker colours like navy or black. For a casual look, lighter colors like stone or beige work well.

What to Wear with Chino Pants

Like jeans, you can dress chinos up or down. The beauty of a great pair of chinos is that they go with literally everything. Here are some outfit ideas for different occasions:

Casual Outfit with Chinos

For a casual outfit, pair your chinos with a basic t-shirt or a button-down shirt. White dress sneakers or loafers are a great shoe option for a casual look. For a more preppy look, mix in salmon-coloured chinos and a quarter-zip cardigan.

Business Casual Outfit with Chinos

For a classic business casual look, tuck a well-fitting button-down into chinos and finish the outfit with a leather belt and dress shoes. A blazer can also be added for a more formal vibe.

Dressy Outfit with Chinos

For a dressy outfit, wear neutral-colored chinos with leather dress shoes, a white button-down shirt, and a blazer. A sweater can also be added for a more formal vibe.

How to Style Chino Pants

Chinos are extremely easy to style and are remarkably trans-seasonal. Here are some tips for styling chinos:

Wear chinos with untucked lightweight linen or tucked in with an easy-care shirt for effortless styling.

For a dressier take on the chino, try pairing it with a sports jacket in contrasting colours.

If you are wanting to layer or dress up your look, add a contrasting sports jacket, tie, dress belt, and matching dress shoes.

Chinos and a T-shirt are perfect for around the house and out and about comfort. Pair back your look with a boat shoe or sneakers for an effortless, ready-to-go style.

Chinos and a shirt are perfect for a smart event or business casual. Match with a plait stretch belt or stitch leather belt and dress shoes for the perfect style that is comfortable all year round.

How to Wear Your Chinos Cuffed or Rolled

Cuffing or rolling your chinos is a great way to add a casual touch to your outfit. Here are some tips for cuffing or rolling your chinos:

For a casual look, roll the bottom cuff 1.5-2 inches up for a cuffed look.

If you want to dress up your look, try a clean, single cuff.

Make sure the cuff is even all the way around and not too tight or too loose.

Best Chinos for All Body Types

Chinos are a versatile pant that can flatter any body type. Here are some tips for finding the best chinos for your body type:

If you are on the shorter side, pick slim-fit chinos to prolong your legs and look taller and leaner.

If you are tall and want to look smaller, try cuffing your chinos to make yourself look shorter.

If you have a larger build, opt for a relaxed fit chino with a straight leg.

If you have a slim build, opt for a slim-fit chino with a tapered leg.

What Shoes to Wear with Chinos

Chinos can be paired with a variety of shoes, from dress shoes to sneakers. Here are some shoe options for different occasions:

For a casual look, pair chinos with white dress sneakers or loafers.

For a dressier look, wear neutral-coloured chinos with leather dress shoes.

For a preppy look, mix in salmon-coloured chinos and suede loafers.

For a business casual look, finish the outfit with a leather belt and dress shoes.

In conclusion, chinos are a versatile and essential wardrobe staple for men. They can be dressed up or down for any occasion and come in a variety of colours and fits. When shopping for chinos, look for a tailored fit and neutral colors for maximum versatility. With these tips, you can easily incorporate chinos into your wardrobe and elevate your style.