The invitation to Saturday's company event has just two words about what to wear: smart casual. Jeans feel too relaxed. Dress trousers, on the other hand, make you look like you're off to a job interview.
For in-between situations like this, chinos almost always work.
Chinos are cotton trousers that sit halfway between dress trousers and jeans. They're made from twill, a cotton fabric with a diagonal weave. The surface is smoother than denim, but it still has texture and none of the slick finish of dress trousers. That's why chinos are rarely out of place. Wear them to an office that doesn't call for a suit, and you're fine. Wear them for a late-afternoon catch-up at a coffee shop, and you're fine there too.
The Safest Colour for Your First Chinos: Khaki or Navy
If you're starting with just one pair, go for khaki (a pale, sandy brown) or navy. Both go with almost every top in your wardrobe, so you can wear them to work or out with friends. Black looks a little dressier, but it also fades faster after a few washes. Cream looks fresh, as you can see on these cream gurkha pants. Gurkha pants have pleats and a clasp on the waistband, which gives them a bit more character. The catch is that cream shows a stain the moment it picks one up.
Once you own khaki and navy, move on to earth tones. These coffee-brown chinos are easy to pair with a white, black or denim top.
Slim or Straight? Let Your Thighs Decide, and Stop the Hem at the Ankle
Before you settle on slim or straight, look at the shape of your thighs. Don't just go with whatever is trending. If you have bigger thighs, straight usually feels roomier. Chinos that are too tight also lose their relaxed look and end up resembling dress trousers cut from the wrong fabric. If fit names still confuse you, the KASUAL Help Centre has a full explanation.
As for length, look for a pair that ends right at your ankle or just above your shoes. Chino fabric is fairly thick, so any extra length folds up easily. Once that fabric piles up on top of your shoes, the trousers instantly look too big. These dark grey chinos with Smart Waist are cut to fall right at the ankle, so there's no bunching to deal with in the first place. Smart Waist, by the way, is an elastic waistband that adjusts to your waist, with no elastic visible from the outside.
From the Office to Your Usual Hangout, Just Change Your Top
For the office, tuck an oxford shirt into your chinos, then add a leather belt and closed-toe shoes. After work, swap the shirt for a plain tee you've packed in your bag, or the one you're already wearing under your shirt. The trousers stay the same, and you're ready to head out. Because they can move between the two this easily, chinos deserve to be your go-to trousers rather than a backup pair.
Chinos Soften and Fade Over Time: Here's How to Care for Them
After a few washes, chinos start to feel softer and their colour fades a little. That's simply how twill behaves. If anything, the change usually makes them more comfortable to wear.
To keep the colour longer, turn them inside out and wash them in cold water. Hang them up to dry rather than putting them in a tumble dryer. These are small steps, but after a few months the difference shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wear chinos to a formal event?
For a formal invitation or a job interview at a large company, dress trousers are still the safer choice. Chinos are best suited to relaxed offices and smart casual events.
What's the difference between slim and straight chinos?
Slim follows the line of your leg more closely. Straight falls in a clean line from the thigh down to the hem. The KASUAL Help Centre has a full explanation of fit terms.
Can you wear chinos with sneakers?
Yes, especially with a plain T-shirt for a relaxed setting. Go for clean sneakers in a muted colour. For the office, leather shoes usually look smarter.
Should you roll up chinos that are a little too long, or have them hemmed?
If they're only slightly too long, roll the hem once or twice into a narrow cuff. If the fabric still bunches over your shoes, it's neater to have a tailor shorten them so the hem stops at your ankle.
Chinos or dress trousers: which hold their colour longer?
Polyester dress trousers. Their colour stays more stable over the years, so they're the better pick if a colour that doesn't change is your priority.