If you’re one of those guys who think that jeans are all they have to wear, think again. Chinos are simple and casual but can also be fashionable, existing somewhere between jeans and dress pants. You can wear them with a t-shirt and sneakers for a trendy street style, or you can dress them up with a blazer and button-up shirt for a more professional look.
When it comes to men’s pants, these trousers are a must-have. But there’s a catch. Finding the perfect pair of chinos can be challenging, and deciding how to style them can be even tougher. That’s why I bring you the ultimate guide to choosing the perfect chinos and how to wear them with style.
What Are Chinos?
If I could only own one pair of trousers, a pair of chino pants would be my choice. Why? Because from casual to professional looks, from winter fits to summer get-ups, they do it all. Made with a cotton twill fabric, this piece of clothing is lightweight and comfortable, even more than denim jeans.
After being developed in the 1900s as military wear, chinos’ popularity increased over time. Nowadays, they come in all shapes and sizes, but they still have a few standard characteristics such as flat front, belt loops, jetted back pockets, and slanted front pockets. I think we can all agree that the best attribute of this noble clothing item is its versatility. You can either wear them for a casual look or a more formal one, but you’ll always look trendy in chino pants.
Best Chinos Color
We know chinos are the one style of trouser that looks good with a sweatshirt and sneakers as with a shirt and dress shoes. This means that if you happen to find a perfectly fitting pair, you should snap up several pairs in different colors, especially in these ones.
Tan
Also known as light brown or khaki chinos, they are universally flattering, which is why they’ve become so popular among guys.
While the typical white dress shirt will definitely work well with tan chinos, you should also try styling them with earthy colors, such as browns and blues. This way, you’ll achieve a stylish everyday look. As classic as they may seem, these light brown chinos can also make a statement if you’re brave enough to combine them with loud colors.
Mainly, there are three types of tan when it comes to chinos. First, we have the washed-out, light color that’s perfect to wear in the spring and summer, especially when combined with vibrant colors. Then, we have the dark tan with a chestnut color, which works seamlessly with the darker fall and winter hues. Finally, we have the standard medium tan color that is best suited for year-round wear.
White
Crisp and bright, white chinos are perfect for the summer months. They work incredibly well with any shade of blue or red, creating a chic but comfortable outfit. Great for sunny and hot days where you want to be fresh but also stylish. Jeans tend to be heavy and warm because of their thick fabric, which is why for this summer, I recommend you get a pair of white chinos instead of roasting in those denim jeans.
This color is all about embracing versatility. You probably know that white is considered a neutral color, which means you can wear it with any combination of shades and still have a perfectly cohesive outfit. If you’re going for an edgy look, you can wear it with a dark shirt with dark shoes, but if you want a more classic look, you can always wear the loyal denim shirt.
Navy
Navy is undoubtedly the most versatile chino color. It can be worn with almost any color and it’s far more original than plain black pants. You can either pair them with sneakers and a t-shirt for a relaxed outfit, or with loafers and a shirt for a more professional look. If you want to play safe, you can’t go wrong with a white Oxford shirt and some sleek leather shoes.
Experimenting with textures is something most guys never do, but should. If you combine your navy chinos with denim shirts or chunky boots, I promise you won’t be disappointed with the final look. Blazers and jackets are also a great way to spice up these pants. The only thing you should avoid when wearing navy chinos is wearing a top of the exact same color unless it has some kind of pattern, like stripes or dots.
How to Wear Chinos
There are many different ways to wear chinos. Depending on the fabric, cut, and the occasion you’re dressing for. If you don’t know whether to use straight-cut chinos or roll up the slim-fit ones, here’s a quick guide on what to do.
Rolling Up
If you wear a popular piece of clothing like chinos, there’s a high chance you’ll find another guy wearing the exact same outfit. So, how can you stand out? A rolled cuff is the perfect start. You’d be surprised to see how this seemingly small detail can elevate your whole outfit.
Some may say that rolling up your pants makes you look shorter, which is why short men tend to avoid this look. However, this is up to you. I personally believe that anyone can pull this trend off. However, there are two main points you should keep in mind. First, try to avoid rolling up your pants for formal occasions. And second, you want rolled chinos, not capris. So roll only once or twice, but not more than three times. Remember, we are not in Europe.
Vertical folds followed by horizontal folds
This method can be tricky, so here’s the step-by-step process. First, you have to take the fabric at the inner ankle between two fingers and fold it backward toward your heel. Then, while holding this fold in place, roll your chino cuff upward from the inside out. Roll it up and over the pinched fabric. Finally, roll up the cuff one more time to make sure it will not come undone.
That being said, I should discuss when it’s appropriate to pin roll chinos. If you’re wearing a straight and classic fit, you may have a baggy excess of fabric at the bottom of your chinos. So, doing this method is a great way to fix this.
Now, if you’re wearing high top footwear, you’ll want them to sit just on top of the pants. You might need to add another roll to achieve this. On the other hand, if you’re wearing low-top shoes, the pin roll chinos should end just above the bony part of your ankle.
Straight Cut
Most guys look great in straight-cut chinos, which is better known as classic fit. Slim-fit chinos may be trendier, but they’re not for everyone. This mainly depends on your personal preference, but also on your body type. Skinnier and shorter guys probably look better in a slim-fit style, while taller gents will most likely prefer wearing classic fit chinos. But whatever you do, stay away from ultra-low rise.
The leg opening is what we call the diameter of the bottom of your pant leg. With your pants laying on a flat surface, you can measure it straight across the ankle. A slim-fit chino will have a narrower leg opening, while a classic fit will have a wider one.
A straight-cut chino is a perfect choice if you’re going for a more relaxed look. You can wear the same tops as you would with slim-fit chinos, but you’ll probably have to rethink your footwear.
What Upper Should You Wear With Chinos?
The outfits you can create with chinos are unlimited. This is why deciding what upper you should wear can get a little bit confusing. To help you avoid this, here are some of the combinations I think you should try.
Blazer
Blazers can be your best friend if you’re going for a formal look that’s not too over the top. Pairing navy chinos with a pastel color shirt, a blazer, and dress shoes, results in a trendy style that’s proper for evening events. To achieve this type of outfit, you should keep the cut of the chinos slim and not too skinny, so it matches the formal look. You could add a tie or a pocket square, depending on how formal the event you’re attending is.
Whether it’s a boiling hot summer or a chilly winter, when worn well, blazers can elevate your style in all seasons. Choose either a navy blue blazer paired with tan chinos, or switch the colors around and wear navy blue chinos with a beige blazer. Underneath you can wear a plain white dress shirt.
If you want to try something edgier, you could wear tan chinos with a beige blazer. This may sound a little weird, but trust the process. The secret is combining different shades of the same color. You’ll end up with a contemporary and chic look.
T-shirt
Chinos and T-shirts can be worn together with different combinations, ranging from casual to semi-casual. Both of these clothing items are so versatile that the possibilities are endless.
It doesn’t really matter which type of T-shirt you choose. You can either go with a V-neck, polos, or crew necks. You can also use the type of chino you prefer, whether it’s slim-fit or skinny-fit.
Since there are so many ways to style chinos and T-shirts, you should choose your outfit depending on the weather and how casual the occasion is. For casual summer or spring events, you could wear boat shoes or a fedora hat, and for cold weather, you could wear a cardigan or a parka on top. On the other hand, if you’re attending a formal event, you can wear leather loafers if it’s summer and a quilted vest with brogue shoes if it’s winter.
Denim Shirt
If you don’t know what to pair your chinos with, denim shirts are a foolproof option. You can combine this look with accessories such as a silver watch, bright beaded bracelets, or a classic pair of sunglasses. If it’s fall or spring, and the weather is a little chilly, you can top off this outfit with a complementary scarf.
A denim shirt with khaki chinos and white sneakers is easily one of the most popular trends in men’s outfits. However, there are some ways to alter it to make it a bit more unique. The denim shirt can be buttoned up or it can be left casually open to show the T-shirt you’re wearing underneath.
If the weather is warm and you’re going for a bolder look, I recommend you complete this denim shirt and chino outfit with sandals and sunglasses. You’ll definitely get that freshness you’re looking for.
Shirt
Every man’s wardrobe should have the ideal combinations of chinos and shirts to rock the world of fashion. We know black chinos with a white shirt is a classic that never fails, but be open to explore new possibilities, and you might just come across a new favorite.
If you’re in the mood to try something new, I recommend you try green chinos with a striped shirt. It may sound a little out there, but trust us, this outfit will significantly upgrade the mundane, everyday look and adds a little personality into the mix.
On the other hand, if you’re more of a classic man, you should try white chinos with a blue shirt. The secret to this look is wearing matching shoes and a belt. It elevates the outfit to a whole new level.
To show you that the possibilities are endless, we’ll bring you one more option. When going for a formal look, you can’t miss out on trying navy chinos with a light blue shirt and a vest on top. Finish it with complementary shoes and accessories and you’ve got yourself a modern look.
Bomber Jacket
Bomber jackets are a timeless piece of clothing that we probably all own. It comes in a variety of styles, which makes it both fashionable and versatile. So, whether you’re looking to make a statement with your outfit or just to keep warm during the winter, this jacket is the right choice.
When it comes to casual occasions, chinos paired with a bomber jacket and tee make a perfect combo. If the weather is cold, you can even wear a sweatshirt or a sweater underneath the jacket.
This may come as a surprise, but this combination is also great when you want to achieve a smart casual look. First, you just have to select one in a neutral color, such as gray or beige. Then, all you need to do is ensure the rest of the outfit balances out your casual bomber jacket.
Coat
Because of the casual feature of the sports coat, it has become a popular choice to wear with chinos. Even the more casual-looking chinos, the ones with patch pockets can work surprisingly well with sports coats. This combination can work perfectly well for business casual meetings, sporting events, outdoor gatherings, and so on.
For a more urban and effortlessly smart outfit, you can team a pea coat with chino pants. You can round off the look with a pair of black or dark brown leather shoes for a dash of refinement. Another way to style a pea coat with chinos is with white sneakers. They will easily dial down a dressy outfit, making it look masculine but still elegant at the same time. In case you want to jazz up this look, you can add accessories like a matching cap or beanie.
The combination of a pea coat and chinos can be casual, but it can also be a statement-maker. This is especially true if you complete the outfit with leather boots and a matching big scarf.
What Shoes Should You Wear With Chinos?
From sneakers to loafers, you can wear almost any type of shoes with chinos. But try not to get too carried away. Choosing the wrong footwear can ruin your whole outfit. This is why I’ve come up with a guide to help you decide which shoes would go better with your look.
Boat Shoes
Boat shoes are like loafers, but less versatile. When worn with chinos, they can provide you a distinct look. This is perfect if you’re spending your day at a polo match or on a yacht, boat shoes will give you an elevated but also relaxed look. This style may be too casual to wear to a semi-formal event, but it’ll work nicely if you’re going for a smart casual look.
There are many ways to pull off this combination. You can try partnering your boat shoes with either white or navy blue chinos and a lightweight buttoned shirt. If you want some contrast in your outfit, I definitely recommend you match the white chinos with dark shoes, or the opposite. If the weather is a little crisp, you can add a linen blazer to achieve the perfect preppy aesthetic.
Loafers
When you’re not quite sure what to wear, chinos and loafers are a great go-to option. This combination works perfectly because both pieces have a polished yet relaxed aesthetic. Whether you’re attending a semi-formal or a cocktail event, this match will give you an elegant look. You can also change the top half of your outfit to emphasize which dress code you’re aiming for, and we’ll show you how.
For a more formal occasion, wear a button-up shirt and a blazer. If you’re going for a semi-casual look, you can match your chinos and loafers with a T-shirt. On the other hand, if you want to channel a modern look, you can consider rolling up your chinos and wearing your shoes without socks.
These types of shoes can be divided into two major categories. First, there are penny loafers. They are perfect to complement outfits for smart casual dress codes. Then we have traditional tasseled loafers, which are decidedly more formal.
Sneakers
Although nowadays sneakers are used in more semi-formal events than they were in the past, I suggest you keep them confined to casual outfits. You can find sneakers and trainers in a wide range of colors, such as black, navy, beige, dark green, and even pastel shades. Adding different colored shoes to your wardrobe is definitely a must, as you can experiment with unique looks.
If you want to keep things simple, throwing on a pair of navy chinos with white sneakers and an Oxford shirt is the smart way to go. With this outfit, you can easily go from a casual gathering to a bit more formal evening event. To make this look slightly more formal, simply tuck in your shirt and add a dark-colored blazer.
Guys that favor a bit of character in their shirts can definitely style their favorite pair of chinos and sneakers with a striking patterned shirt. This way, you’ll end up with a distinctive style.
Sandals
Sandals are enjoying a late renaissance. You might think they are only worn to go to the beach or the gym, but these are yesterday’s thoughts. In today’s world, sandals are adapted to be worn in the city as much as on the sand.
Open-toed shoes for men come in many forms. If you’re up for a change, and especially if you live in a warm country, you should try the sandals and chinos combo. It may look a little bit out there at first, but don’t worry, you’ll get used to it in no time. Plus, you look great and exude a laid back vibe.
This being said, you should keep in mind that this type of footwear should only be worn on casual occasions, but this does not mean that they’re exclusive for daytime. For example, a beach party or a casual get-together at night are perfect events to show off your combination of chinos and sandals.
Chukkas
Chukkas are an ankle-length type of boot and they typically feature three eyelets and thin laces. They are most commonly made from leather and they often have a brown hue.
Due to their classic shape, chukka boots make an excellent option for smart casual looks, especially when combined with chinos and a casual shirt. On the other hand, if you want a more business casual outfit, you can wear chinos and chukkas while adding a blazer or a cashmere sweater.
Suede chukka boots may not be as durable as leather ones, but they are still great for casual wear. You can combine them with chinos and a sport coat, and you’ll be looking dapper in no time. This type of footwear tends to come in two colors, brown or black. If you’re wearing brown chukkas, you can partner them with black or white chinos. Alternatively, if you prefer black chukkas, these ones work great with tan chinos.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Wear Chinos
What should I wear with chinos?
At this point, you probably know that the beauty of a great pair of chinos is that you can match them with literally anything. I bet you can’t come up with an outfit that this type of trousers can’t complement. You can dress them up with a blazer and formal shoes, or you can dress them down with a T-shirt and sneakers. Besides, you can choose the thickness of the fabric depending on which weather you’ll be using them in.
Which shoes to wear with chinos?
As these pants can be donned for multiple occasions and countless dress codes, deciding on an accompanying pair of shoes can be tricky. Here are some simple tips you can use as a guide. If the weather is cold, you should choose to pair your chinos with chukka boots. On the other hand, if the weather is warm, I recommend you wear boat shoes for semi-casual occasions, and sandals for casual occasions. To achieve a business look, definitely choose loafers.
How do you wear skinny chinos?
Skinny chinos are the trendiest men’s pants, and they have been for the last couple of years. They can be easily combined with anything you want. The only thing you should keep in mind is not to wear an upper that fits too tight, as the trousers are already slim-fit. You can wear them with any type of shoes, depending on how formal you want your outfit to look. Also, feel free to roll them up for a more customized style.
A Final Word From The Trending Man
Chinos should be in every guy’s wardrobe as they work perfectly for any occasion. Whether you wear them with a blazer and loafers for a cocktail night or with sneakers and a patterned tee for a casual gathering, you’ll always look stylish. So if you don’t already own a pair of chinos, what are you waiting for?
