What Are Chino Pants?

Men’s chino pants are a casual and versatile piece with roots dating back to the mid-19th century. Their history began in India, where British residents discovered a durable, breathable cotton fabric originally crafted by Chinese weavers, now known as “twill.” This fabric quickly gained popularity among British military forces who used it for their uniforms due to its ability to withstand daily wear and extreme weather conditions. Spanish soldiers soon referred to these as “pantalones chinos” or “Chinese pants,” eventually shortened to “chinos.” The rest is history: during World War II, the American armed forces adopted chinos for operations in the hot and dry climates of the Pacific due to their breathability, helping soldiers regulate body heat. The design’s simplicity, comfort, and durability made chino pants popular among civilians, especially students and manual workers. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, chinos grew in popularity as a casual but stylish clothing item, spreading worldwide and becoming a must-have in men’s casual wear. In the 1980s and 1990s, chinos were further embraced by the fashion world, with designers like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger incorporating them into their collections. Today, men’s chinos come in various colors, fabrics, and fits while retaining their essence as a casual, versatile staple suitable for any informal occasion. In our selection, you can find Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger men’s chinos, perfect as the base for any look you want to create: casual with a sweatshirt and sneakers, business casual with a crisp shirt and unstructured blazer, or day-to-night with a Ralph Lauren cable-knit sweater—a true wardrobe essential.

How to Wear Chinos

Men’s chinos are arguably the most versatile pants alongside jeans. With their comfort, versatility, and functionality, they prepare you for any moment of the day, from breakfast to dinner. The beauty of chinos is that they offer endless style possibilities and can be worn virtually anywhere, with just the right amount of pockets to hold essentials like your wallet, phone, and keys without worry. There are many ways to style chinos: as the classic balance between formal and casual, they should be comfortable by definition, so choose carefully—not too tight or loose. If you’re unsure, consult our size guide to help you purchase confidently. A good trick to avoid unwanted creasing at the front is to opt for flat-front chinos. In terms of length, these pants are typically shorter than formal trousers; ideally, they should rest just above the ankle without touching your shoes. For a more casual look, consider a small cuff. Finally, color: navy chinos are a true classic that complements any outfit. Navy comes in various shades—from deep navy to sky blue and cornflower blue—to suit any need. To make chinos the focal point of your look, stick to basic colors like blue and choose lighter shades like gray to make the pants pop. Alternatively, you can go bold with vibrant chinos in orange, green, or red and keep the top simple, playing with contrasts for a unique effect. If you have well-defined thighs, opt for chinos with pleats or a more relaxed cut, which add a solid, balanced look.

What Are Chino Pants?

One of the most iconic chino-style pants is the Dickies 874. The history of the Dickies 874 pant dates back to the 1960s when American company Dickies began producing work pants for industrial workers. The goal was to create pants that were durable, tough, and functional enough to withstand the harshest work conditions. The 874 model launched in 1967 and quickly became popular for its durability and comfortable fit. Its design was developed to provide greater mobility and freedom of movement without sacrificing sturdiness. In the 1970s and 1980s, the Dickies 874 gained popularity among youth and skateboarding and punk enthusiasts. Its comfortable fit and durability made it a staple of casual style. Today, the Dickies 874 remains an icon of the brand and is beloved for its quality and durability, experiencing a resurgence on social media thanks to interpretations by content creators and influencers. These influencers have popularized the trend of wearing the pants high-waisted with the waistband rolled outward to reveal the white interior detail and model number. The range of available colors has expanded, making them suitable for urban and casual looks. They’ve become a style symbol for many and a reliable choice for those seeking durable, comfortable pants.