Khakis are a staple garment that should be included in every man’s wardrobe. They offer the perfect balance of casual and formal attire, offering an unmatched level of versatility. Whether you are attending a job interview or going out for lunch for friends, you can’t go wrong with a pair of stylish khakis.
Khakis vs Chinos: What’s the Difference?
It’s a common assumption that khakis and chinos are the same, but this isn’t necessarily true. While they certainly share some similarities in terms of style, design and construction, there are nuances between the two that shouldn’t be overlooked. Chinos, for instance, are traditionally more formal, with the stitching hidden instead of exposed. Furthermore, chinos are traditionally made of 100% lightweight cotton or cotton-blends, whereas khakis are made with a thicker, heavier types of cotton. These are just a few of the subtle differences between khakis and chinos, so keep this in mind when shopping for either of these pants.
Pleats or No Pleats?
That is the question — and if you asked ten different men which style they prefer, you would probably get an equal mix of answers. Some men prefer pleated khakis, whereas others prefer non-pleated. Generally speaking, though, it’s best to choose pleated khakis for occasions when you’ll be seated for long periods of time, such as office work, attending a wedding (as a guest), etc. The pleated front will prevent your khakis from bunching up at the front. On the other hand, however, non-pleated khakis are the better choice if you’ll be standing.
The Color
“Khaki” isn’t the only color in which men’s khakis are made. You can find them in just about any color under the sun, including white, beige, navy and even black. With that said, it’s usually best to stick with either khaki or a variation thereof for most occasions. Darker khaki tones are a great choice for formal events and occasions, whereas lighter khaki tones are better suited for casual occasions.
The Fit
Pay close attention to the “fit” of the khakis. Much like jeans are available in a wide range of fit styles, so are khakis. Slim-fit, for instance, is an excellent choice for tall, slim men, as they run straight and narrow through the leg without tapering open at the bottom. If you’ll be moving around and staying physically active, however, you may want khakis constructed in a loose or relaxed fit. This will give you a greater range of mobility and movement when compared to slim-fit and straight-leg.
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