There’s something delightfully rabble-rousing about a pair of chino pants. Once the utilitarian workwear of military men—pragmatic, unadorned, and built to last—they’ve since strolled into our wardrobes as enduring icons of easy style. While the term “chino” originally nods to the sturdy cotton twill imported from China, it is the transformation from straightforward, dust-kicked trouser design to an emblem of irreverence and cool that truly marks the garment’s journey.
Historically, the chino was born of necessity. Designed for the rigours of military life, these trousers were woven from durable cotton twill and dyed in khaki—a term derived from the Urdu word for “dust”—to provide practical camouflage on the battlefield. Interestingly, the early military trousers came in two main variants that have since become a source of confusion: traditional khakis and what we now call chinos.
Khakis vs. Chinos: Not just a matter of colour:
The classic khaki isn’t simply a colour—it denotes a style crafted from heavier cotton twill. Khakis were originally designed with front pleats and cuffs, features that lent them a sturdy, workwear character ideal for the harsh demands of 19th century military duty. In contrast, chinos were developed from a lighter cotton twill, woven to be smooth and form-fitting, with a flat front that eschewed pleats. This design was not only a cost-saving measure during wartime—minimising fabric use—but also provided a streamlined silhouette that was more functional in combat situations. So, while chinos often come in the familiar khaki shade, the distinction lies in their fabric weight and construction: khakis are robust and pleated, whereas chinos are lighter, tapered, and more streamlined.
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The Kerrin.co Drawstring Chino is available now in Desert Khaki - more colours on the way...
