Once a modern man with disposable income starts seriously researching and developing his own personal style, he may turn to several sources for direction, including, but not limited to: men's magazines, stylists, mentors, male friends with great fashion sense, and his own memory.
In recounting models of success, he may recall his dad saying when he was younger, "There's nothing like a good pair of khakis." Although khakis have stood the test of time as far as durability and practicality, for the modern man that understands style, fit and fabric details, he should opt for a pair of chinos.
What are Chinos?
Contrary to first impression, the word "chinos" is not a brand name; it's a general term to describe a style of cotton-based trousers. One way to describe what chinos are, is to explain what they are not. They aren't khakis. A pair of "khakis" is often used to describe another style of pant that is similar.
The generic description of khakis earned this moniker because they often come in the color khaki. Although, they do not have to be. Other common colors are black and navy. In the U.S. when people refer to chinos or khakis they are talking about a certain type of pant regardless of color. In other countries, this may differ.
This question of chinos verses khakis has been posed all over the Internet. It's a common question in men's fashion forums, as well as even sites like Yahoo! Answers or Quora. When posed the question in an open forum, this is how one Quora user answered:
"If you look at the words 'chino' and 'khaki,' chino means a kind of heavy-duty twill woven textile and khaki is a tan color. [Competitor] sells chino pants, also known as chinos, in navy, dark brown, and sometimes other colors as well as tan and taupe. Chinos are a little stiffer and more rugged, more suitable for physical work. Chinos often have extra wide belt loops to hold heavy duty work belts. Khakis are often cut like suit pants; it's just that they are made in a soft cotton twill or flat weave fabric." - Stephanie Vardavas
Chinos vs Khakis
Chinos are usually made from a more lightweight 100% cotton, although some companies use a small percentage of other fabrics or mixes for stretch, and khakis carry a heavier blend.
*More form fitting/tailored look
*No center crease lines
*Considered dressier (at this point in history)
*Comes in more a much larger variety of colors than khakis
*Concealed side stitching
Quick History of Chinos
"Developed in the mid-19th century for British and French military uniforms, chino cloth has since migrated into civilian wear. Trousers of such a fabric gained popularity in the U.S. when Spanish–American War veterans returned from the Philippines with their twill military trousers.
Etymology
The etymology of the term chino is disputed. Some sources identify the root as the American Spanish language word chino, which translated literally means toasted. Because the cloth itself was originally manufactured in China, the name of the trousers may have come from the country of origin." - Wikipedia
