MEN'S FASHION
Wardrobe Essentials: Winter Chinos
Wednesday 22nd June 2022
Winter is prime chino season. Chino pants are arguably the most versatile article in your wardrobe, and pair effortlessly with almost all tops, outerwear and footwear. Just a heads up: summer and winter chino pants are slightly different – winter chinos are woven slightly thicker to help ward off the cold.
Chinos usually don’t take much effort to style, but we’ve got some killer tips on how you can take your chino game to the next level.
Chinos were first conceived as a style of military pants back in the 19th century, during the Spanish-American war. Not much has changed since then – chinos are still commonly made from sturdy cotton twill (we mix in a little elastane for comfort and stretch), and they usually trace the shape of your leg, tapering towards the ankle. They also come in more colours than a pack of skittles, so they remain a popular wardrobe staple in most guys’ wardrobes.
While chinos and jeans are both made from cotton, jeans material (denim) tends to be thicker and tougher. Jeans also win when it comes to cuts and styles too – skinny, low rise, boot cut, baggy, distressed, and heaps more. On the other hand, chinos take the cake when it comes to colour and versatility.
You can rock chinos to formal events, cocktail parties, brewery lunches and similar without breaking a sweat. Their combination of style and flexibility make them a wardrobe chameleon of sorts – every guy should own a pair of jeans, but your chino collection is limited only by your imagination.
Here’s a fool proof tip on styling chinos: the secret lies in the hem. Don’t aim to show your socks and let the pant leg fall just on top of your shoes – you'll achieve a smart, tailored look without even trying.
If you’re looking to cop your first pair of chinos (or add another to your collection), you can’t go wrong with a slim or ultra slim fit. These cuts help define your silhouette and can easily be dressed up or down to match both your style and the occasion.
Slim Fit
If you’re looking for a pair of chinos that’ll tick the boxes for every occasion, reach for a slim cut – you won’t be disappointed with our Winsor Chinos. Slip them on and dress it up with a smart blazer for more formal events, or keep it casual with a tailored jacket or knitwear.
Ultra Slim Fit
An ultra slim fit has all the characteristics and benefits of slim chinos, just with a more tailored vibe. Our Winsor Ultra Slim Chinos hug and accentuate the legs, making you look (and feel) taller. They pair exceptionally well with sneakers and loafers, but also work well with formal leather shoes too.
Chinos come in all colours of the rainbow, but when you’re dressing up for winter, darker, moodier tones like black, dark blue and navy work a treat. These colours sit well under knitwear, coats and jackets, and look great with a crisp white shirt. If you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated, try a shade of light brown or cocoa. These traditional English colours produce an elegant and timeless look when paired
with a printed shirt, blazer and dark brown shoes. Feel free to experiment with other colours too – tan, dark green and burgundy are great trans-seasonal shades, and allow you more opportunities to express yourself through your outfit. When it comes to footwear, the sky's the limit. Sneakers, boots, brogues – you name it, and chinos will help you nail your look without a hitch.
Winter’s all about layering, so work from top to bottom. Once you’ve figured out your shirt, knitwear and coat or jacket combo, you can easily find the right chinos to match. Since chinos are readily available in a wide range of colours, you can fit them into any outfit you can dream up. For a casual everyday look, grey chinos work a treat with white sneakers.
To complete the look, reach for black knitwear and a warm coat to match. If you’re leaning towards something more corporate, try dark grey or black chinos paired with black leather shoes. Finish with an ebony tailored jacket or blazer for a stealthy, understated look.
Who says chinos can’t be your outfit’s statement piece? Our Corleone Chinos are a modern classic, steeped in Italian heritage. Whether you pick a grey or blue colourway, you’ll be impressed at its soft hand feel, and how comfortable the interior surface is on your hips and legs.
They’re made from a two-tone cotton twill and elastane blend, so you won’t feel restricted in the slightest. Whether you pick a grey or blue colourway, you’ll be impressed at its soft hand feel, and how comfortable the interior surface is on your hips and legs.
Chinos FAQ
1. Can chinos be worn all-year round?
Absolutely. They work well with whatever you’ve currently got in your wardrobe – tops, outerwear, socks, shoes, you name it.
2. Are chino pants warm?
Winter chino pants are woven slightly thicker to help better protect you from the elements. They’re a great choice when you’re choosing a pair of winter bottoms, especially when combined with a good coat.
3. What shoes should I wear with chinos in winter?
Anything you’d normally wear with other styles of pants – boots, sneakers, loafers, boat shoes, etcetera. Whichever you choose, chinos add a unique touch of class you wouldn’t otherwise achieve with other pants.
4. Are chinos better than jeans?
There’s no clear winner between the two – rather, each pair of pants serve their own purpose. With jeans, you get more options with cut and fit. They’re also woven to be more rugged, so you can wear them to outdoor events without stress.
Chinos win when it comes to colour and versatility. They excel at both casual and formal events, and pair well with all kinds of footwear. Think of them as your staple, go-to pants for all occasions.
Long Vuong, Designer
Long Vuong is a menswear designer for Politix with over 20 years of industry experience. He focuses on blending craftsmanship, contemporary and timeless designs to deliver elevated styling to the modern man.
