How to choose your chinos and the right fit?

Chinos have carved out a prime spot in the men’s wardrobe in recent years. The trousers trace back to the 19th century, when British soldiers stationed in India went looking for something better suited to the local climate. Since then, this cotton-twill trouser has become a wardrobe classic. When to wear it? Which cut and style to choose? Which fabric, colours and quality details? What can you personalise? And above all, which shirt to pair it with? Here’s everything you need to know about the chino - how to choose it, and how to pair it with your shirts.

When to wear the chino?

The chino is a timeless, versatile piece for countless occasions. With a shirt and city shoes, it makes a perfect work outfit. You can even pair it with a dress shirt and a blazer for a ceremony. But it also works far more casually: with a polo and loafers, it’s your ally for smart-casual weekends; with sneakers and a tee, it takes on a sportier feel. By switching up the shirt, the top and the accessories, you create countless looks, from the most classic to the sharpest.

Chino cut: how to choose it?

A chino that’s comfortable and elegant needs a cut that flatters you. For that, choosing the right size is essential.

At LE CHEMISEUR®, for a perfect drape, we also adjust the trouser at the seat to your build: flat seat if your trousers usually sag below the seat, average seat if standard ready-to-wear fits you well, fuller seat if your trousers pull away from your back.

You then define the exact cut for your silhouette. To suit every build, LE CHEMISEUR® offers three cuts.

The standard chino cut

The standard cut, with a classic leg length and width, suits most men.

The athletic chino cut

The athletic cut, taken in at the waist but not the thighs, is perfectly suited to V-shaped builds.

The comfort chino cut

The comfort cut, which leaves more room at the stomach and sits slightly lower at the waist, is ideal for fuller builds.

Chino cut: which style for your casual trousers?

Chosen the cut that suits your build best? Now pick the style that matches your taste and how you’ll wear your chino. At LE CHEMISEUR®, the cut adapts to your wishes and your style.

Fitted chino

The classic cut - neither too long nor too short, neither too wide nor too narrow. It’ll win over anyone who wants to wear their chino in any situation.

Slim chino

The cut for the bold: very fitted, with a short length that shows the ankle. The chino for strong, assertive styles.

Straight chino

The most formal cut, slightly wider and longer.

Chino: which fabric for this wardrobe classic?

The chino is traditionally made from cotton twill. At LE CHEMISEUR®, we chose a soft, hard-wearing cotton twill with 2% elastane, for a stretch chino as comfortable as it is durable. The slightly stretchy fabric moves with you. At 260 g/m², this Italian cloth from the house of Larusmiani suits summer and winter alike.

Men’s chino: colours that are easy to wear every day

The chino was originally made in light colours, mainly beige. Today it sometimes comes in bolder shades - purple, yellow, orange, red, pink. But most often it stays true to its roots, in sand, khaki, brown or navy, as at LE CHEMISEUR®. These neutral colours pair easily with every shirt in your wardrobe.

What can you personalise on a chino?

The chino can carry plenty of finishes that speak to its quality: the notch at the back of the waistband, for extra comfort; the double piping on the back pocket, chic and practical; the double button at the waist, for durability.

At LE CHEMISEUR®, you can personalise a host of details to make your chino your own: classic belt or drawstring, with or without turn-ups, lining fabric (gingham, stripes, check, florals, geometric prints, herringbone), buttons (colour and material: metal, horn, ceramic, corozo) and the signature on your label. You can even have your initials embroidered wherever you like (back pocket, right pocket, under the fly).

Men’s chino: 2 ways to wear it

The smart chino

The chino can be worn very smartly - right up to weddings. With a white shirt, a blazer, leather city shoes and a panama, you put together an elegant look that steps off the beaten track. It also works beautifully with a check shirt, a suede jacket and leather loafers, for a polished, city-office look.

The casual chino

The chino also works far more casually: with a linen shirt worn untucked and suede loafers, say - the perfect outfit for wandering the market on holiday.

It has its place in a sportier look too: picture it with a white tee, spotless sneakers and a matching cap.

Want to complete your look? Find the made-to-measure shirt that suits you, and browse all our shirts.