Knowing when you should wear chinos vs. slacks requires a little bit of knowledge about these two garments, and a lot of knowledge about yourself and the scenario for which you are planning.
Making sure you express the appropriate vibe for the situation, and exude confidence in your clothes, will allow your style to stand out.
Pants tend to work in a spectrum from casual (jeans/sweatpants) to dressy (slacks). Chinos fall in the middle and offer great versatility, but they don’t quite work for dressier or some business scenarios. And while slacks work well for these dressier affairs, they might be too stuffy for certain more casual situations. We’ll explore the differences in chinos vs. slacks, so you can get your look right and worry about more important details.
Chinos: Casual Comfort with a Touch of Refinement
Imagine sitting in a cafe sipping a coffee in the sun, enjoying the scenery while getting yourself ready for a day out in the city. Chinos can impart this attitude in your outfit.
You can wear them to enjoy a cup of coffee, run some errands, meet for lunch or drinks, and even for a casual night out. They offer supreme versatility, looking sharp but not too stuffy. And the variety of styles and colors can allow you to better express your personality. Plus, their versatility allows you to wear them with a wide variety of clothes.
You can also opt for a slimmer fit or more relaxed cut depending on your build and personal style. Chinos come in all shapes and sizes to accommodate your specific needs.
Here’s why chinos can cover all these bases:
- Comfortable fit: They’re not overly stuffy or stiff. Chinos typically come in a slim or straight-leg fit, offering freedom of movement and comfort while looking put-together. The cotton fabric offers breathable comfort and a casual yet smart vibe.
- Diverse palette: Unlike slacks, which usually come in the same few neutral colors, chinos boast a vibrant spectrum of colors (check out this post for the best chino colors you should own), from classic khaki, navy, and grey to bolder colors like burgundy, mustard, olive green, and more. This versatility allows you to dress more boldly and express your personal style.
- Smart casual: Chinos bridge the gap between casual and smart casual, so you can look sharp yet relaxed. Pair them with a button-down/polo shirt and loafers/chukka boots for a polished casual look, or dress them down with a t-shirt and sneakers for a weekend walk in the city.
Slacks: Polished and Professional
Picture a well-dressed man walking confidently through the city, his tailored slacks giving an impression of authority, intelligence, and style. A well-fitted pair of slacks can signal a certain sharpness in your attire. Crafted from heavier fabrics like wool or twill, slacks offer structure and sophistication, making them perfect for business or dressier settings.
Here’s why slacks work well in these scenarios:
- Sharp silhouette: Slacks typically feature a tapered fit that skims the leg, giving your legs shape and structure as the foundation of your masculine frame.
- Formal finesse: The texture and fabric of a quality pair of slacks drapes and moves with your body in a sharp and seamless manner. They lend themselves perfectly to semi-formal or business occasions. Pair them with a crisp dress shirt and dress shoes for a look that commands respect.
- Timeless elegance: Unlike the trend-driven world of chinos, slacks boast a classic aesthetic that does not go out of style. Opt for neutral colors like navy or charcoal for maximum versatility.
When to Sport Chinos
- Daytime errands to nighttime transitional attire: From lounging at your favorite cafe, to running errands, getting lunch, a casual dinner, and maybe some drinks, you can pair your favorite chinos with a polo shirt and loafers or chukka boots for a laid-back yet stylish look.
- Casual Friday at the office: Chinos can inject a touch of personality into your office attire. Pair them with a button-down shirt and Chelsea boots for a relaxed yet professional vibe. If you work in a more casual environment, reach for your chinos for everyday wear.
- Dates: Chinos can form the foundation of a fun yet sharp outfit, perfect to show off your personality and confidence for a date. Try a well-fitted pair in a bold color with a neutral shirt or sweater and some casual or dress boots. Or even with a polo and a blazer.
When Slacks Give You the Edge
- Important work/business meetings: When the stakes are high, go with the more structured and professional slacks. A tailored pair with a crisp dress shirt, a blazer, and oxfords project an air of confidence and competence.
- Semi-formal events: Wedding rehearsals, galas, and other dressier affairs require the polished elegance of slacks. Slacks work when a suit is maybe too dressy, but chinos will not respect the importance of the situation. Again, pair with a crisp dress shirt, loafers or oxfords, and a sport coat or blazer.
Chinos vs. Slacks – Use Each When Needed
When thinking of chinos vs. slacks, It’s important not to consider these as competing items, but rather as complementary pieces in your wardrobe.
Both chinos and slacks give off a specific vibe, making them ideal for different situations. It’s important to choose your pair based on the occasion.
- Chinos: Your go-to companion for casual and smart casual settings, offering comfort, versatility, and a touch of personality.
- Slacks: Appropriate for more formal or business scenarios, exuding professionalism, structure, and timeless elegance.
Style and confidence comes from knowing when to embrace casual charm and when to command respect with a little more polish and formality. With these guidelines, you can navigate the situations where one piece will work better than the other.
Additional Tips
- Fit is key: Ensure your chinos and slacks fit flawlessly. Avoid baggy or overly tight trousers, as they can detract from your overall look. Take your pants, especially your slacks, to a trusted tailor to dial in the fit.
- Pleats are back!: Pleated trousers or chinos can look great, especially on those with bigger legs, but make sure to steer clear of looking like a Best Buy employee from the 90’s. Keep the fit on the slim side (look especially for a slight taper below the knee – your tailor can make this adjustment), and opt for 1-2 pleats where possible.
- Accessorize wisely: Belts, watches, and pocket squares can elevate your chinos or slacks outfit. Choose accessories that complement the color, style, and formality of your pants.
- Proper care: Make sure to follow all washing instructions closely. Slacks, especially those made of wool, do not need to be washed with each wear. Washing or dry cleaning them too often will age them faster than intended.
