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Orvis News
news.orvis.com › home › chino vs khaki, do you know the difference?
Chino vs Khaki, Do You Know the Difference? - Orvis News
May 11, 2022 - One of the distinct differences between the two, and an easy trick to use when shopping or pairing an outfit, is the stitching. On khakis, the stitching is visible, whereas it is concealed on chinos.
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Real Men Real Style
realmenrealstyle.com › home › difference between khakis and chinos – a man’s guide
Difference Between Khakis and Chinos - A Man’s Guide
September 8, 2025 - Khakis are thick, straight-legged, and typically pleated (although plain fronts are available from most brands these days). They have cuffs at the bottom hems. Chinos are lightweight, tapered so that they narrow as they go lower on the leg, ...
Discussions

Khaki vs. Chino

Some sources will make a distinction between those two terms. Many will use them interchangeably. You can't assume that the word choice means something one way or the other unless you know the person writing it makes that distinction.

It's the same as the sportcoat/blazer issue. Sometimes people use "sportcoat" more often for a hunting-inspired jacket, especially if it's tweed. A "blazer" is more likely to be nautical-inspired and might have brass buttons. But just because a jacket is described by one term rather than the other, that doesn't necessarily tell you anything.

There's also the famous shoe terminology issue. Sometimes an "oxford" is a shoe with closed lacing, while a "derby" or "blucher" is one with open lacing. Other times, an "oxford" is any lace-up dress shoe, and only the name "balmoral" specifies closed lacing. And then, sometimes "derby" and "blucher" are used as synonyms, but occasionally they refer to different styles.

These are all just terminology differences. There's no sense getting worked up over them.

This is the first time I've heard of a khaki/chino distinction, so I'd normally assume the words are being used as synonyms unless I know the writer means to draw a distinction. However, it is good to keep in mind that, whatever you call them, sometimes they are more or less formal due to various details like seams, the presence of a crease in front, how thick or rough the fabric is, etc.

More on reddit.com
🌐 r/malefashionadvice
6
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January 24, 2014
Dress pants vs khakis vs chinos : malefashionadvice
Which do you prefer and why? I am trying to up my clothing game and need some knowledge. More on old.reddit.com
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White oxford and khaki chinos?
You literally described the most inoffensive combination possible. More on reddit.com
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5
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July 31, 2014
Looking for Khaki Chinos that are suitable for work and casual wear

Hang on even outlier OGs didn't work? How formal are you looking for if that's the case?

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September 6, 2012
People also ask

Are chinos dressier than khakis?
Chinos are generally considered to be dressier than khakis due to their lighter fabric and slimmer fit, though this can vary depending on the specific style and brand.
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realmenrealstyle.com
realmenrealstyle.com › home › difference between khakis and chinos – a man’s guide
Difference Between Khakis and Chinos - A Man’s Guide
Are chinos and khakis the same as dress pants?
No, chinos and khakis are less formal than dress pants, which are usually made of a finer wool or wool blend fabric.
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realmenrealstyle.com
realmenrealstyle.com › home › difference between khakis and chinos – a man’s guide
Difference Between Khakis and Chinos - A Man’s Guide
Can khakis or chinos be worn with a blazer?
Yes, both can be paired with a blazer for a smart casual look. The color and style of the blazer should complement the pants.
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realmenrealstyle.com
realmenrealstyle.com › home › difference between khakis and chinos – a man’s guide
Difference Between Khakis and Chinos - A Man’s Guide
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Diffen
diffen.com › fashion & beauty
Chinos vs Khakis - Difference and Comparison | Diffen
Chinos are lighter weight than khakis. They are made of either 100 percent cotton or cotton blended with a stretchy synthetic fiber. The weave is loose. Stitching is usually concealed, just like in dress pants.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/malefashionadvice › khaki vs. chino
r/malefashionadvice on Reddit: Khaki vs. Chino
January 24, 2014 -

I read that the difference between Khaki pants and Chinos is that khakis has a seam on the side whereas chinos do not, thus making the chinos slightly more formal.

-Is that true? And are there any other differences?

-Can you really tell the difference when someone is wearing kahkis pants and chinos?

Top answer
1 of 3
5

Some sources will make a distinction between those two terms. Many will use them interchangeably. You can't assume that the word choice means something one way or the other unless you know the person writing it makes that distinction.

It's the same as the sportcoat/blazer issue. Sometimes people use "sportcoat" more often for a hunting-inspired jacket, especially if it's tweed. A "blazer" is more likely to be nautical-inspired and might have brass buttons. But just because a jacket is described by one term rather than the other, that doesn't necessarily tell you anything.

There's also the famous shoe terminology issue. Sometimes an "oxford" is a shoe with closed lacing, while a "derby" or "blucher" is one with open lacing. Other times, an "oxford" is any lace-up dress shoe, and only the name "balmoral" specifies closed lacing. And then, sometimes "derby" and "blucher" are used as synonyms, but occasionally they refer to different styles.

These are all just terminology differences. There's no sense getting worked up over them.

This is the first time I've heard of a khaki/chino distinction, so I'd normally assume the words are being used as synonyms unless I know the writer means to draw a distinction. However, it is good to keep in mind that, whatever you call them, sometimes they are more or less formal due to various details like seams, the presence of a crease in front, how thick or rough the fabric is, etc.

2 of 3
5

i'm pretty sure khaki is a color and chinos are just cotton pants

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UNIONBAY
unionbay.com › home › chinos vs khakis
Chinos vs Khakis: The Key Differences - A Guide | UNIONBAY
October 22, 2025 - What's the difference between Chinos vs Khakis? Khakis use heavier fabric, while chinos are lighter and smoother. ✓ Read more today.
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Canoe Club
shopcanoeclub.com › blogs › editorial › the-history-of-khakis-and-chinos
The History of Chinos and Khakis | Canoe Club
March 18, 2021 - Along with sports jackets, blazers, oxford shirts (white for evening, blue for daytime), and boat shoes, cotton chinos completed the Ivy Look. Hollywood soon followed, leading a generation to define chinos as effortlessly cool American style. And somewhere early in that mix, chinos broke from their khaki roots with a variety of colors, hidden seams, and more formal cuts.
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Sanctuary Clothing
sanctuaryclothing.com › blogs › news › cargo-pants-vs-khaki-pants
We Settle The Debate: Cargo Pants Vs. Khakis – Sanctuary Clothing
Later, it was shortened in English to just “chinos,” and the name stuck. What is the difference between khakis and chinos? In general, chinos are a lighter weight cotton twill material, while khakis are a heavier weight cotton twill.
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Dockers®
us.dockers.com › pages › mens-style-innovation-guide
Men's Pants Style Guide: Types of Khakis & Chinos
The ideal casual chino. ... Introducing our new men’s travel pants, athletic pants and comfortable pants — all in one. ... The go-anywhere, do-anything khaki.
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Oliver Wicks
oliverwicks.com › article › chinos-vs-khakis
Chinos vs Khakis - What’s Actually the Difference? - Oliver Wicks
June 21, 2023 - Chinos are more form-fitting, although not ultra-tight, and are dressier than khakis. They typically disguise or minimize the seams and construction details. This makes them a better choice for semi-formal looks, whereas khakis will only ever ...
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Pant Project
pantproject.com › translation missing: en.general.breadcrumb.home › pantology › pantology
Khakis vs Chinos: What's the Difference and How to Choose
March 14, 2024 - In this comprehensive guide, we aim to demystify the difference between chinos vs khakis and offer expert advice on wearing them with panache. Chinos are generally viewed as semi-formal attire in contrast to khakis, which are considered casual wear. ...
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Ask Andy About Clothes
askandyaboutclothes.com › home › forums › ask andy's style discussion › timeless style
Dockers khakis vs chinos | Men's Clothing Forums
July 12, 2017 - In general, chinos are made of lighter-weight fabric than khakis. And while it's true that "khaki" is a tan/beige/dusty-ish color, "khakis" is sometimes loosely used in reference to relatively sturdy, casual cotton trousers (but not jeans) ...
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Tapered Menswear
taperedmenswear.com › blogs › tapered-blog › chinos-vs-khakis
Chinos vs. Khakis - What’s the Difference? | Tapered Menswear
June 11, 2025 - So what's the difference between chinos vs khakis? The primary difference lies in their appropriate occasions for wearing them. Chinos are known for their appeal with a closer fit and a wider range of colour options.
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Michael 84
michael84.co.uk › home › men's style guides › what’s the difference between khakis and chinos? – men’s fashion basics
What's The Difference Between Khakis And Chinos? - Men's Fashion Basics | Michael 84
February 22, 2024 - What's The Difference Between Chinos & Khakis? A Difference In Khakis vs Chinos is the dress code. Chinos are smarter, khakis are more casual.
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SANVT
sanvt.com › blogs › journal › khakis-vs-chinos-whats-the-difference
Khakis vs Chinos | Differences, Similarities & Style Tips
Nevertheless, find out how else ... and men. Chinos are made of a finer cotton fabric that usually has a matte-gloss shimmer, making them look far more sophisticated than the dull, rougher fabric of khakis....
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Gentleman's Gazette
gentlemansgazette.com › home › khaki pants & chinos: a classic style staple
Khaki Pants, Khakis & Chinos: A Classic Style Staple
January 19, 2020 - In a nutshell, Khaki pants are khaki colored cotton twill pants. Chinos are a bit dressier than Khakis, and come in colors navy, blue, stone, and hence the terms khaki and chinos are frequently used interchangeably.
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Quora
quora.com › What-are-the-differences-between-chinos-khakis-and-jeans
What are the differences between chinos, khakis, and jeans? - Quora
That being said, what you're referring to as chinos and khakis are pretty much the same thing. Now, Bonobos does have a few different styles of each, and they do a great job of describing ea...
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The Globe and Mail
theglobeandmail.com › life › style › how to spot the difference between khakis and chinos, plus 6 buys to try
How to spot the difference between khakis and chinos, plus 6 buys to try - The Globe and Mail
January 14, 2025 - While many brands and retailers ... of a more dress-style pant. Khakis will have more design details such as pleats and cuffs while chinos are flat-fronted and will have a slimmer leg.”...
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Mountain Khakis
mountainkhakis.com › blogs › news › khakis-vs-chinos
Khakis vs Chinos: What's the Difference? & More | Mountain Khakis
March 27, 2024 - Meanwhile, relaxed-fit chinos provide ... gradually narrow towards the ankle for a contemporary twist. Khakis: A classic fit with a mid-rise that sits on the waist....
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Mens Fashioner
mensfashioner.com › articles › ultimate-guide-to-mens-chino-khaki-pants
Men's Chino & Khaki Pants - The Ultimate Guide
Chino = a type of pants (named after the fabric known as 'chino cloth'). Though the original khaki shade is the most popular option, chinos come in many different colors, so calling them 'khakis' is not actually correct.
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Quora
quora.com › What-is-the-difference-between-khaki-and-chino-pants
What is the difference between khaki and chino pants? - Quora
Answer (1 of 5): Khaki is a color (a shade of tan), often associated with casual wear, and chino is a type of fabric, often associated with workwear. Many khaki pants are made from various kinds of twill, some of them very soft.