Wardrobe Essentials: Winter Chinos | Politix (2024)

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, co*cktail 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.

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.