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Chinos For Work | Mens Work Chinos By Paul Brown

Our Guide on Buying the Best Chinos for Work

When it comes to workwear, there is perhaps no better garment to include in your wardrobe than the humble chino. A staple of business casual styling, chinos have been celebrated for years for their versatility. Because of their relatively simple styling, chinos make for the perfect choice when deciding on pants that you can easily wear to work.

Especially in recent years, workplaces have started to dial back their dress codes as a response to more flexible work arrangements. Gone are the days of mandatory suits and ties, making chinos gain a greater position of relevancy in both men’s and women’s fashion.

That’s why we’ve decided to craft a guide on measuring the best chinos for work. We’ll be giving you advice on when to wear chinos, and what to look for when searching for a new pair of chinos for work.

Can You Wear Chinos to Work?

Brown Chinos

Brown Chinos

Navy Chinos

Navy Chinos

The short answer is, absolutely. While your working conditions will dictate whether you can wear chinos to work or not, we’d like to think that most individuals should be able to pull off chinos at their workplaces with little issue.

The History of Chinos

In fact, chinos were first introduced as pants that were used in the uniforms of the American armed forces stationed in the Philippinesvduring the Spanish-American War in the late 19th century. These early chinos were made using twill cotton sourced from China, which is where the name “Chinos” originated. After the war concluded, armed forces members returning from duty wore their chinos in public, causing them to gain popularity, particularly among students in American colleges. Since then, chinos have been a staple of workwear, as their simple, plain-front styling has become synonymous with timeless, smart style.

What is the purpose of chinos?

Chinos are plain-front-styled pants that can come in a variety of colours (the most popular colours of chinos are typically neutral colours, such as khaki, navy, and grey). Because chinos have plain-fronts (e.g. no pleating), they are quite versatile and can be worn for many different occasions.

Chinos are great for wearing every day, and pair perfectly with an oxford cotton shirt for business casual events. You can also dress chinos up, and pair them with a broadcloth shirt and jacket for a dinner or wedding party.

How Do You Wear Chino Pants to Work?

Because chinos are extremely versatile, they can be paired with a variety of different materials to maintain a smart, professional look for the workplace. One classic example of this is a pair of beige chinos paired with a light blue oxford shirt. This provides you with a clean, smart appearance that does not appear overly formal.

Chinos are also quite comfortable when compared to other work pants, such as jeans, slacks, or trousers, making them a great choice for work.

Are Chinos Still in Fashion in 2022?

Absolutely. While chinos did briefly fall out of fashion due to loose, boxy fits gaining favour in the 80s and 90s, due to slimmer styling becoming fashionable again, chinos have taken their place as one of the most fashionable pant choices for men yet again.

When it comes to chinos for work, selecting well-fitting chinos is key if you want to look smart and fashionable. You also want to select a colour of chino that complements the colours of the rest of our outfit.

Things to Consider When Buying Chinos for Work

If you’re in the market for a pair of chinos for work, these are the top things you should consider before investing in a high-quality pair of chinos.

The Fit

Initially, chinos were only available in a slimmer fitting profile, which was standard for the uniforms of the soldiers that wore them. The fit of your chino will affect how appropriate the garment is for formal occasions.

Since then, chinos have become available in a variety of different fits, which suit different occasions. Generally speaking, slimmer legs are more appropriate for formal occasions, and wider legs are more casual.

When it comes to the waistline, your chinos should be able to fit snugly around your waist and avoid falling down without the assistance of a belt. The length of your chinos should hit the top of your shoes.

The Colour

When selecting a colour of chinos for work to purchase, we recommend sticking to neutral colours for the workplace. While this is dependent on your workplace, of course, bright colours can be inappropriate for certain workplace settings. To be on the safe side, stick to neutral colours (such as grey, brown, beige, black or navy chinos).

Brighter colours of chinos can be a great choice for out of the office, however. You can display your taste for fashion with more creative colours for chinos, and pair them with patterned shirts for a fun, smart look.

The Materials

When chinos were first introduced to the public, they were made exclusively from cotton twill, which was sometimes worsted for a shiny finish. Nowadays, chinos are available in a wide variety of materials, and at WISC, we offer our chinos with a touch of elastane for comfort. We recommend searching for chinos with a touch of stretch material (like elastane), as this will make them the perfect choice for workwear, as you’ll be able to wear them comfortably all day long. With this in mind, we think chinos with elastane are the perfect chinos for work.

Country of Origin

At WISC, we make all of our chinos at our factory in Suffolk, England. By keeping our manufacturing in Suffolk, we ensure the high-quality and attention to detail that English tailoring has become world-renowned for. When you put on a pair of Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing chinos, you’ll immediately feel the difference that our high-quality craftsmanship imparts in the garment.

Conclusion: Perfect Business Attire

If you’re looking for a pair of pants to wear to work, there are few options better than chinos. Because of their versatility, simple styling, and comfortable feel, chinos are one of the best choices for work.

We hope this guide to finding the best chinos for work has helped you make the right decision the next time you’re looking for a pair.

Explore our high-quality selection of chinos at Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing today, and ensure that you’re wearing top quality chinos at your next dinner party or work event.

Create a stylish outfit with our tailored fit mens shirts

Create the perfect work outfit by pairing our chinos with our tailored men's shirts. We offer a selection of shirts suitable for business including button down collar shirts to our formal double cuff collection.

For more information read our chino and shirts blog

Chino and Shirts

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