What I really mean by the vaguely Orwellian title above is that there are different chinos for different occasions. This idea that one type or style can cover all possible events needs to stop.

Although they will always be considered informal by their very nature, there are differing levels of informality that chinos can come in. And I think it’s important to understand what they are, especially when it comes to picking the right pair for your outfit each day.

It’s also important to bear in mind that I’m not talking about a particular colour of chino either, these rules apply just as much to a pink pair as they do your traditional khaki pair. This is great news for those of you out there who believe that brightly coloured chinos can only be worn in the most informal of contexts. With the right style and cut, you can wear just about any colour chino with something as formal as a blazer or suit jacket.

Types Of Chino

In my own humble opinion, you can divide chinos into three different categories:

1. The Casual Pair

The ones that can be found in high street stores across the land. They’re normally distinguished by their visible stitching on both the outside and inside leg seams. They tend to be made from cheaper materials, hence their budget price point, sit lower on the hips (similar to low-rise jeans) and can be given some kind of wash or treatment.

An example of this type of treatment would be the vintage or ‘lived in’ range of chinos that are available at Gap – they tend to provide a slightly more worn in and softer aesthetic. All the above combines to create a style of chino that is inherently casual, so they tend to work best with more casual pieces.

For example, try pairing them with classic Oxford shirts or your new bold patterned/print versions from this spring/summer. Similarly, casual staples such t-shirts, polos, cardigans and hoodies will all go great as well. As long as you are not trying to pair them with dress shirts, ties, formal shoes, smart blazers or suit jackets, you will not go wrong.