Are you in the market for a new pair of chino jeans? With characteristics of both chinos and jeans, they’ve become a popular style of pants among men and women alike. Chino jeans look like regular jeans from afar, but they are made of 100% cotton chino cloth to achieve a superior level of softness. As a result, they offer the best of both worlds. Not all chino jeans are the same, however. Whether you’re planning to wear them around town, when working, vacationing or on any occasion, though, you’ll need to choose the right pair. Below are seven important things to consider when choosing chino jeans.
#1) Cut
With a name like “chino jeans,” it shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that they are available in many of the same cuts as jeans. Boot-cut chino jeans, for instance, are characterized by a large opening around the bottom of the pant legs, which you can slide over the top of your boots or shoes. Alternatively, there are straight-leg chino jeans that run straight through the legs without tapering. Other cuts in which chino jeans are made include skinny, slim, relaxed, low rise, medium rise and high rise.
#2) Regular vs Stretch
In addition to the cut, you’ll need to consider whether you want regular or stretch chino jeans. Regular chino jeans are made of 100% cotton chino cloth, whereas stretch chino jeans are made of a blended combination of both cotton chino cloth as well as an elastic material. Stretch chino jeans, including those sold here at MakeYourOwnJeans, contain a small amount of elastic material in their design. As a result, they are stretchier than regular chino jeans.
#3) Color
Chino jeans are available in many different colors. When most people think of chinos, they envision a traditional khaki or beige color. Khaki and beige are certainly popular colors for chino jeans, but that doesn’t mean they are the only colors in which chino jeans are made. You can find chino jeans in just about any color under the sun, so don’t limit yourself to only choosing khaki or beige.
Here are some tips on how to choose chino jeans in the perfect color:
- Evaluate your wardrobe to determine what colors you typically wear. Using this information, you can choose chino jeans in a similar color that matches your outfits.
- Stick with a dark color during the winter and a light color during the summer. Light colors absorb more heat, whereas dark colors reflect heat. Therefore, a pair of light-colored chino jeans is more appropriate choice for the summer.
- When in doubt, choose a pair of chino jeans in a universal color. Universal colors are recognized for their exceptional level of versatility. They consist of neutral colors that flow cohesively with all or most other colors.
#4) Pockets
When shopping for chino jeans, look to see how many pockets they have. Many people assume that all chino jeans have four pockets. After all, four pockets is the most common pocket configuration in which trousers and other men’s pants are made. While you can find chino jeans available with four pockets, many of them have five pockets.
Known as five-pocket chinos, they are designed to mimic the appearance of jeans. If you look at a typical pair of jeans, you’ll notice they have five pockets. Along with two front pockets and two back pockets, they have a fifth pocket embedded inside one of the front pockets. This fifth pocket was originally used for pocket watches. While most people no longer carry or use a pocket watch, manufacturers still include this pocket in their jeans. If you enjoy the stylish appearance of five-pocket jeans, perhaps a pair of five-pocket chino jeans is the right choice for you.
#5) Pre-Shrunk
You may discover that some chino jeans are labeled “pre-shrunk.” What does this mean exactly? The “pre-shrunk label” simply means they were washed during production so that they are naturally shrink to a smaller size.
With pre-shrunk chino jeans, you don’t have to worry about them shrinking after you wash and dry them. They’ve already been washed during production, so they shouldn’t experience any noticeable shrinkage after you wash and dry them.
#6) Flat or Pleated Front
Chino jeans are available in both flat-front and pleated-front styles. Flat-front chino jeans, of course, have a smooth front without any creases. In comparison, pleated-front chino jeans have a long horizontal crease running down each of their pant legs.
You can choose either flat-front or pleated-front chino jeans. A good rule of thumb, however, is to choose the former when you plan on standing and the latter when you plan on sitting. Sitting will force your pants to stretch at the front. Therefore, pleated-front chino jeans offer a more comfortable fit when sitting.
#7) Fit
Last but certainly not least, you should consider how a pair of chino jeans fit when worn. It’s frustrating when you find the perfect pair of chino jeans, only to later discover that they don’t fit. Maybe they are too big, or perhaps they are too small. Regardless, if your chino jeans don’t fit, you won’t get much use or value out of them.
To ensure your chino jeans fit, consider ordering them from MakeYourOwnJeans. We offer dozens of high-quality chino jeans, all of which come with custom sizing at no additional charge. You aren’t limited to choosing chino jeans in a generic size. Rather, you can specify your actual body measurements when ordering your desired chino jeans, resulting in the perfect fit each and every time.
In Conclusion
If you enjoy wearing jeans and chinos, a pair of chino jeans will provide you with the best of both worlds. They look like jeans but have a similar level of softness as chino pants. You won’t find these attractive properties in other types of trousers or pants, making chino jeans a truly one-of-a-kind style.
