Khakis, also known as chinos, have been a popular style of pants for over a century due to their casual look, comfortable fit, and durability. The name comes from the Hindi word for “powder color,” and they were originally worn by British army officers in India. Today, khakis are available in a range of styles and fabrics and are worn by both men and women for various occasions. The trend is expected to continue in the future.
Khakis, sometimes called chinos, are a popular style of pants for both men and women. Their casual look, comfortable fit, and durability have kept them in good standing for over a century.
The name khaki is a Hindi word that literally means “powder color.” The term first referred to the color of the dye used for the cloth. But as the term evolved, it also took on the meaning of the tightly woven material from which many khakis were made and its distinctive style. While all khakis are tan in color, tan shades range from lighter to darker, and shades can range from gray to brown to green. The neutrality of the khaki color makes them easy to dress up or dress down.
As the story goes, khakis arose in India during the 1840s when British army officers soaked their white uniforms in tea, mud and curry powder in an attempt to blend in with the landscape. Those attempts were apparently successful because by 1914, certain branches and ranks of the US military had adopted khakis as approved uniforms. Acceptance of khaki uniforms continued to spread, and today khakis are a regular part of US military attire.
Khakis crossed over into the general public in the 1950s. They were popularized by writers, rebels, and intellectuals, like Jack Kerouac, a cultural subset tired of dressing like beatniks. The versatility and easy care of persimmons soon made them a must-have fashion item. These qualities haven’t changed since then, but the styles and fabrics have.
Today’s khakis range from casual to high fashion and can take the wearer from a day at the park to the boardroom at the office. Khakis are styled by top designers and manufacturers in bulk alike, available off the runway or off the shelf at discount stores. They are typically made of natural cotton or linen, and sometimes cotton blends augmented with chemical treatment to reduce wrinkles, maintain shape, and reduce staining.
The popularity of khakis has remained consistent over the years, and clothing manufacturers expect the trend to continue into the unforeseen fashion future. Savvy shoppers and stylish fashionistas will continue to wear khakis because of their casual look, easy care, and comfortable fit that started a long time ago.
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