Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
Everyone has a favorite pair of chinos and chances are they are in on of several colors: khaki, navy, black, or olive. While there is nothing wrong with any of those hues sometimes it’s good to spice things up a bit. That’s why we are exploring colorful chinos this week. You might not want to wear the everyday, but it’s always good to have some fun clothes in your wardrobe for the right occasion.
1) J. Crew: Lightweight Garment Dyed Chino in Harbor Pink
J. Crew might not be a highly suggested brand among denimheads, but there clothes are solidly constructed, well designed, and affordable. Their Lightweight Garment Dyed Chinos in Harbor Pink might not have all the bells and whistles, but they are a great pair of preppy chinos for those warm summer nights. They feature two slanted front pockets, two back welt pockets, and a slim-straight cut — perfect for cuffing high and pairing with your favorite pair of penny loafers.
Available for $50 from J. Crew.
2) Etro: Slim Fit Twill Chinos in Light Blue
Etro’s Slim Fit Twill Chinos are a great choice if you are looking for a pair of chinos in a non-standard color that isn’t too gaudy. The light blue color is different enough to fill the gap in your current wardrobe but understated enough to not be overly attention grabbing. Each pair is constructed in Italy and comes with an unfinished hem; this leaves you with the option to get them hemmed to the inseam length of yoru liking or to rock them unhemmed for the ultra casual look.
Available for $340 from Mr. Porter.
3) MP Massimo Piombo: Slim Chino in Salmon
Salmon pink is a pretty divisive color, but if you’re a fan it makes a great color of chino to add to your collection. This pair of Slim Chinos from MP Massimo Piombo are made from a 55%/45% cotton/linen blend, which makes them breathable, soft, and incredibly comfortable. They are made in Italy to ensure great quality control, and feature tonal stitching with contrasting black buttons.
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Available for $439 off from Gentry.
4) The Workers Club: Chino in Forest Green
While olive might be a popular color for chinos the spearmint green hue of these Chinos from The Workers Club is definitely not too common. The style of these pants might be closer to that of fatigues than true chinos, but the still make for a great pair of casual pants. They are garment dyed to their final, minty hue and feature patchwork front pockets, flapped back pockets, and corozo buttons.
Available for £225 from The Workers Club.
5) Unis: Ford in Coral
Unis (pronounced yoo-niss not ooh-knees) is the brainchild of designer Eunice Lee, who’s been creating simple and understated pieces for her eponymous label since 2000. Subtlety has taken them a long way, but a pop of color like on their Coral Ford chinos can be all it takes to catch some eyes, while still remaining unobtrusive enough to be worn for years. Made in Portugal of Italian cotton twill.
Available for $198 at Unis.
Plus One – The Hill-Side: Lightweight Reinforced Mil Chino in Indigo Sashiko Selvedge
While indigo might not be the most unique color for a pair of chinos, the Sashiko selvedge used for The Hill-Side’s Lightweight Reinforced Mil Chino creates a truly unique hue/texture combination. They’re made in Okayama, Japan with herringbone pockets, bartack reinforcement throughout, fabric reinforcement at the lower leg, and welted back pockets.
Available for $158 from The Hill-Side.
