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.
We have talked about selvedge chinos many times before — after all, they’re a classic. But regardless of how classic they are, that doesn’t mean our old lists weren’t outdated and filled with sold-out items. That’s why we’ve put a fresh one together.
If you’re new to this realm where the word ‘selvedge’ seems to pop up everywhere, just know that any woven fabric can be selvedge – not just denim. Selvedge simply means ‘self-edge’, where the fabric is woven in a way that it has a clean edge, finished that won’t unravel. Why is it so good? It’s woven on specialised machines in smaller batches that ensure quality and character.
This 5+1 is for chinos made with selvedge fabrics by quality makers. Whether you’re starting to work from the office again or just want a top-class pair of chinos to wear when you’re giving your raws a break, we hope you find something to your liking on this list.
1) Todd Snyder: Japanese Selvedge Chino
Todd Snyder‘s Japanese Selvedge Chinos are an excellent option, especially if you’re interested in some lesser-seen colors like charcoal or salmon pink. They’re constructed from 100% cotton Japanese chino fabric and feature a classic, straight-fit pattern with outseam pockets, buttoned back pockets, and melamine buttons.
Available for $198 from Todd Snyder.
2) Iron Heart: 721 Slim Tapered Selvedge Chino
Iron Heart‘s 721 Slim Tapered Selvedge chinos are an oddity — not only are they not constructed from Iron Heart’s famous, heavyweight denims – they’re not constructed from a heavyweight fabric at all. Featuring a 9 oz. selvedge chino twill, these are some of the most lightweight pants Iron Heart has produced in a long time, but that doesn’t mean they don’t feature IH’s phenomenal materials and construction.
Finished with a zinc buttoned waistband, felled inseam, and rolled and tucked belt loops, these pants feature some serious attention to detail and a trim fit that’s perfect for office and weekend wear alike.
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Available for $315 from Division Road.
3) 3sixteen: 12 oz. Selvedge Chinos
3sixteen presents its 12 oz. Selvedge Chinos – a solid, all-rounder in the selvedge chino sphere. The pattern is simple and flawless, features classic slash pockets, a hidden coin pocket, and clean lines throughout the silhouette. Available in several neutral colors for your discerning self, you can’t really go wrong with these well-engineered staples which are made in the USA and finished with canvas pocket bags and urea buttons.
Available for $230 from Blue Owl.
4) Naked and Famous: Selvedge Chinos
While Naked and Famous have produced several “true” chinos in the past, most of their Selvedge ‘Chinos’ are really classic, 5-pocket pants (i.e. jeans) made with chino fabric rather than denim. That might not appeal to everyone, but to be honest they’re an excellent choice if you’re just looking to dress up your outfits a little bit or just want a change of pace.
Available in several fits and colorways, these chinos are made in Canada from 12 oz. Japanese chino-grade fabric and feature branded donut buttons, rivets, and waist patch – all of which are sewn up into an affordable package.
Available for $120 from Tate and Yoko.
5) Shockoe Atelier: Field Chino
Shockoe Atelier also knows their way around a chino, and it shows in their latest Field Chino. Made from an a raw 11 oz. Japanese khaki selvedge chino fabric, these chinos are a great mid-point between full chinos and jean chinos like the Naked & Famous option above.
These Shockoe chinos are made in the USA with top-notch construction and detailing like a leather waist patch, rivet-reinforced slash pockets, and chainstitched hem, with each pair coming with free repairs for the lifetime of the garment.
Available for $225 from Shockoe Atelier.
Plus One – Benzak Denim Developers: BC-01 Tapered Chino
Benzak Denim Developers has some truly beautiful designs in their roster, and their BC-01 Tapered Chino is certainly amongst them. These classically styled chinos are everything you’d expect from a chino, but constructed from 11 oz. Italian raw denim.
Featuring slash front pockets, jetted rear pockets, and stainless steel buttons, these chinos are really just a fun combination of styles that can be a shoo-in to my wardrobe that will have ’em. That tapered fit is bordering on perfect if you want something slim with a strong but considered taper, and the raw denim will look fantastic once broken in.
Available for €199 (~$210USD) from Benzak Denim Developers.
