Chinos and jeans are both classic fashion options with long and interesting histories. You should be familiar with both of them and could have both in your wardrobe. Picking out some of the style advantages and differences of one vs. the other, though, takes a bit more time.
Here’s the SANVT view on Chinos vs. Jeans:
Chinos
Defining Chinos is a slightly slippier task than with jeans. But in a nutshell: Chinos are lightweight, simply-styled men’s trousers that are neither formal nor informal.
The Chino – in this useful frontier between formalwear and casualwear – is one of the most versatile trousers available. You can look great wearing Chinos for almost any occasion (apart from something really serious like, say, a black-tie event or a wedding). Cotton is the material most often used to make Chinos – leading to a refined natural look. The cut is typically either classic, slim, or even skinny.
Note: for more on this, see our separate blog post on how chinos should fit:
SANVT’s Smart Chino is a luxury quality, stretch-cotton Chino with an elegant slim fit. It’s fairly made in the EU from premium fabric, with the highest attention to detail.
If you are in need of a more heavier fabric that keeps you warm in winter, but do not want to miss out of the chino's elegant look? Make sure to check out SANVT's heavyweight chino. Same style, but a heavier fabric weight (420 GSM).
Are Chinos the same as cargo trousers?
No. There is a slight similarity to Cargo trousers (a.k.a khakis) in terms of both the cut and the style. Still, the more elegant minimalist style of the Chino – with the lack of those large utilitarian pockets – is an obvious giveaway. The stitching on Chinos is also hidden and cargo pants tend to be baggier than Chinos. Overall, cargo pants have a far more informal and practical feel.
Jeans
Jeans don’t need introduction – everyone has a pair – they’re one of the most iconic fashion items around. Compared to Chinos though, jeans aren’t anywhere near as versatile. You couldn’t get away with wearing jeans to an interview – and it’s probably best not to risk a pair of blue jeans for business. However, jeans are suitable for every-day-tasks and events and have a very casual and cool look to them.
While Chinos have the edge with colour, jeans have more diverse cuts. Skinny, straight, super-skinny, baggy, low-rise, the divisive bootcut, and the list goes on. Like Chinos, jeans are made from cotton, although Denim (the cotton fabric that’s produced) is a lot heavier than the fabric that Chinos are made from.
Our Perfect Jeans from SANVT are made from 100% cotton (76% certified organic & 24% recycled). This is a type of cotton that consists of longer fibres than conventional cotton and is therefore softer and more resistant. With a classic straight cut, our jeans are the perfect trousers for every body type.
Chinos vs. Jeans
Two classics - different benefits. While Jeans have been around for quite some time in fashion, chinos are becoming more popular – and beginning to challenge the supremacy of jeans. SANVT outlines the differences between the two pants:
Occasions to be worn:
While jeans can perfectly be worn in everyday life and in a more casual environment, chinos blend in perfectly in almost any occasion. Chino pants can be styled up for formal events or to the office, but also down, paired with a T-Shirt. If you need more inspiration on when to wear chinos (and when not) click here.
Colours:
Chinos are available in a multitude of different colours. This includes summery light and pastel shades, like ivory, but also darker classic colours like navy and black. The classic colour for denim is dark blue or light blue. For quite some time now jeans colours like black and white also are in style, but are more niche.
Style:
Jeans have been popular for quite a long time and will always be a classic and must-have in the wardrobe. If you want to learn more about the history of jeans, find out more here. The are comfortable and suit for casual occasions. Chinos have a more elegant look to them and if made up of a high quality stretch material maintain a good balance between formality and functionality.
Breathability & comfort:
If made up of a breathable material like cotton, chinos are lighter and more breathable. Chinos are therefore an all-year-allrounder and can be worn throughout all seasons. Due to the dense denim fabric, jeans are more robust to external forces, but are at the same time, less breathable and more suitable for colder temperatures.
Conclusion: Jeans vs. Chinos
Denim Jeans will always be in style. However, if you’re looking for an alternative, chinos are also a great choice when it comes to more breathability and formal yet modern look.
Smart Chino vs. Perfect Jeans. Two classics for different occasions, seasons or style preferences.
Conclusion
Chinos and Jeans are both fantastic fashion item to have in your wardrobe. Like with any other garment, though, pay attention to fit and quality. Don’t just buy the first thing you find online, or in the stores, and end up with an item that doesn’t fit well, doesn’t feel good, and doesn’t last. And like with every clothing garment: only wear what feels comfortable and good for you.