Image

Smart Chino vs. Heavyweight Chino

Paulina Kulczycki

Different seasons call for different gear. That’s why we’ve crafted our legendary chino in two fabric weights: the Smart Chino vs. the Heavyweight Chino. Both are made from the same premium cotton blend: soft to the touch, naturally stretchy, and built to last. The only difference lies in fabric density, giving each pair its own distinctive weight, texture, and personality. Two premium trousers, one philosophy: uncompromising quality.

With the Smart Chino, we’ve redefined what a modern pair of trousers can be. Designed from top-quality fabrics, engineered for comfort, and refined with minimalist precision: this chino has become a timeless essential. In short: the kind of trousers you’ll want to wear every day, whatever the weather. But let’s face it, northern winters aren’t exactly kind. So, we went a step further. Enter the Heavyweight Chino: a tougher, winter-ready evolution of our bestseller, offering extra warmth, structure and comfort for the colder months. Both styles combine expert craftsmanship, sustainable materials and a tailored cut that moves with you. The question is: which one fits your lifestyle better? The lighter, more versatile version, or the heavier, hardwearing one built for endurance?

The Smart Chino:  Lightweight, flexible, precise

The smart Chino is more than just a pair of trousers. The Smart Chino is a statement for a timeless style with zero compromise on comfort. Made from a smart blend of 97% sustainable premium cotton and 3% elastane, its innovative stretch structure gives you full freedom of movement while keeping its clean, tailored silhouette.

At 290 GSM, the lightweight stretch twill strikes the ideal balance between breathability, flexibility and sharp looks. The smooth finish gives it a cool touch, a welcome bonus in summer heat (or during tense board meetings). Its soft texture makes it ideal for the office, travel, and mild to warm weather. Designed for all-day comfort, it moves with you, keeps its shape, and retains that minimalist, refined look no matter what the day throws at you.

The elastic waistband with hidden drawstrings ensures long-lasting comfort and a perfect fit, while thoughtful details, like a dedicated smartphone pocket, discreet back pockets and a premium inner lining, make our Smart Chino a functional essential for modern life. Finely stitched seams, quality buttons and a design that looks smart yet effortlessly relaxed complete the package.

Style tip: Wear the Smart Chino in Ivory with white sneakers and our Perfect T-Shirt in white for an easy summer look. Or go business-casual with the Smart Chino in Navy with a tucked white Oxford shirt, brown Oxford shoes, a matching leather belt and a classic wristwatch: a confident, timeless combination that works every time.

Smart Chino SANVT

The Heavyweight Chino

The Heavyweight Chino is the colder-season counterpart built for men who appreciate durability they can actually feel. With a denser weave, it offers a distinct, premium handfeel and traps warmth thanks to its looser 3/4 twill structure that effectively holds air inside. The result: a pair that keeps you warm when the temperature drops, without restricting movement.

The 420 GSM organic cotton twill is around 50% heavier than the Smart Chino, giving it serious presence and texture. Made from 98% premium stretch cotton and 2% elastane, it retains flexibility while staying sharp throughout the day. The colour-matched lining and refined seam work elevate the design, while the offset eyelet closure, elastic waistband and concealed drawstrings with metal tips underline its premium character.

Style tip: Pair our Heavyweight Chino in black with Chelsea boots, a black merino roll-neck and a tailored trench coat for a masculine, urban look with effortless understatement.

Heavyweight Chino SANVT

Handcrafted in Portugal

Both chinos are meticulously crafted in our dedicated tailoring workshop in Portugal, available in custom widths and lengths for a made-to-measure fit. We use high-grade Japanese zips, Italian threads and premium Portuguese fabrics. Every step of the process follows a single goal: to create long-lasting, high-quality essentials that will stay in your wardrobe for years to come, no matter the season.

The Smart Chino vs. The Heavyweight Chino

THE SMART CHINO THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHINO
MATERIAL
  • Premium Cotton (97%) & Elastane (3%)
  • Fabric: 290 g/m² Stretch Cotton
  • Fabric dyed: no fading
  • Pre-washed: no shrinkage
MATERIAL
  • Premium Cotton (98%) & Elastane (2%)
  • Fabric: 420 g/m² Stretch Cotton
  • Weave: 3/4 twill weave
  • Fabric dyed and pre-washed
MANUFACTURING
  • Zip: made in Japan
  • Yarn: made in Italy
  • Fabric: made in Portugal
  • Crafted in our Trouser Atelier in Portugal
MANUFACTURING
  • Zip: made in Japan
  • Yarn: made in Italy
  • Fabric: made in Portugal
  • Crafted in our Trouser Atelier in Portugal
WHEN TO WEAR
  • Perfect for warm days
  • Breathable fabric for a cooling effect
  • Style tip: casual looks with turned-up chinos and sneakers
WHEN TO WEAR
  • Great for colder days
  • Keeps you warm with a heavy fabric and loose weave
  • Style tip: Combine with boots for a luxurious, sporty look
Smart Chino vs. Heavyweight Chino SANVT

Which Chino fits best for you?

Both chinos deliver uncompromising comfort, precision craftsmanship and a design that merges function, form and flexibility. The high-quality stretch cotton allows maximum freedom of movement, whether you’re in the office, on the move or off duty. This blend of comfort, quality and minimalist aesthetics makes both models incredibly versatile. From business-casual to smart city looks or weekend staples: both the Smart Chino and the Heavyweight Chino adapt effortlessly to your lifestyle.

The Smart Chino shines when temperatures rise. The lightweight, breathable fabric keeps you cool and fresh, even on hot days. With a clean hem finish that folds neatly, it’s ideal for a relaxed, modern summer look.

The Heavyweight Chino, on the other hand, is your reliable wingman for colder months. The dense, structured fabric traps warmth inside for a naturally insulating feel, without the bulk. Paired with sturdy leather boots, it creates a masculine, refined aesthetic that fits autumn and winter perfectly.

The Perfect Chino vs. The Heavy Chino: Conclusion

Two trousers. One standard. So, the question isn’t which chino suits you better. The question is when each one does. For spring and summer, go with the Smart Chino for temperature control and breathability. For autumn and winter, switch to the Heavyweight Chino for warmth and structure. Whichever season or occasion, our SANVT chinos deliver timeless design, modern precision and maximum comfort. In short: both chinos are essential pieces for the modern wardrobe, the definition of smart, effortless style.

Get notified when we release new Blog Posts

By signing up to our newsletter you are becoming a part of our SANVT family. You will be the first one to know about new blog posts and brand insights. On top of that you get 10% off your first order.