While it is natural to adapt your choice of jacket to each season, this is usually not the case with pants. The range of jeans within the warderobe usually remains the same all year round or hardly varies at all. However, this can be particularly fatal in winter and you need a selection of warm pants in your closet. While jeans are an all-rounder for many, the heavyweight chino has gained popularity as a winter alternative in recent years. SANVT compares the two types of pants in terms of style, warmth factor and versatility.
Winter pants for men: a selection
Let's be honest: while there is a wide range of winter pants for women, the choice in the men's wardrobe is limited. In addition to classic jeans, there are also chinos, cargo pants and corduroy pants to choose from. It is therefore important to find high-quality pants that are durable and look good. It is also advisable to choose pants in classic colors such as black, dark blue, grey or olive green so that they can be combined in a variety of ways.
What is a heavyweight chino? A GSM value explanation
When we talk about heavyweight chinos, we are referring to the fabric weight or GSM value of the pants. GSM stands for “Gram per Square Meter” and is a unit used to measure the grammage of textiles. GSM therefore indicates the weight of the material per square meter and is used as a measure of the density and quality of a fabric. While a medium-weight chino has a GSM value between 200-300 GSM, the GSM value of a heavyweight chino is between 300-400+ GSM. A heavyweight chino is therefore the heavier version of a medium-weight chino and is eventually warmer in winter.
The heavyweight chino: advantages as winter trousers
Heavyweight Chino in Grey styled by @chrisdelmarle with a Grey Roll Neck Sweater and Scarf.
It is not without reason that chinos have become increasingly popular in men's wardrobes in recent years. But let's start with a brief definition: in their usual form chinos are light pants that are usually made from a cotton blend. As already explained above there are different chinos in terms of fabric weight. For colder days, heavyweight chinos with a higher GSM value are suitable. SANVT's heavyweight chino has a GSM value of 420 GSM - making it a perfect pant for autumn and winter.
Now coming to the benefits of a heavyweight chino: With their slim to straight fit, chinos are characterized by their simple yet elegant look, making them the perfect balance between formal and informal wear. Compared to jeans, heavyweight chinos score particularly highly in terms of style in winter. Aditionally, due to fine workmanship within their production, chinos often look more chic than jeans. Chinos are therefore ideal for smart-casual outfits, for example in the office for a Christmas party or for a visit to a restaurant. Style them with a roll neck sweater and a dark scarf for an elegant winter look.
Another advantage of chinos is the variety of colors. Whether light or heavy - chinos are available in a wide range of colors on the market, which is why the trousers can be combined in a variety of ways. This means you can counteract the dreary winter months by adding a little zest to your closet.
Heavyweight chinos are often made from a cotton blend with a small amount of elastane, which makes the trousers more flexible than jeans (despite the high fabric weight). As a result, heavyweight chinos are very comfortable to wear from the very first time you wear them. The material mix is also advantageous for another reason: the cotton content ensures that the chinos dry quickly in wet conditions such as rain or snow.
All-time Classic: Jeans in winter
@juliusgod wearing the Perfect Jeans in Dark Blue with their semi-slim fit cut, paired with a white shirt and a grey hoodie.
A true classic: denim jeans are a must-have in every closet. They are characterized by their casual and sporty look and are available in many styles. Whether skinny, straight, baggy or flare - the selection is very large and can therefore be adapted to suit your style preference. Jeans can also be combined with almost anything. Whether a casual hoodie, an elegant coat or even biker boots - jeans, like chinos, can be styled elegantly but also cool. Depending on the occasion, however, you should pay attention to the color of the jeans. While light blue and dark blue jeans are more suitable for casual outfits and more casual occasions such as strolling around town or visiting the Christmas market, black jeans are more suitable for semi-formal settings such as a company Christmas party.
Compared to the heavyweight chino, jeans have a higher GSM value (420 GSM vs.460 GSM) and are therefore a tick warmer on cold days. Due to the higher fabric weight and the processing of the denim fabric, the jeans are also more robust and resistant. The latter aspect also makes them easier to care for than chinos, which require more attention.
Conclusion: Which pant is better?
Jeans and heavyweight chinos both have their place in the men's winter wardrobe. Although both trouser styles have their advantages and disadvantages, they complement each other. Where a heavyweight chino dries faster in spontaneous changes of weather, a pair of jeans is more robust and easier to care for. Depending on your style preference and the occasion, both pairs of pants can be combined in different ways. Choose jeans for casual occasions and wear heavyweight chinos for more dressy events. With our guide, you should now be prepared for every occasion and can plan your outfit choice accordingly.