by Isaure Fremont April 18, 2025

The Chino Pants

Neither jeans nor suit: chinos adapt to all terrains with style.

As you can see, at Les Iconiques , we like to draw inspiration from the men's wardrobe, but especially from the military roots of cult pieces. Chino pants are no exception to the rule.

"This is where the preppy style emerges, this mix of chic relaxation, which has become emblematic of a certain American art of living, whose ambassador is our very dear Ralph Lauren."

Fast forward to the mid-19th century: the British and American armies, then in India and the Philippines, adopted these cotton canvas trousers. Robust and lightweight, they were designed to withstand tropical climates. Their name, “chino,” comes from the word “China,” where the cotton twill used to make them came from at the time.

After the Second World War, chinos made a remarkable entrance into the daily lives of civilians, particularly in American universities. This is where the preppy style emerged , this mix of chic casualness, which has become emblematic of a certain American art of living, whose ambassador is our very dear Ralph Lauren.

But what is the preppy look anyway?

Conceived as a casual elegance, the preppy style combines tweed jackets, Oxford shirts, loafers, and, of course, chinos. It is embodied (and widely disseminated) by Ralph Lauren , a true ambassador of this American refinement. Ralph Lauren made chinos a key piece in his collections. Brands like J.Crew , Tommy Hilfiger , and Lacoste followed suit, perpetuating the pants' casual chic legacy.

In the 1950s and 1960s, cinema got involved. Steve McQueen and James Dean appeared in chinos, reinforcing the image of a pair of pants that was both cool and timeless, capable of combining attitude and elegance effortlessly.

Originally, it was beige, a sand color—practical for military discretion. Today, it comes in an infinite number of shades, adapting to all styles, in both men's and women's wardrobes.

At our house, we stay true to the original version. Beige. Because sometimes, simplicity makes all the difference.