What Fabric are Chinos Made From? (Best Fabric for Chinos)
You hear the name but often wonder what is the fabric behind the style. That is the way it is with a lot of great fashion trends. All you know is the name and when you go to make a clothing item out of that fabric, you just do not know which fabric to use.
What Fabric are Chinos Made From? The best fabric for chinos is a 100% cotton fabric. That is the main fabric used in creating these pants. The Spanish called them pantalones chinos or Chinese pants. The words got shortened down to Chinos to make it easier to remember.
To learn all about this fashion style just continue to read our article. It is filled with the information you want to know about. Chinos come from a cloth that was originally made in China.
What Fabric is Used For Chinos
For the most part, chinos are made from 100% cotton that has a twill weave to it. Once that fabric has been made it is mercerized to give it that nice-looking sheen. An interesting fact about Chinos is that it is the fabric that can handle military life.
It is one of the few fabrics both the American and British military uses to cloth their military personal. That tells you that the construction is tough, top quality, and handles the rigors of life you through its way. You can count on the fabric to be durable and dependable.
Best Fabric For Chinos Pants
While some Chinos manufacturers use cotton synthetic blends to create their version of the pants, most manufacturers tend to go with 100% cotton to make theirs. The synthetic versions get a tighter weave to help them stand up to the chores you want to get done.
The 100% cotton version gets a twill twist to their construction to achieve the same results. The interesting thing about this fashion style is that the pants were originally made for the military. It was after the civilians saw how good they were that they began to ask for the same pant style for their wardrobe.
Cotton Fabric For Chinos
Because the original purpose for Chinos was to help the military dress its soldiers, the fabric had to be made in such a way that it could take a pounding and still survive. Plus, the fabric had to look good when it was clean.
The 100% cotton used in making this fashion trend filled both criteria. After the pants were made, they not only looked good they held up under the stress of military life. Also, you get the benefit of the many colors cotton can come in. Style is something that Chinos deliver and keep you looking good all the time.
Chino Fabric Characteristics
One of the key characteristics found in Chinos is that it is hard-wearing. That means that they will last you a long time. Then these pants are very breathable. Just like other cotton fabrics you should not overheat wearing these trousers.
Also, the pants can absorb up to 65% of its weight before it starts to drip any moisture all over the palace. Also, the fabric drapes well, is soft to the touch but dries slowly.
If you are worried about static cling, it is resistant to that annoying element. Some moisture always remains in the pants. Finally, the fabric is biodegradable and recyclable, something environmentally friendly people should enjoy.
Chino Fabric Weight
This fabric has been described as being lightweight. Its khaki counterpart is described as being a heavier weight even though the two styles are the same thing.
If you need a number, then chino fabric ranges between 7 and 10 ounces per yard making them very lightweight and comfortable to wear. The lightweight also keeps the pants very flexible so you can do different activities in them without chafing, etc.
If you want something for the winter, then you need to find a pair of pants that weigh 10+ ounces per yard. That weight helps keep the cold away and you better prepared when you go outside.
Chino Fabric Price
The price you pay per yard will depend on where you buy your fabric. The pants themselves are fairly cheap and can be found for around $20 at Amazon. The fabric itself can be as high as $14 per yard or it goes down to about $10 at different outlets.
A little shopping around should help you find the best prices. Do not forget to look at what Joann’s, Michaels, or Hobby Lobby sells the fabric for. You may also find a good deal at many of the non-national chain stores. Use your computer to help you find the best price.
Chino Fabric vs Denim
One of the biggest differences between the two fabrics is that jeans are made from a heavier twill than chinos are. That means they can be worn in most weather conditions without worry. Chinos may not be that great for the cold and snowy weather.
Jeans also are made from denim that have a warp-faced cotton construction whereas chinos use a twill type weave. One important difference is that you may be able to get away with wearing chinos to a formal event but the same cannot be said for jeans. They are strictly a casual fashion statement.
Some Final Words
Chinos have been around a lot longer than most people realize. They were first made for the military back in the 1800s. The purpose of creating this fashion option was to clothe the military and not to create a great new fashion fad.
After civilians saw how good those pants were, they started demanding the same clothes only in better colors and in more options. This fabric is great for summer and early fall when the temperatures rise. It is very breathable and comfortable to wear all day long.
