Chinos vs. Dress Pants: Everything You Need To Know

Let it be known that all pants are not created equal. It’s the harsh truth for some folks – especially for those who think jeans and dress pants are interchangeable (sorry, dude, they’re not). When it comes to pants, there are actually a ton of different styles you can choose from, and they all have their individual purposes.

And while pants like chinos and dress pants (also referred to as slacks) may seem like they are one in the same, we’re here to tell you that there are actually some minor differences between the two, including where it’s appropriate to wear them and of course, how to style them properly. Read on for everything you need to know about chinos and dress pants. 

What Are Chinos?

Chinos are pants that fall somewhere in between formal wear and casual wear. They’re typically woven and made from lightweight fabrics, like a cotton blend, and are more tailored than traditional dress pants, slacks, or trousers, which we’ll get to below. Chinos usually come in a wide variety of colors, including neutrals like khaki, grey, black, or navy, but you can also find them in bold colors, like red, cobalt blue, salmon, and more. 

While chinos aren’t exactly suitable to wear to a formal event, you can wear them to the office (if the attire is casual), on a date, out to dinner, to business casual events, or even just running weekend errands; they’re incredibly functional and can elevate your everyday, casual look while keeping you cool, dry, and comfortable.

What Are Dress Pants?

Dress pants, or slacks, are typically made from wool, unlike chinos, which are usually made from cotton blends (as previously mentioned). Since dress pants are made from wool, they will also have a bit of a sheen to them, as well as a smoother finish, and will likely be way softer than chinos. It’s not uncommon that dress pants have a matching suit coat to go with them; however, you can purchase and/or wear dress pants without a matching suit coat – you just have to be careful how you style them. 

Slacks should be worn to more formal events, like a wedding, a business professional event, the office (if the requirement for your office attire is on the formal side), the symphony, a job interview, or a theatre show. If the word “formal” is mentioned in any way in regards to the event, your best bet is a pair of dress pants or slacks rather than a pair of chinos. 

What Are the Main Differences Between Chinos and Dress Pants?

One of the main differences between chinos and dress pants is that chinos are generally considered to be a less formal garment, while dress pants should be worn to more formal occasions. As mentioned above, dress pants are typically made from wool, are softer, and have a little bit of shine to the fabric. Chinos are usually made from a woven cotton-blend, are lightweight, and will keep you comfortable and cool. 

Another difference between dress pants and chinos is the way in which they are constructed. Chinos typically have a flat front (read: no pleats), slanted front pockets, concealed stitching, and a zipper fly. Dress pants, on the other hand, may have pleating in the front and cuffs on the bottom, and usually feature a sharp crease running down the front of the leg. Dress pants will also never have decorative stitching and will sometimes have a placket that hides the button or clasp of the slacks. 

How To Style Chinos

You should definitely have a few pairs of chinos in your closet to choose from when you’re picking out an ensemble for a semi-casual or casual event. One of the great things about chinos is that they come in a wide range of colors, so if you want to stick to neutrals like khaki, white, navy, black, or off-white, then you can easily find some chinos that’ll fit the vibe you’re going for. If you’re looking to add a bold piece or two to your wardrobe, chinos can be found in non-traditional, in-your-face hues like yellow, red, purple, green, and more. 

Since chinos can essentially be dressed up or down, you really have quite a bit of freedom when it comes to styling them. They pair well with everything from plain t-shirts and Henleys to polos and button downs, and can be worn either without a jacket, or with a blazer or sport coat. 

How To Style Dress Pants

While it technically can be done, dress pants can be a bit more difficult to style if you don’t have a matching suit coat, as you run the risk of looking like you’re wearing an incomplete suit if you only sport a button down and some slacks. However, you can totally mix and match slacks with sport coats or blazers; it’s just important to note that wearing a suit coat without matching dress pants is a huge no-no. 

It’s best to pair dress pants with a button down shirt if you’re new to styling a formal wear outfit; however, you can also play around with wearing dress pants with a sweater made of high-quality material, like cashmere, which you can wear on its own or over a button down. And since dress pants are considered more formal than chinos, you should only wear dress shoes, like Oxfords or brogues, with your slacks. 

Can Chinos be Washed in a Machine?

Generally, chinos can be washed in a machine, just be sure to carefully read the instructions on how to care for them, and always wash them with similar colors. 

Should Dress Pants and Slacks be Dry Cleaned?

Yes, dress pants and slacks should be dry cleaned, as wool and wool-blends are fabrics that are more delicate and can’t just be tossed in the washing machine with your old t-shirts and gym socks. As always, consult the label to see how your garment should be cared for, but generally speaking, your best bet is to get your dress pants dry cleaned to keep them in tip-top shape.