How to Style Khaki Pants: Styling Tips for Khaki Pants

Khakis are a form of pants made from thick cotton twill that can be either flat-front or pleated in design. They’re distinguishable by their classic khaki color, a slightly yellow-beige, and have long been a wardrobe staple in menswear and women’s fashion. Khakis can make you look sharp and professional or jaunty and casual depending on the tailoring, but either way, make sure they’re not too baggy and that they fit your frame well. Otherwise, they can give off a shlubby vibe. Check out these tailoring tips to learn how to achieve a refined and sophisticated look with your khaki pants.

It’s easy to mix up khaki pants and chinos. Both types of pants feature cotton twill and are elements of traditional preppy style. However, there are several differences between the two types of pants, even as they overlap in look and function:

• Color: Chinos come in a wider variety of colors than khakis. Chinos can be blue, green, black, or beige; khakis are always a shade of beige.
• Design and stitching: Khakis usually have hem cuffs and visible stitching, whereas chino pants do not.
• Fit: Traditionally, a pair of khakis has a looser fit than chinos. Chinos often have a more tapered, trendy look.
• Weight: Khakis tend to be thicker and heavier than chinos.

Despite their reputation as the epitome of business casual, khakis can be versatile. Here are some styling tips to help you incorporate the pants into your next outfit:

1. 1. Become the classic prepster. Try wearing your khakis with a polo shirt, loafers, and a leather belt (as long as the belt matches the shoes) for a classic golf club look.
2. 2. Contrast colors and fabrics. Since khakis have a neutral color, they pair well with bright colors whether you’re dressing them up or down. Similarly, they’re forgiving when paired with differently textured fabrics. Consider trying out a leather jacket or jean jacket on top with a textured dress shirt to create a mélange of impressions in a single look.
3. 3. Dress down the pants. Khakis can work in more casual outfits by pairing them with T-shirts or hoodies and sneakers. Alternatively, make the khakis more laid-back by double-rolling the pant legs up. (If you know how to cuff jeans, the method is similar.)
4. 4. Go for a more formal look. Make your khakis part of your work outfit by tucking in a button-down shirt and wearing a cardigan or blazer on top.
5. 5. Try a monochromatic ensemble. Khaki looks good when paired with other earth tones like olive green or brown. Experiment with creating gradients from head to toe.

Get a MasterClass Annual Membership and let Tan France be your very own style maestro. Queer Eye’s fashion guru spills everything he knows about building a capsule collection, finding a signature look, understanding proportions, and more (including why it’s important to wear underwear to bed)—all in a soothing British accent, no less.