The Great Debate

Which do you prefer? Denim or chinos?

When I was a kid, chinos were for Sunday School, band concerts, or trips into the city to see a Broadway play. They were dress pants in my mind. Stuffy. Pleated. Khaki. 

I would wear them with a striped polo and penny loafers. I was a cool kid, clearly.

But times have changed! I’d like to think I’m cooler now and I wear chinos as often as jeans. A pair of chinos that fits well is as versatile and as comfortable as denim. I wear them with everything from a blazer to a t-shirt. Anything I would wear with jeans usually works with chinos.

But let’s not be close minded about denim either! A love a light wash jean for a casual look and dark selvedge denim for a late night in the city. You can wear jeans pretty much anywhere these days.

Check out the pics below showing two looks styling Timberland denim and chinos, styled two different ways. Proving the versatility of both!

I’m a man on the go, so these first looks show the ease of my city-style, combined with the reality of carrying my life around with me in a bag. 

For the grey chinos, I buttoned a navy pinstripe shirt all the way up for a polished look. Then threw on a baseball cap for a laid back, athletic vibe. It’s a casual, but clean. Perfect for a hanging with friends or a meeting over drinks.

With the denim, I unbuttoned the pinstripe shirt and layered it with a tank top. I cuffed the denim about 5 inches. It’s a bold cuff, but it shows off my boots and gives the look a little more edge. With my leather backpack, I’m ready to hit the streets.

Even though I’m wearing a pinstripe shirt, both looks are pretty casual. It proves you can get the same feel out your look with both denim and chinos.

For these next two looks, I went with heavier Fall layering. I started with my Timberland plaid shirt and a grey crewneck sweater. The red chinos play off the colors in the plaid and the warm tones in the boot. To give it some style, roll up the sleeves and cuff the chino. 

For the slim selvedge denim, I added my navy waxed cotton jacket. It’s lightweight, but still warm.

So my verdict is in: Denim AND Chinos. What do you think?

Other styling pieces:

J-Crew pinstripe shirt / Alternative Apparel tank top / Coach duffel bag / Merino crew neck sweater / Timex watch

*This post was sponsored by Timberland, but all thoughts, opinions, styling decisions and life choices are my own, as always. ;)