Chinos are in high fashion these days. They’re a perfect alternative to jeans due to their versatility and comfortability. You can wear them as pants or shorts, giving you even more outfit combos. However, if you’re going to rock this outfit right, you need to ensure that your chinos aren’t too tight.

So, how tight should men’s chinos be? As a general rule, men’s chinos should fit just right around your waist so there wouldn’t be any need for a belt. You should also be able to grab at least an inch of material around your thigh region. If you can’t do this, then it’s probably too tight.

Too tight chinos can not only be uncomfortable, but they can also be unflattering too. So to ensure that you don’t make the mistake of buying chinos that are too tight, we’ve highlighted 7 ways to know if your chinos are too tight.

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#1. The Seat Test

Take a seat, will you? Now, what do you observe?

Does it feel like those chinos are about to rip and expose where the sun don’t shine? It’s definitely too tight.

You should also try grabbing an inch of material off your thigh region. Can’t? Then it’s probably too tight.

In addition to that, check the waist area. If the chinos squeezes your waist in and are uncomfortable, then they’re too tight.

Ideally, you shouldn’t have to wear a belt when putting on chinos. It should be solely for cosmetic purposes. Nonetheless, it’s way better to wear a belt than have to be uncomfortable all day. Have it sit just right on your waist.

What to do: Your chinos waistline should be snug but not too tight. They should feel safe without the need to wear a belt. If you put on a belt and the waistline bunches up, you should take it in.

#2. Button Up

Can you button your chinos with ease, or do you have to breathe in and suck in your belly for the button to fit in? If it’s the latter, your chinos are definitely too tight.

But that’s not all for buttons. You also need to do another seat test. So, when you sit, do you feel an overwhelming need to unbutton your chinos?

Not because you’re about to eat a full dinner, but because your pants are cutting into your skin? If your answer is yes, then the chinos are too tight.

Sometimes if the button’s a bit too small, you’ll find that it slips out of the hole at the slightest movement if it’s too tight. Eventually, it could break. That’s when you know you have reached the limit.

What to do: Instead of buttons, you could go for chinos with a hook. So you don’t go popping buttons when those pairs of chinos become tight.

Related read: What shirts To Wear With Chino Pants For All Occasions

#3. Gaping pockets

Gaping pockets are a typical problem with plain-front trousers. Some call this “dog’s ears” because it causes the pockets to open and look like – well, dog ears. How unflattering is that?

These “dog ears” are a general pointer to the fact that the hips of the pants are probably too tight.  And it’s never a good look.

If your chinos have gaping pockets, it will make your hips look wider. They’re a sign that your chinos are probably too tight.

So when choosing chinos, you should watch out for one with pockets that don’t remind others of dog ears.

They could have any of the three types of pockets – the vertical pockets, slanted front pockets, or western pockets.

Vertical pockets are common on dress pants. And when the pants don’t fit properly, they are the most prone to flaring out. If this happens, you can either get your chinos adjusted to fit you better, or you can go nuclear and sew the pockets shut.

Slanted front pockets, on the other hand, are typically found on some dress slacks. These are preferable to vertical pockets as they’re less likely to flare out even when the pants are too tight.

Finally, western pockets, also known as horizontal pockets, are commonly used on jeans and chinos. These types of pockets don’t flare out at all.

What to do: To avoid gaping pockets, you should go for chinos with western pockets. Apart from the fact that they don’t flare out, they’re also quite stylish.

#4. Stretched Out Seams

Another way to know if your chinos are too tight for you is to examine the seams. If you notice that they are stretched out, particularly at the hip region, then they’re too tight for you.

Sometimes you’d also notice the wearing of the inner thigh area because the seams are stretched out. This also shows that those pairs of chino pants are damn too tight.

What to do: Many times, manufacturers place allowances called darts on chinos pants. All you need to do is to loosen those darts out, and you would feel much better.

Related read: Twill Pants Vs Chinos, Do You Know The Difference?

#5. Wrinkling Fabric

They’re several reasons why you could find wrinkles on your clothes. It could be that you’ve worn them for too long, or you just simply didn’t iron them before stepping out.

While this is true, chinos also get wrinkled when they’re too tight.

Of course, you can’t rely solely on this “wrinkle test” to tell you whether or not your chinos are too tight. You’d need to use other ways as well.

What to do: In cases like this, you can most probably make use of an iron to straighten out the wrinkled edges. Steam iron is more preferable as it works perfectly too.

#6. Folding Waistband

If you observe that the waistband of your chinos pants has begun to fold, it probably means that your chinos have become too tight for you.

You may notice that the waistband folds after you’ve been sitting for a while. While this may happen if you have a big belly, it can also be because the chinos are too tight.

What to do: You can make a v-cut at the back of the waistband and add another material. Taking out the darts is also another option.

#7. Zipper Slips Too Easily

A slipping zipper also shows that those chinos pants are too tight. It’s an issue when you can’t zip up easily or completely. This can cause your zipper to slip off easily.

If it gets so bad that the zipper breaks off, that’s the limit. Sometimes a folding waistband can also cause the zip to keep slipping easily.

What to do: Most times, to solve this, you may need to change the zipper. You can also adjust the dart or simply throw out those chinos.

Why You Should Stay Off Tight Chinos Pants

Many believe (wrongly, I might add) that tight pants look trendy and stylish. But, there is a thin line between a “classic-fit” and “too tight.” A pair of chinos that are too slim would choke the life (and style) off you.

Other possible effects of too tight chinos are:

• Studies show that tight chinos pants are harmful to fertility in men. Guys who wear too-tight pants are more likely to have lower sperm counts. This is because of the restriction in airflow around the thigh region. This can invariably affect the reproductive areas and result in infertility.
• Tight chinos also compress the testicles, pressing them up against the body or into pockets within the body. This can result in swollen, painful testicles. And there is evidence that suggests that this can result in an increased risk of testicular cancer.
• Tight chinos can also cause testicular torsion, also known as “twisted testicles.” You probably don’t know what that means, so we’re here to tell you.

Twisted testicles occur when the spermatic cord has its movement restricted. This is something that a tight pair of chinos could do. It could cause pain on its own, but it also gets worse.

Because the spermatic cord can no longer move freely, the testicles twist around it. And that is where the words “twisted testicles” come from. This twisting further restricts the flow of blood to your testicles, and this can be very uncomfortable as it is.

• Tight chinos can also cause urinary tract infections, especially when worn for a long time.

Now that you know the adverse side effects of wearing really tight chinos, it doesn’t mean that you should go for oversized ones. You can get the right size and slay in those chinos.

Related read: 7 Reasons Why Chinos Pants Are Better than Jeans

How To Wear Your Chinos Right

One of the easiest ways to wear your chinos right is by wearing them at the waist. Yup! While this might not be new to many, the “saggy waist” trendsetters might not agree with this one.

So, this is how we think you could wear yours. Wearing your chinos around the waist is also far more comfortable than wearing them at the hips.

Also, when you wear your chinos at the waist, the crotch of the pants is where it should be. This allows for greater movement and flexibility.

The ‘wear at the waist’ regulation is especially important for chubbier guys. Bigger men should wear their trousers around their waist and stomach. Paired with a well-fitted shirt, it is more appealing.

Also, your chinos will drape better if they are hung around the stomach rather than below the stomach.

Pairing Your Chinos

Chinos and A Blazer

For the perfect outdoor casual look, you can pair your chinos with a blazer. You have the luxury to go wild with your colors.

Navy blue, Ash, or Oxblood. Just anything cool for the mood would go. With the perfect blazers and watch, you don’t have to opt for tight chinos just to look trendy.

Chinos and a Bomber Jacket

If you want to go a little extra, then you should try a bomber jacket. Stay smooth and classy in one look. Paired with a nice pair of boots, you’ll be the center of attraction.

Chinos and a T-shirt

With the right combination of chinos pants and a T-shirt, you are ready to take on the world. The chinos and t-shirt combo is the most classic, as well as the simplest to achieve. You can also throw on a motorcycle jacket for a more “bad boy” look.

Choose any color of chinos and pair it with a black or white tee. For a much more defined look, you can also opt for a navy or striped tee.

Combine the look with white shoes, and voila! You’re ready for the summer.

Chinos and a Shirt

For a more formal look, you can pair chinos with a nice collared shirt. To tone up the look, you could throw on a tie. And maybe even a blazer.

With the right pair of shoes and a nice watch, you’ll be striding into the office with confidence.

Picking The Right Chinos Size

Because Chinos come in a wide range of designs, colors, and cuts, it can be tough to choose the right pair.

It can also be tempting to make a good guess when choosing your size. However, choosing the right size involves more than deciding whether you need a medium or large t-shirt.

To ensure you get the right fit, carefully measure the length of your legs and the width of your waist. You can then use those measurements when purchasing a pair of chinos.

When you get the right size for you, you can then pair it with any accessory or other clothing of your choice.

Since we are talking about that, we thought you could look up these blogs. They can prove to be quite useful to you.

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Jeans have been the go-to winter wear for the longest time. But it’s time we went for something a bit different. So if you’re tired of the feel of denim against your skin during winter or are looking for nice alternatives to wear this winter instead of jeans, then you’ve come to the right place.

So now, what can men wear instead of jeans in winter? There are quite a number of other outfits men can wear in winter instead of jeans. You can go for cords, cargo pants, flannel pants, leggings and so on. Various options to explore. And considering how cold it gets in winter, these options are just as good as jeans for keeping warm.

However, it’s not only about putting on something and heading out or staying in. It’s also about knowing how to wear it well and pairing the pants with the right outfits. So read on and learn five things to wear this winter instead of jeans and what they are all about.

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Sweatpants/Drawstring Trousers

Remember when a guy wearing sweatpants looked like he had given up on life? Well, get rid of that idea because sweatpants are now in style.

Following the athleisure style trend, it’s common to see sweatpants on almost every guy these days. Not only are they stylish, but they showcase youthfulness and are ridiculously comfortable.

The more relaxed styles are like tracksuits with a tracksuit bottom, but the smarter style has a tailored fit and is tight at the leg cuffs. The idea is to wear a sweatpant that is not too baggy on the legs and fits around the bum area for a smart look.

Sweatpants are sewn long and made from cotton, combined with polyester sometimes. And they work great for winter in covering your legs and keeping you warm.

You can wear a pair of sweatpants to work if worn properly. For example, you can wear your sweatpants with a button-down shirt, a pair of brogues, and a V-neck sweater. Then for a more casual look, a pair of sweatpants go well with a fitted sweater and sneakers.

Cargo Pants

These old-fashioned pants from the nineties are back again in banging style. The new style of cargo pants comes in a tailored yet relaxed fit with plenty of pockets for easy storage. The long cuts flatter your legs, making them look longer. And you can get a pair of cargo pants in different colors.

However, if you’re wearing colored cargo pants, tone down with a neutral-colored cashmere sweater or a bomber jacket. And take it easy on the pockets; the pockets on your cargo pants should do. Then add a pair of military boots or regular boots or trainers at ankle height.

Cargo pants are made from cotton and are great for winter. So, instead of wearing jeans, you can throw on a pair of cargo pants to keep warm. It’s best to go for a heavyweight ripstop for better warmth, plus it’s a great work look.

Flannel Pants

Want to look sharp this winter? Then a pair of flannel will give your style the right kick. These super comfortable pants are soft and warm and perfect for fighting winter cold.

Flannel pants became popular during the early 20th century in Britain as sportswear, especially for cricket. It’s little wonder that these stylish pants have long been a business-casual staple for the most stylish men.

They are made from flannel, a soft type of wool—merino wool—and woven in looser weaves to give them a softer finish. And like denim, these pants are highly versatile and add texture to your outfit.

For a formal look, you can pair grey flannel pants with a nice patterned jacket, and for a casual look, a turtle neck or V neck sweater will look nice. Another great look is a half zip cashmere sweater and a pair of solid hiking boots. In fact, you can pair flannel pants with almost anything.

Corduroy Pants

Corduroy pants are a great alternative to jeans for winter because they are sturdy and warm. And they are super comfortable, with enough stretch in them. It’s no surprise they have been hot winter wear for the past few winters.

As far back as the 70s, cargo pants have been used in winter wear. However, they were most popular as factory uniforms because they were cheaper than wool.

A great thing about corduroy pants is that even though they are sturdy, they still have a soft and supple feel which you may not get with regular denim.

You can get them in a tailored or more loose fit without tapers or a tailored fit with tapers. And they often come in sand, brown, white, or beige colors. Although for a more modern look, khaki and navy are better options.

It’s this color variety and their different feel that puts them ahead of denim. And when they come with embroidery, it is an even better style.

You can wear cords with tone colors or contrasting colors. That said, a sweatshirt or sweater and a pair of boots (not too bulky) are a good match.

Moleskin Chinos Pants

Another solid pair of pants to wear this winter instead of jeans is Moleskin Chinos Pants. Moleskin chinos are made from cotton and are as hard as cords. They were originally worn by laborers in the colder months. And it was also used as a military uniform which is why they often come in khaki or green colors.

Tough as leather yet very comfortable, these versatile pants can be worn as casual or business wear. So you can easily transition from office to party without breaking a sweat. And they pair neatly with a knit sweater or jacket.

And as a bonus, these pants are wind-resistant and breathable. So while you are warm, you don’t get sweaty and uncomfortable. And this makes them also suitable for summer. You can wear them for winter fishing or hiking.

You can pair one with a nice crew neck sweater for a casual look and a jacket for a more dressier look.

Other Winter Fabrics To Choose From

There are other great fabrics that are suitable for winter. Fabric-like:

Velvet:

When you hear velvet or velvety, what comes to mind is something soft and luxurious. Velvet is a type of fabric made from silk with a shiny appearance, although these days, it can be made with synthetic fibers like polyester, rayon, viscose, and nylon.

Velvet is also available in cotton velvet which is the more preferred choice for men’s clothing. It’s far less expensive than silk velvet and heavier as well and transforms into nice suits, jackets, and blazers.

Leather

Leather works great for any season, and it’s good at repelling the elements. And you can get really nice leather pants and jackets that are good for staying warm during winter.

Made from the tanning or chemical treatment of animal skin, it is strong, durable, flexible, timeless, and stylish. And it’s also breathable, which makes it suitable for both summer and winter.

Tweed

Tweed is made from tightly knit wool, and it is usually very strong and durable, which is why it is a popular winter wear. You can find tweed jackets, pants, and waistcoats.

You can always wear tweed with other materials and textures as it is a flexible and stylish material. It’s rough yet soft and keeps you warm during winter.

Silk

It may seem surprising that silk is on this list, but it is true. This fabric keeps you both cool during summer and warm during winter, but it doesn’t mean you should wear the same summer silk outfit for winter.

Silk does not conduct heat, and so it is a great fabric for keeping warm during winter.

Wool

Every closet must stock up on wool for winter. Gotten from sheared sheep, wool has great insulation and moisture-wicking abilities.

If you get itchy when wearing wool, then opt for merino wool. It is softer and more comfortable than regular wool.

Fleece

Fleece is made to look like wool and could almost pass as one. It is made from synthetic material—polyester. If you want to keep warm without feeling weighed down, then wool is a great option.

Plus, it dries quickly, so you can exercise with it. And if you happen to get wet, you won’t stay wet for long.

Down

Made from the feathers of ducks and geese, this material has great insulation properties, which makes it great for winter. However, it’s quite costly.

It is usually lined on the outside with waterproof material, and the more feathers, the warmer you feel.

Is It Better To Wear Jeans Or Sweatpants In Cold Weather?

Generally, sweatpants or joggers are a better pair of pants to wear in winter than jeans. They are made from soft cotton and often with a polyester blend and sometimes fleece. And they are usually lightweight. Denim, on the other hand, is made from sturdy cotton twill with limited heat abilities. And most denim has some weight, especially when wet.

However, some factors come into play that may change this. For example, the thickness of the material used and the combination of the materials used.

While sweatpants are better at retaining body heat, they should always be worn dry. This is because while they are warmer, wet cotton is never comfortable.

Sweatpants are casual wear that can be worn for different situations, especially during winter. They are also worn for sports or athletic activities because of how comfortable and versatile they are. Sometimes, they come with flexible bands on the waist, and other times, you can find sweatpants with drawstrings.

A typical sweatpants style is tight at the waist, loose on the body and tight at the ankle. Although these days, there are more tailored fit options that are suitable for even work. And even though they are lightweight, they are super warm.

A sweatpant is typically made up of two layers: the outer layer and the inner layer, which is the fluff or wool lining. And this is what provides the warmth.

Sadly, a downside to sweatpants is that they are not good for wind and snow. So if you’re wearing a sweatpant, best to wear it in dry winter. And if you need protection against wind, jeans are a better option.

How To Dress For Winter

During winter, you want to stay warm while remaining stylish. The key to achieving this is layering. A well-layered outfit is a wonderful sight to behold. So here are some tips on how to stay warm every winter while turning up the heat in style.

• Wear three layers: Your clothing should consist of three layers; the base layer, the middle layer, and the outer layer. The base layer can be either silk or Merino wool inner-wear or any other light moisture-wicking fabric. The idea is to stay warm without sweating inside.

The middle layer is typically thicker—a thick fleece or a fabric that provides insulation. And as for the outer layer, a winter coat, and corduroy or joggers.

• Wear tight clothes: It helps to wear clothes closer to your body. If you’re wearing leggings, they should be fleece lined to provide more warmth.
• Go for the best fabric: For winter, wool or cashmere are things to invest in. Lightweight merino wool works as a great base layer. And cashmere is a great fabric for sweaters and cardigans. Wool pants are also ideal and are better than jeans.
• Wear long coats: You want your coat to cover your entire upper body property, and it’s also a great look.

With these marvelous alternatives, you’re ready to rock winter as stylishly as possible. And don’t forget to check out these articles for more winter fashion:

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