Decades ago, the military discovered the durability and easy care of khaki pants, using the wrinkle-resistant material for its uniforms. Today, military organizations throughout the world continue to use khaki material for their uniforms, but khakis, as they’re now called, have become a ubiquitous fashion staple for all genders and ages.
Who Wears Khaki?
Whether you mean the color khaki or the pants, nearly everyone in the U.S. owns a pair of khakis. Many of the khaki pants available to consumers use cotton twill, a material blend that resists wrinkling. This makes these pants a tried-and-true option for business wear and weekend wear.
Through the years, designers expanded the use of khaki materials from pants to shirts, skirts, and dresses. The material used in khaki clothes offers a soft feel and a professional appearance. Unlike dress pants and suits, you don’t need to dry-clean a pair of khakis; you can toss them in the washing machine in a cold water wash. Whether you dry them in a clothes drier or on a clothesline, the tough cotton used in khaki clothing helps these clothes last a long time.
See also: History of Men’s Leather Jackets
Where Can You Wear Khakis?
The versatile khaki pants work well in most settings, according to Who What Wear. Many people wear them for work, play, and social events. Here are a few ideas for how to wear khaki pants or skirts.
Business Casual Attire
Pair khakis or a skirt of khaki material with a button-down dress shirt or a polo shirt to create a proper office attire look. Wear dress shoes and matching socks to complete the look, if you’re male. Females should pair these pants or skirts with flats or heels, according to Her Style Code.
Weekend Wear or Date Night
Combine a pair of khakis with a t-shirt and a sweater for a superb date-night look. A Henley and khakis work well together as a weekend outfit. Pair the outfit with dockers with or without socks for a jaunty look.
Religious Events
Many individuals wear pants or skirts of khaki materials to ceremonies at churches, temples, and mosques. Depending on the formality of the ceremony, you might pair a khaki skirt or pants with a button-down dress shirt or a dressy blouse. At some casual events, wearing these pants with a polo-style shirt or three-button Henley proves appropriate.
The Many Colors of Khakis
Although most people think of khakis as tan pants, khaki pants come in an array of colors. The most typical of these colors include white, black, cream, tan, and blue. Many designers also create this style of pants in red, orange, green, and yellow. Pink and purple khakis aren’t unheard of either.
Building Your Wardrobe
To build a wardrobe that works for any occasion, start with a few pairs of khakis. Buy about three pairs and make one of them traditional tan. Choose the other two colors according to your favorite colors. By adding a pair here and there or a skirt or dress, you’ll build a durable, attractive wardrobe that suits most occasions.
