Khaki was introduced to the Western world through its use and evolution in the 1800s by the British Indian Army. During this time, British soldiers’ uniforms consisted of white pants and bright red coats to intimidate enemies, which got them dubbed as “red coats”. When the British moved into India, their hot, itchy uniforms were too much in the 120-degree temperatures. Hence, the invention of khaki.
The Evolution of Khakis
A British officer stationed in Punjab, Sir Harry Burnett Lumsden, suggested his men wear their lightweight woven cotton pajamas for relief in the fields. However, the bright white stood out to enemies, so the soldiers dyed the material with native plant juices, mud or soil. The Hindu word for these beige, drab hues translates to “dust”, while the Persian word “khak” means soil. These derivations likely contributed to naming this clothing “khakis”, and it perfectly blended in with their desert surroundings.
British troops first adopted these uniforms during the 1868 Expedition to Abyssinia. Twenty years later, the British army deemed khaki as their official standard uniform color. Thirty years after that, during the 1898 Spanish-American war, the US Army changed their uniforms to khakis. However, the Navy and USMC are the only branches that still don khaki garments.
The Evolution of Khaki Materials & Color Options
So, what is khaki? Khaki is a light brown fabric made using cotton, wool, synthetic fiber blends and combinations of them. It’s made using a variety of fibers like serge, and there are different tightness levels of the fabric, but the tighter the knit, the higher quality the material. Most khakis are a pale, sandy hue that reflects heat. However, there are darker colors in deep rich hues, such as olive green. Over time, khaki pants, skirts and shirts worked their way into the realm of civilian fashion. Almost as beloved as jeans, this is a choice for everyday wear for millions of people. From a military must, khaki clothing is a stable of countless wardrobes.
How to Choose the Right Pair of Khaki Pants
By far, khaki pants are the most popular and iconic for consumers looking for simplicity and resilience. With that in mind, here are some tips for getting a perfect pair.
Getting the Right Fit: There are different fits including slim, relaxed and strait cuts. For a model silhouette, go for a slim cut. For a looser feel and look, relaxed is ideal, while straight cut khakis fall in the middle of the two.
Choosing a Fabric: Eco-conscious consumers can find recycled or organic cotton materials from specialty retailers like Bills Khakis. Those looking for durability and some stretch room should check out cotton blends with elastane, while anyone wanting classic khakis might prefer 100% cotton.
Color Matters: You can go classic with traditional light brown material or beige. To spruce up your outfit, an olive green or navy color might be appropriate. It all depends on personal style and how versatile you want the pants to be.
Ways to Wear Khaki: One of the primary perks of khaki is that the material is compatible with most colors, especially if you choose a light brown hue. Navy, olive and other shades are great for pairing with a button-down or polo-style shirt with a matching or complimentary color.
Whether you desire a pop or eye-catching color or a crisp white, these pants are suitable for most occasions, ranging from work to a night on the town. The design palette is almost limitless with this timeless classic, so be sure to add a few pairs to your wardrobe.