Traditionally crafted from cotton twill fabric, chinos have undergone a style renaissance, evolving into a staple that strikes a balance between comfort and style.
The resurgence of chinos in the last couple of years is marked by innovations in design and fabric, such as the incorporation of stretch material.
So what are stretch chinos? Stretch chinos are a contemporary take on the classic chino, incorporating elasticity for a comfortable and flexible fit. The integration of stretch fibres, such as elastane, enhances the fabric's give, allowing more freedom of movement.
This adaptation makes stretch chinos an essential for guys with an athletic build or larger legs. In this blog we explain what stretch chinos are, how to look after them and offer the best stretch chinos right here at Tapered Menswear.
What Makes Stretch Chinos Different?
What makes stretch chinos different from regular chinos is the incorporation of elastic fibres in the fabric, such as elastane or spandex, which allows for enhanced flexibility and comfort.
Similar to Khakis, traditional chinos are typically made from 100% cotton twill fabric, which, while durable and comfortable, offers limited stretch and movement.
Do Chinos Have Stretch?
Regular chinos do not have stretch. Stretch chinos, in contrast, do and adapt to the wearer's movements, making them particularly suitable for those who have larger legs or find that regular chinos don't quite offer the flexibility you need to move freely.
That's why more and more athletic fit chinos and jeans are appearing on the market.
This addition of stretch to the classic chino design allows wearers to experience a more accommodating fit, addressing the dynamic needs of contemporary lifestyles and diverse body types.
Are Stretch Chinos Good?
Stretch chinos offer several advantages, including enhanced comfort, flexibility, and adaptability to body movements, like dress pants - making them suitable for both casual and formal occasions.
However, the addition of elastane may compromise the breathability of the fabric to some extent.
Despite this, the versatile nature and the style quotient of stretch chinos make them a worthwhile addition to anyone’s wardrobe, be it for casual outings or formal events.
When to Wear Stretch Chinos?
Stretch chinos are adaptable, fitting seamlessly into a variety of occasions. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a formal meeting, pairing stretch chinos with the right accessories and outfits can enhance your style quotient.
At Tapered Menswear we offer a versatile range of colours and styles, suitable for every occasion.
Do New Chinos Stretch?
This is dependent on whether you have regular or stretch chinos. For stretch chinos, obviously they do stretch!
But for regular chinos it’s common, like other new bottoms, to stretch slightly over time. However, the degree of stretch depends largely on the fabric quality and type.
Choosing the right fit from the outset is crucial, considering the potential stretch and shrinkage after washing. Opt for high-quality fabric to ensure longevity and sustained fit.
How Do You Stretch New Chinos?
Stretching new chinos can be necessary when they feel too tight, potentially offering more comfort and a better fit. Here’s how:
Wear Them Around: Simply wearing your chinos around can help them naturally stretch out, conforming to your body shape. This is the safest method, but it might be uncomfortable initially.
Washing and Pulling: Wash the chinos in cold water and while they are still damp, wear them and perform squats or lunges. Alternatively, manually pull the fabric gently, focusing on tighter areas. Avoid overly aggressive pulling to not damage the fabric.
Use a Spray Mixture: Mix equal parts water and rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on tight areas and then wear the chinos, moving around to stretch them. Conduct a spot test first to ensure no discoloration or damage occurs.
Steam Stretching: Use a garment steamer on the tight areas, and then gently stretch the fabric manually or wear the chinos to allow them to conform to your body. Avoid excessive steaming to prevent damage to the fabric.
Each method requires attention to fabric care instructions and gradual, gentle stretching to prevent irreversible damage to the chinos.
How Do You Wash Stretch Chinos?
Washing stretch chinos requires attention to preserve the fabric's elasticity and colour. Read the care label before proceeding, typically recommending cold water and a gentle cycle to maintain fabric integrity.
To wash stretch chinos, start by turning the chinos inside out to safeguard the colour and the fabric from unnecessary wear and abrasion during the wash cycle.
Then, measure a suitable amount of a mild detergent. It is crucial to avoid bleach and fabric softeners as they can harm the fabric’s elasticity and appearance.
Once the detergent is added, place the chinos in the washing machine, selecting a gentle wash cycle and using cold water to avoid any damage to the elastic fibres and to prevent any color loss or shrinkage.
Cold water is gentle on the fabric and helps in maintaining the stretchiness and the original form of the chinos.
After washing, remove the chinos promptly and either air-dry them by laying them flat, ensuring they are out of direct sunlight to prevent any colour fading, or use a dryer on a low heat setting to prevent any damage or shrinkage.
Avoid hanging the chinos to dry as this can cause them to lose their shape. Regularly inspect your chinos before and after washing for any signs of wear, damage, or colour loss and adjust your washing method as necessary.
Things To Consider When Washing Stretch Chinos
When washing stretch chinos, several risks need consideration. Utilising hot water or high heat during washing and drying can impair the elastic fibres integrated into the fabric, diminishing the stretchiness and adaptability of the chinos over time.
Overdrying the chinos is another risk, potentially leading to unwanted shrinkage and damage to the fabric's structure and integrity.
Neglecting to follow the care instructions can also have detrimental effects, such as colour fading and loss of the garment’s shape, compromising both aesthetics and fit.
Proper washing aids in not only extending the lifespan, but maintaining the vibrant and rich colour of the chinos, keeping them looking fresh and new with every wear.
Best Stretch Chinos
So now you know what stretch chinos are, stretch chinos blend the classic style of regular chinos with the added flexibility of elastic material, much like stretch jeans, allowing for more movement.
When it comes to the crème de la crème of stretch chinos. Here at Tapered Menswear are number 1.
Exclusively designed for guys with an athletic build. Our chinos are crafted from 4-way stretch that is comfortable, robust and allows complete freedom of movement.
Our team of leading tailors and industry experts have pioneered a unique Tapered fit that allows sufficient room for the thighs, glutes and calves whilst tapering in at the ankle, so there is no need to size up to fit your muscular build.
No more:
❌ Sizing up for chinos to fit your quads, glutes and calves
❌ Heavy, restrictive fabrics causing discomfort and stiffness
❌ Seams bursting open
Our revolutionary fit allows sufficient room for the quads, glutes and calves whilst tapering in at the ankle.
Extra room in thighs and tapered at the ankle, no need to size up.
Premium Stretch Material
Super-soft, heavyweight cotton fabric provides comfort and freedom of movement all day long.
Robust Build
Durable design that's built to last thanks to the hard-wearing fabric and reinforced seams.
