Le slack
How does a style of trouser become a classic rival to the utilitarian jean? Answer: a journey through history and across continents with polar-opposite cultures. If the chino, or 'Le Slack' as we know it in France, was a celebrity it could write one hell of an autobiography.
From late 19th century military uniform, via 1950s beatnik anti-fashion, to the modern day thinking man’s alternative to jeans, the chino has done it all. Throw in names like James Dean, Jack Kerouac and Steve McQueen and you have a winner.
In stark contrast to today’s bright colourful styles, it started with a British General, Harry Lumsden, in India insisting on a uniform to blend in with the scenery so his men did not highlight themselves as targets.
Rumour has it that when bright white became impossible to keep clean, colour was introduced using curry spices, coffee and blackberry juice to create what became known as the ‘khaki’.
Meanwhile, the American army were using chinese cloth in the pacific during the Spanish-American war, hence the ‘chino’ label.
And there is a strong American influence on the evolution of the cotton pantalon into a modern-day essential.
As troops returning from active duty in WW2 wore their army issue trousers to college, the chino became an East Coast Ivy League trend. Hollywood and McQueen added the cool factor and New York and Kerouac provided the edge.
Today Le Slack has developed into a versatile pair of trousers - casual yet elegant, capable of being combined with everything from a pastel coloured t-shirt or collared shirts and jackets.
And with their military origins background they are, of course, hard-wearing and comfortable.
Jack Kerouac took his chinos On The Road and Steve McQueen made his Great Escape in a pair of khakis. So we know they work well on two wheels and our Bernadette cycling city chinos are no exception.
