Can someone please explain khakis?

[linux_pro]

I really hate khakis, with a passion, but I'm curious as to why they are so popular. I think they look super tacky and cheap, regardless of brand, and make the wearer look like an accountant who lives in Smallville and drives a Dodge Caravan to work. Anyway, I was just curious if the board might know why they're so popular, how they became so popular, or any other trivial info on khakis. Am I missing something?

 

[marc37]

What are khakis????? Can someone post a picture.

(l have read about these bloody khakis, but l can't even begin to imagine what they look like)

 

[Alias]

Because they're lower-maintenance than suit trousers, maybe? Khakis are made of cotton and can be thrown in the wash. They're inexpensive and easy to find. They're also quite cool in warmer seasons. You can probably find some pictures of khakis on polo.com. Edit: Found one from Google

 

[linux_pro]

I am wondering when and how they became so popular. I can understand the maintenance stuff. Going to the drycleaner is a pain ***********. My girlfriend generally hand-washes my wool trousers and hang-dries them. So far I haven't had any problems. Heh heh.

 

[Alias]

I think Manton would be the one to ask. He knows more about the history of this stuff.

But I do believe that khakis have been around for quite some time, despite their recent popularity with business casual people. There was some apocryphal story linking the creation of khakis to some British army guy in India, and the British haven't been in India for a long time.

 

[marc37]

Thanks Alias. l've always wondered what they were. They don't look so bad. They would go well with a navy blazer, light blue shirt and good brown shoes. Khakis are not very common in Australia. l have a pair though.

 

[marc37]

Look at these pants by polo.com. Hideous. Only a full time dandy could pull those off.

 

[Alias]

Or maybe a full-time clown.

PS. Lunar New Year's means having 3 days off of work and nothing better to do but to post on an Internet forum

 

[Stu]

They are very versatile and are good in a hot climate. Sort of function triumphs over form, if you will. I agree they can be hideous, especially those triple-pleated circus tents that a lot of guys wear. But a pair in flat front from Bill's Khakis can be sharp paired with a royal blue shirt.

 

[globetrotter]

I think Manton would be the one to ask. He knows more about the history of this stuff.

But I do believe that khakis have been around for quite some time, despite their recent popularity with business casual people. There was some apocryphal story linking the creation of khakis to some British army guy in India, and the British haven't been in India for a long time.

true story - the concept was developed by a field officer in the british army who was sick of his men nat being able to keep their parade clothes neat. they died white cottons with tea.

 

[NewYorkBuck]

They became popular when the GIs came back from WWII. Never fell out of style since.

 

[chorse123]

They're also -- I would imagine -- inexpensive to produce and sell at a rather healthy margin. It makes sense for a retailer to push them.

 

[STYLESTUDENT]

 But a pair in flat front from Bill's Khakis can be sharp paired with  a royal blue shirt.

I bought these because they seemed well-made, but they wrinkled when I just looked at them, so I exchanged them for wool cavalry twills from Bill's (impervious to wear and can be worn to the office). Can't see why anyone would iron pants (or anything else)-rather use jeans on weekends.

 

[Drinkwaters]

I'm not that sure of the origins of Khakis but I do know that they were a US issue trouser for our military. I'm a bit older than most forum members and when I was in my teens the only place you could get a pair of khakis was the ones your dad or grandfather had or you went to the army navy store a bought a pair of "real" issue trousers there.
As army/ navy stores became an obsolete so did authentic issue khakis.
Todays marketplace is so saturated with inferior products and that includes the world of khakis. The Gap, Banana Republic, Abercrombie, Dickies etc. in my opinion are all "Crap". Not worth a dime and have no staying power.
I'm a big believer in Bills Khakis, Bill Thomas has delivered a product that out shines all of them, true their a bit more expensive but you have my word, worth it. Their selection is broad and can be purchased on-line for those of you who are reluctant to" establish a good relationship" with a store of your liking. When we sell a pair I always recommend either washing and drying them a few times to get all the shrink out or add an inch to the alteration.
And to those who wish to query me on "establishing relationships" you can pm me and I will explain "Added Value". Sorry to sound so cynical, but us retailers really want your business.

 

[montecristo#4]

If you can buy a pair of flat front, non-iron khakis from Banana Republic on sale for about $25, why bother with anything else? If I mangle them, spill crap on them, or whatever, who cares?

My theory -- jeans aren't acceptable for work. Khakis are the closest convenient acceptable alternative. Cheap, no need for expensive dry cleaning. Thefore, khakis are popular.