Some fashion trends come and go, and then come back again. Just think about wedge shoes and sandals for ladies. They became popular in the 1950s and then stayed out of sight for years. In the late 1990s, they were back, and they have stayed. It could be their comfort and sturdiness (even on grass and soft ground) that have made them a staple in many women’s wardrobes. Khaki pants are another fashion that has seemingly never gone out of style…but where did they come from?
The History of Khaki Pants:
Khaki pants seem to be part of both women’s and men’s wardrobes because of their versatility. You can wear them on a golf course, they work as casual attire, and they can even get you into a high-end restaurant if you nicely press them. The history of khaki pants goes way back to India around the mid-1840s.
Khakis first hit the scene in India, just like other popular fashions like Jodhpur pants and Seersucker material. There is documentation showing that khaki pants became part of the military uniform of the Corps of Guides. Khakis soon became the uniform of numerous armed forces in India. They became popular because they offered comfort, durability, and the right weight, making them suitable for a variety of environments.
The leaders of the British armed forces saw these new khaki uniforms and felt they were a more practical option than the bright red outfits that they had adopted around 1775. They were less obvious and much lighter. The troops were delighted to get out of their stuffy, formal uniforms. Some of the British Armed Forces had previously changed their uniforms, opting for white during warm summer months. As you can imagine, in no time, their white uniforms were filthy. Before long, the British had adopted khaki pants as part of their uniform.
According to NationalGeographic.com, the British wore their khaki pants, which Indian developers created, during their occupation of India. They found that they were far more comfortable than their previous uniforms, but they were less conspicuous when they were on duty in sparse, desert landscapes.
Khakis soon found their way to the U.S. Army. They soon became officially part of the uniform and were worn during the 1989 Spanish-American War. Before long, they were the prevalent dress uniform for most branches of the service. The popularity of khakis saw more shades being developed for both civilians and those in the armed forces. We saw different shades of gold, green, and even patterns, which made the pants popular with more people.
We Still Love Khakis!
Today, Khaki pants are more popular than ever and every leading brand of pants usually includes some khakis. Leading brands such as J.Crew, Dockers, and Bills Khakis, all feature several khakis, per SPY Style Guide.
Those seeking a “go-to” option that can be dressed up or down for any occasion should rely on their trusty khakis to get the job done.