A Timeless Classic

The Paulo Pavia 1 Chino

The chino, a versatile and enduring garment, has firmly established itself in the annals of fashion history. With roots dating back to the early 19th century, this seemingly simple yet stylish pant has evolved into a symbol of casual elegance. Its journey from military utility to everyday fashion statement reflects its timeless appeal and adaptability. The history of the chino can be traced back to the British military's need for durable, comfortable, and practical attire for soldiers stationed in India during the 19th century. Cotton twill fabric, which originated from China, became the material of choice for these uniforms, and it was this fabric that gave birth to the name "chino." The term "chino" itself is derived from the Spanish word for Chinese ("chino"), a nod to the fabric's Asian origins.

Initially, chinos were designed with practicality in mind. The straight-leg design allowed for ease of movement, and the cotton twill fabric was comfortable in the sweltering Indian climate. These characteristics soon caught the attention of American soldiers stationed in the Philippines in the early 20th century, where chino pants began to gain popularity among U.S. servicemen. After World War II, chinos transitioned from military utility to civilian fashion. The clean, crisp lines and versatile khaki color made them an ideal choice for casual wear. Icons like James Dean and Marlon Brando further propelled chinos into the realm of popular culture, solidifying their status as a classic American wardrobe staple.

Inspired by vintage military pants, we designed the Paulo Pavia 1 Chino to effortlessly bridge the gap between casual and semi-formal settings, making them suitable for both work and leisure. From their humble origins as military attire in India to their status as a wardrobe essential worldwide, chinos stand as a testament to the timelessness of simple, well-crafted garments.

A closer look at the cotton stretch fabric with enzyme wash that we use for the Paulo Pavia 1 series. A sturdy fabric with 3 pct. elastane added for comfort. Featured with double belt loops with contrast stitching that is also found on the back pockets and the sides. In fact our design team has been playfull working with single, double and tripple stitch details in both contrast and tone-on-tone. Some color options of the Paulo Pavia can have tone-on-tone stitchings like you will find on the Khaki option.

Featured with button fly and branded buttons. We have no "one button fits all". We select the button that completes the overall look of the style and color - sometimes that is a clean-looking button and sometimes it will be an oxidized vintage button as seen on the Midnight Blue version of our Paulo Pavia.

A normal metal button as used on the Khaki options vs. the oxidized vintage buttton used on the Midnight Blue option.

All of our jeans are finished with a chainstitch at the hem - so is the Paulo Pavia Chino. In a chainstitch, each stitch is formed by pulling a loop of thread through the fabric and then passing the needle through the loop, creating a chain-like appearance. This creates a continuous line of stitches with loops on one side and straight lines on the other. Chainstitches are known for their strength and durability, making them suitable for seams and hems in garments that need to withstand stress and wear.