Whether you are going to church, office, bar or visiting the in-laws, ‘Khakis’ are always there to save your day. Khakis sometimes called chinos, are a popular style of pants for both men and women. Their casual look, comfortable fit, and durability have kept them on the market for more than a century.

The name ‘khaki’ is a Hindu word that literally means "dust-coloured.” The term first referred to the colour of dye used for the cloth.

The khaki story goes way back in 1840s when British Army officers in India took to soaking their white uniforms in tea, mud and curry powder in attempts to blend in with the landscape. Since then, khakis never miss on the hangers.

But as the term evolved, it also took on the meaning of the closely woven material that many khaki pants were made of, and their distinctive styling. While all khakis are tan in colour, the shades of tan vary from lighter to darker and the hues can range from grey to brown, and green.

The versatility and easy care of khakis made them popular a must-have fashion item. These qualities have not changed, but styles and fabrics have; now they range from the very casual to haute couture and can take the wearer from a day at the beach to the office boardroom.

They are commonly made of natural cotton or linen and sometimes from cotton blends augmented with chemical treating to cut down on wrinkles to retain shape, and reduce stains.

A good pair can go almost with everything; it can save you from those worn-out jeans. A khaki pant and a short sleeved shirt will give you a casual -decent look; for those semi-casual occasions such as a date, a casual day at the office, umuganda or local meeting, this pair will take you there.

You won’t be off beam if you grant Khakis a permanent residence in your wardrobe. Apart from being comfortable and easy to take care of, they are also affordable, in most Kigali middle-class shops; a pair of khakis goes for ten thousand francs.

Easy to wear, Easy care, what more can a man ask for? Let’s go Khakis!

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