Stories Behind Your Khaki Wear

Outfits worn by celebrities tend to make a fashion statement and take commoners by storm. Last winter, a news article appeared about how khaki is still in style with Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Hailey Bieber, Gigi Hadid, and other fashionistas sporting this age-old color. 

Khaki is indeed seen across a wide spectrum. From finding its place in a couture collection to being a staple in military uniforms, casual clothing, or even work wear, it is seen everywhere! Exploring the history of this color yielded interesting information.

Traveling back to India’s pre-independence days

The story begins in the second half of the nineteenth century. The uniforms of the British army soldiers were not at all conducive in the sweltering heat of Indian summers, and an alternative was sought. Cotton pajamas were opted for, and to blend in with the dusty landscape while fighting, those pants were dyed with a plant-based dye called mazari. 

The light, earthy brown color came to be called “khaki”, derived from “khak”, the Persian word for “dust”. Khaki uniforms were introduced for the first time in 1848.

Khaki achieves global popularity

Making its start in India, khaki in subsequent years became identifiable with military uniforms across the globe. The United States adopted it during the Spanish American war of 1898. The trousers that the American soldiers wore were imported from China and came to be called “chino”, Spain’s name for that country. The two World Wars also witnessed the use of the color.

Women in the USA were first introduced to khaki in World War II when they filled up the jobs held by men deployed overseas. Because of comfort and durability, khaki pants became popular.

Post World War II, khaki made its inroads into civilian life. Soldiers who returned home and resumed their studies wore their khaki pants uniform to college. With famous personalities like Teddy Roosevelt, Charles Lindberg, and Ernest Hemingway wearing them, khaki pants came to define American style.

Actually a color or garment?

Very much a color, khaki has acquired another avatar as a type of garment. The expression “wearing khakis” specifically means putting on a pair of trousers made out of that breathable cotton twill. The colors range from dark green to light brown hues.

Protesting with khaki 

A few of the Hollywood female actors in the early 1930s courageously registered their protests against gender norms by wearing trousers. That was a time when women were expected to not wear anything besides dresses and skirts. Foremost among them was Katherine Hepburn. Believed to have hundreds of pairs of khaki slacks, she wanted to voice her resentment against what Hollywood defined as “feminine” fashion.

Casual Fridays and Khaki Wear

Casual Friday began in America in the 1950’s and 1960’s with Hewlett-Packard being its pioneer. This idea gained great momentum in the 1990’s and spread around the world.

The concept of smart casual was introduced to give employees some relaxation with respect to the dress code. In lieu of their suits, ties, and dress shoes, they could take it a little easy on Fridays by wearing something informal. And khakis, in this scheme of affairs, have found a cozy spot at the crossroads of formal and informal attire. 

Anything under the sun!

Why just khaki pants? Fashion is all about creativity and ingenuity, and this color has invaded the clothing industry rather impressively. You can see khaki jackets, coats, shirts, skirts, dresses, and so forth. And there are even khaki shoes! 

Born in India, khaki has been in use for more than a century and a half. One step to another, there is a long chain of fascinating events related to a color which first evolved simply as a tool for military camouflage. And as they say, the rest is history!