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"Khaki" vs. "British Tan" ?

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43K views 47 replies 18 participants last post by  zzdocxx  
#1 ·
"Khaki" vs. "British Tan" ?

Is one of these colors considered to be more versatile, appropriate, more better, etc. ? ? ? I mean all else being equal and setting personal idiosyncracies of taste aside.

"Khaki"


"British Tan"


Or does it really not make much difference ? ? ?

Thank you.

BTW in the store the British Tan seemed more orangey than this photo conveys. Or perhaps I am mistaken.
 

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#28 ·
That sounds good, maybe I'll pair them with a light blue OCBD -- will the degree of casualness be close enough ? I have some nice solid color silk shirts, might also go with one of those.
I wear mine with light blue or light pink OCBDs generally, I wouldn't do silk. I'll admit that I have a bias against silk shirts, but in this case I think it would clash with the texture of cotton chinos.
 
#29 ·
I own too many chinos / khakis for a normal person, but would argue that each variation in color comes in handy when putting outfits together as subtle differences in shade, tone, texture. weight and other details make some work better with this jacket or that sweater than others. I usually lay my clothes out on the bed with the window shade up as that is when I see how a slightly lighter (or darker) tan goes better with this sweater or a tan that has more grey than brown in it goes better with this jacket, etc. or this finer texture works better with the weave of this shirt.

If you do this right (and I don't always, even when I try), it is why some outfits look better than others and while most people couldn't tell you why - i.e., they aren't consciously thinking, gee, all his tones are consistent - they can intuitively feel that the outfit looks harmonious. Getting it right, really right where an outfit truly pops (even quietly), includes not only the fit and general color coordination, but getting all the subtle things like tone, texture, etc. right.

That said, and to your original point, if I had to narrow my chinos to two pairs, I go with one stone and one khaki (not British Tan) as they seem to go with more things and would, for me, cover 80% of my needs - but whom am I kidding, ever since I could afford to, I've owned tens of chinos all the time and am alway culling and buying more. Last point, I do like British Tan very much and it does, as others have mentioned, feel a bit more formal to me.
 
#33 ·
I think we need to start a 12-Step program -

"We admitted that we were powerless over khakis - that our closets had become unmanageable."
I'm sure there have been similarly themed threads (as I remember some) - but this would be a good one to maybe start anew. I don't know why I buy so many khakis - although I can rationalize it with the best of them, see above, need for different texture, tone, weight, details and, then, add in "it was on sale," they are light in color so I "need" two pairs, etc. - as I seem to be marginally better able to control myself with other items of clothes (although, I have too much of everything), but I, despite my best intentions (and sometimes even successful efforts for a time), always have too many khakis in my closet.
 
#34 ·
Yeeaaaah, I would enroll lol. I only have 4 pairs in khaki, but overall...
"only have 4 pairs" - you do not even count in the addict category. I have four pairs of just one type of khaki (perfect-for-me pair of Urban Slim - really just not baggy - J.Crew broken-in, Khaki color). I have committed to not buy another pair of any khakis at least until the true end-of-summer sales.
 
#35 ·
"only have 4 pairs" - you do not even count in the addict category. I have four pairs of just one type of khaki (perfect-for-me pair of Urban Slim - really just not baggy - J.Crew broken-in, Khaki color). I have committed to not buy another pair of any khakis at least until the true end-of-summer sales.
I meant more in terms of pants overall, I think I have somewhere around 20 pairs in my closet currently.
 
#36 ·
Thanks, I feel I like the lighter one, called "Khaki" better.

I think I saw the British Tan at Nordstrom (they don't have the Khaki) and it looked rather orangeish to my eye.

Edit: Mmmm actually "goldish" might be a better word for it. In any case I didn't quite like it.
I felt the same way about Brooks Brothers' British tan. I returned them and kept the khaki. The yellow/gold/earwax tint in their version is very strong. As others have stated, however, it's personal preference. Also, I believe other makers' British tan may not be quite as goldish.
 
#38 ·
I'm not a fan of logos. I think it'll leave a dent if you remove it, or least lines where the stitching was.

If you can wait until mid/late May, I believe BB is having another corporate sale. You can stack the 30% discount with their everyday value buys. That drives their chino (and dress trousers too) price down to a very reasonable amount.
 
#39 ·
"only have 4 pairs" - you do not even count in the addict category. I have four pairs of just one type of khaki (perfect-for-me pair of Urban Slim - really just not baggy - J.Crew broken-in, Khaki color). I have committed to not buy another pair of any khakis at least until the true end-of-summer sales.
I am hesitant to open this Pandora's box. What constitutes "too many" khakis. Do colors other than beiges count, or is it the style and material? If I have concerns, does this mean I am a candidate for KA?
 
#40 ·
I am hesitant to open this Pandora's box. What constitutes "too many" khakis. Do colors other than beiges count, or is it the style and material? If I have concerns, does this mean I am a candidate for KA?
In the beige family, I have over 15 pairs of khakis - and have sworn off buying any more 'till end-of-summer sales (like I'll really need more then).
 
#41 ·
Found a pair on ebay for $70 plus 11 shipping.

NWT but have an special organization emblem embroidered above the back pocket.

Deal killer, or no biggie ?

Or cut out the logo if possible ? (Will it leave a dent ?)
I'd look elsewhere if the emblem is for the National Socialist Party.

Honestly, I'd look elsewhere regardless. Would you wear a shirt with a monogram of someone else's initials?
 
#42 ·
In the beige family, I have over 15 pairs of khakis - and have sworn off buying any more 'till end-of-summer sales (like I'll really need more then).
Thank God I don't have a problem then, only 14 pair in beige. But if we count navy, black and grey its 21, besides the other half dozen casual cottons. I can sleep well knowing it's just a minor character defect and not a full blown addiction. I guess that means I also have plenty of latitude in buying more cords and moleskins.......and cav twillls................and flannel...............and tweed............................gaberdine......................Dear God HELP ME.
 
#43 ·
I'd look elsewhere if the emblem is for the National Socialist Party.
How did you know, did you see it on ebay too ?

Well I bought them anyway,

1. I like the Peter Millar khakis, fit, fabric, and construction are great for me
2. Haven't see them on sale
3. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish guy is just small and over the back pocket
4. I can wear it them on St. Patrick's Day and not get pinched (it is green)
5. Could possibly even remove it, (pants are NWT so not bleached over)
6. Could pretend I am an alumnus (?) of that illustrious university, chicks will dig it.
7. Little Irish guy is babe magnet
8. Can pretend to be Irish on St. Paddy's, get free drinks and kisses, possibly.
9. These were ~$81 including shipping, would have set me back closer to $135 new, and that is the clincher.
10. Because spending too much on clothes lately.





What does this little guy say ?

"Aye, put up yehr dukes, ye skinnamalink!"

Or something like that, sorry it is the best I could come up with on the spur.

What say ye all, yea or nay ? ? ?
 

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