What are khakis?
Khaki — is a muted, earthy shade, ranging from light sand and yellowish-brown to gray-green. The term comes from the Hindi and Urdu languages (khāki), which literally translates as "dusty" or "earth-colored."
Read also our full guide: Fashion Color Names and Shades: A Stylist's Guide
This color was first used in the mid-19th century for camouflage uniforms for the British Army in India, as it allowed them to blend into the local landscape. After World War II, khaki moved from a strictly military context to everyday wear. It became a basic neutral shade for utilitarian clothing such as chinos, classic trench coats, and safari jackets.
Basic shades of khaki color
The khaki palette includes several key options that differ in lightness and undertone:
- Sand (classic) khaki: A light, dusty yellowish-brown shade. Historically, it was the original color of the British uniform and is now most often used for classic chinos.
- Olive (green) khaki: A muted gray-green color (olive drab). It is strongly associated with modern military style, parkas, and cargo jackets.
- Bronze khaki: Darker, richer tones with warm brown-green undertones. These shades are perfect for a fall wardrobe and look great on heavy fabrics like corduroy or wool.
- Khaki grey: A cool, extremely muted shade, a blend of gray and beige-green. It offers a crisp alternative to classic gray in a business wardrobe.
What to wear with khaki
The earthy palette is versatile and easy to pair with both basic and accent pieces.
- Basic neutral colors: The combination of khaki with white, black, and beige creates a clean, minimalist look. A classic example is olive cargo pants paired with a white basic shirt or a crisp T-shirt.
- Warm contrasts: Mustard, terracotta, and burgundy tones highlight the earthy nature of khaki. A sand-colored trench coat looks harmonious over a burgundy chunky knit jumper.
- Cold contrasts: Navy and classic blue denim create a balanced, traditional combination. A khaki green jacket is often worn over a navy turtleneck or paired with straight-leg blue jeans.
- Monochrome looks: Layering different shades of khaki—from light sand to dark olive—creates a cohesive silhouette in a utilitarian minimalist style.
