Chicano cholo style has its roots in Mexican-American street culture and expresses pride in one’s heritage. The look is distinctive and recognizable. For men, it typically involves loose-fitting khaki pants, white tank tops, plaid or flannel button-up shirts, and accessories like bandanas and creased beanie hats. Below I’ll go through the key elements of the chicano cholo style and how you can put together your own modern take on this iconic fashion.
The Chicano Cholo Style Origins
The cholo subculture first emerged in the 1940s and 1950s in Los Angeles, primarily among Mexican-American youth. The zoot suit trend popularized by African American and Latino youth during this era heavily influenced early cholo style. Cholos wore high-waisted, wide-legged pants tapering at the ankle (similar to zoot suits), paired with a long coat with wide lapels and wide-brimmed hats.
In the 1960s and 1970s, cholo culture continued to evolve. New styles like pompadours, sideburns, and heavily starched and pressed khaki pants became trendy. Cholos also started wearing plaid flannel shirts buttoned only at the top button, with a white tank top underneath. Other staples included bandanas and hairnets.
The cholo look expressed a sense of pride and cultural identity for Mexican-Americans. It also signified toughness and being street savvy. An important aspect of cholo style was attention to detail, like meticulously creased pants and perfectly coiffed hairstyles.
Today, cholo style remains a symbol of Latino street culture. However, the modern cholo look has also been glamorized in music, movies and fashion. Let’s look at how to authentically channel chicano cholo style.
The Chicano Cholo Look: Key Elements
These are the signature pieces and styling details that create the classic cholo aesthetic:
Baggy Khaki Pants
Oversize, creased khaki or chino pants are essential to cholo style. Discover how do cholos dress by looking for a loose, baggy fit and a tapered leg. Front pleats and a high waist are also typical. Make sure to heavily starch and iron creases down the front and back of the legs for that authentic look. Wear them long and slightly rumpled at the bottom.
White Tank Top
A plain white tank is the undershirt of choice. You want something basic and snug fitting contrasted with the baggy pants. Try both muscle tanks and ribbed tanks. Layer over it with an open flannel or button-down shirt.
Flannel or Plaid Button-Down Shirts
Plaid flannel shirts or western-inspired snap button-ups capture the cholo vibe. Wear them oversized and open over a tank, only buttoning the top buttons. Roll up the sleeves for a laidback look.
Classic Cholo Accessories
No cholo outfit is complete without the right accessories:
- Bandanas – Folded and tied bandanas are traditionally worn on the head or hanging from a pocket. Red and blue colors are common.
- Creased Beanies – Wear a dark beanie with a meticulous front crease and tilt slightly to one side.
- Belt and Buckle – A wide, ornate belt and oversized belt buckle add flair.
- Sunglasses – Sport classic styles like Wayfarers or aviator shades.
- Jewelry – Stacked bracelets, rings and necklaces give off old-school vibes. Gold chains are popular.
Cholo Footwear
Cholo-style shoes include:
- Black and white Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars
- Black shiny dress shoes, sometimes with a slight heel
- Black boots with subtle decorative touches
How to Style Your Cholo Outfit
Pulling together your chicano cholo outfit requires some finesse. Keep these tips in mind:
- Cuff your khaki pants once or twice at the bottom for a casual bunching.
- Wear the tank top tucked in neatly; the rest of your shirt open and flowing.
- Add a folded bandana either on your head, around your neck or billowing from a back pocket.
- Pop the collar of the flannel for extra attitude.
- Only button the very top buttons of your overshirt.
- Roll up button-down sleeves evenly just above the elbow.
- Stiffly crease your beanie down the center with a precise bend.
- Line your beard and mustache or shape your eyebrows for a groomed effect.
Modern Takes on Cholo Style
Certain aspects of cholo style may seem outdated or costumey. Here are some ways to make the look modern:
Mix in Contemporary Pieces
Balance the classic cholo pieces with more modern items. Try a crisp white button-down instead of a tank or Distressed skinny jeans rather than traditional baggy khakis.
Streamline Silhouettes
Go for a tailored fit on shirts and pants rather than an oversize shape. Maintain a lean silhouette instead of an exaggerated baggy one.
Update Accessories
Swap the bandana for a sleek fedora or Panama hat. Trade over-the-top jewelry for a simple cross pendant necklace. Stick to one simple silver ring instead of stacked ones.
Neutral Color Palette
Stick to a muted earth-tone palette. Khaki, tan, gray, black and white with pops of red or blue are stylish color combos.
Dress It Up
Use chicano cholo elements in a dressier way. For example, wear creased trousers, an open button-down and fedora with dress shoes. Add a tie for events.
Pay Homage Through Graphics
Wear t-shirts, hoodies or jackets emblazoned with Chicano-theme graphics, LA maps or Latina pop culture icons as a subtle nod.
Do’s and Don’ts
To pull off cholo style seamlessly, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:
Do:
- Iron creases into your pants and roll the bottoms for a messy casual effect.
- Tuck your tank neatly into your pants before layering on the open button-down.
- Wear dark socks visible right above your shoe line.
- Pop the collar and roll up the sleeves on your flannel.
- Coordinate accessories like a bandana, creased beanie and aviator sunglasses.
Don’t:
- Wear clothes that are overly baggy and drown your frame.
- Neglect ironing pleats and creases which are key details.
- Roll button-down sleeves messily or unevenly.
- Forget the all-important accessories like a folded bandana.
- Go overboard with too much flashy jewelry.
- Wear more than one graphic tee or hoodie to avoid looking cartoonish.
FAQs
What material pants work best?
Traditional cholo style pants are lightweight chino, twill or khaki. The fabric should have enough stiffness to hold ironed pleats and creases. Sturdy natural fabric blends work better than stretch synthetics.
Are Dickies pants a good option?
Dickies workwear pants are an excellent choice. They have the right casual vibe and come in essential colors like khaki and black. You can often find pairs with a creased front too.
How should the pants fit?
Cholo pants are relaxed through the hip and thigh with a slight taper at the ankle. Go for a baggy but not overly sloppy fit with some drape. Make sure the leg openings are wide enough to stack when cuffed.
What type of flannel or button-down shirts work best?
For button-downs, lightweight chambray, denim and western-style shirts capture the aesthetic. For flannels, look for soft shirt jacket styles with nice drape in plaid and tartan patterns.
Should I tuck in the tank top?
Yes, tuck the tank neatly into the pants before layering your open shirt on top. The contrast between the tidy tank and billowy button-down is key.
How can I walk properly in cholo style?
Embrace a casual swagger in your step. Lead from your heels walking with a bit of bounce and sway. Keep your head tilted up slightly and shoulders back.
In Summary
Chicano cholo style brilliantly blends vibes from Mexican heritage, LA street culture and retro Americana. The iconic Chicano cholo look, featuring khaki pants, flannel shirts, white tank tops, and carefully styled accessories, inspires fashion enthusiasts. Discovering authenticity in fashion extends beyond street style—learn how to know if a Gucci Bag is real? with the same attention to detail and modern flair to elevate your overall aesthetic.
