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Khaki Coat Cordage [ Suggestions on how to wear it to enhance a man’s austerity and the history of the color ].

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  • Published: 2021-01-08 Last Updated: 2026-01-07
Khaki Coat Cordage [ Suggestions on how to wear it to enhance a man's austerity and the history of the color ].

Reminiscent of military wear, khaki coats can be used in styling to accentuate masculinity and differentiate from standard colors such as black, gray, and navy. In this issue, we focus on the “khaki coat” and introduce the roots of the color khaki, its true identity, suggestions for color matching, and the latest men’s corset snapshots!

How the wisdom of a 19th century British officer became a fashion stapleKhaki originated as a color for hiding (camouflage)!

When most Japanese hear the name “khaki,” they probably think of “olive green” or “military green. However, if you trace the etymology of the word, you will find that its true identity is completely different. Khaki is a word that originally meant “dust (khak)” in Indian languages such as Hindi and Urdu. Its roots go back to the mid-19th century, to the episode of Harry Burnett Ramsden, a British military officer stationed in India in 1846.

Harry Burnett Ramsden (Universal Images Group / Aflo)

The uniform of the British Army at the time was extremely flamboyant, with red jackets and white pants. It was too conspicuous when fighting in the desert or wilderness, making it a prime target. So Ramsden used local Indian mud and spices (tea, coffee, curry powder, etc.) to dye the white pants a “brownish-brown” color that blended in with the surrounding landscape. This was very similar to the color of the soil in the Indian wilderness, and so the color name “khaki” was borrowed from an Indian word. In other words, the original khaki is not “green,” but rather an earthy, yellowish-brown color. Incidentally, the pants dyed at this time are said to be the prototype of chinos.

British Army soldier in the 19th century (Universal Images Group / Aflo)

The transition from 'yellowish-brown' to 'greenish-brown' and Japan's own interpretationWhy was the greenish color also called khaki?

So why is olive green established as “khaki” in modern times? The turning point lies in the movement of the U.S. military since World War II. As the battlefield shifted from deserts and wilderness to forested areas, the mainstream of military uniforms shifted to a deeper green color, ” olive drab (OD). After the war, as these military releases spread throughout the world, including Japan, the broad interpretation of “the color of military wear = khaki” became common. This is said to be the reason why the original khaki refers to the “earthy/yellowish-brown” color represented by trench coats and chinos, while the modern khaki refers to the “olive/sage green” color represented by mod coats and MA-1s. This is especially true in Japan, where it is not uncommon to see the color name ” Khaki ” on the tags of olive green clothing.

U.S. soldiers during the Battle of Guadalcanal Island, World War II (akg-images / Aflo
Photo, 1942.)

Adult military style unraveled by color theory

Introducing a color palette to create a sophisticated impression while taking advantage of khaki’s ruggedness.

Colors that go with khaki 1'Khaki & Black' adds a modern tightening and urban feel

To sublimate the impression of khaki into a modern look, combining it with black is the most effective way. By combining the earth color with black, a strong achromatic color, the entire coordination will be sharply tightened and an urban mood will be created. If you match it with black slacks and leather shoes, the military-inspired khaki coat will take on a more modest look.

Colors that go with khaki 2'Khaki & Gray' is an urban color scheme that blends well and expresses elegance

The combination with gray sublimates the bold khaki into the most urban and intellectual mood. At first glance, the combination of two neutral colors that tend to blur the outlines may seem like a difficult task, but in fact, the calm and elegant impression of gray moderately neutralizes the power and martial nature of khaki. White is also an option for an elegant look, but the combination of dusty khaki and clean white is quite contrasting in terms of both color and impression, so gray is just right and easy to match.

Colors that go with khaki 3'Khaki & Navy' - a contrast where intelligence and sexiness coexist

A color scheme that blends warm khaki with cool navy. This is a derivative of the ” Azzurro e Marrone ” style loved by fashionable Italians, where military strength and traditional elegance coexist. This coloring is recommended for mature men who are not satisfied with a safe monotone combination and want to produce intelligence and sex appeal at the same time.

We have also published an article that explains in more detail other colors that go well with khaki, so please check it out as well.

関連記事 What colors go with khaki? Introducing 6 colors that go well with khaki with examples of outfits.
カーキに合うのは何色?好相性な6つのカラーを着こなし事例とともに紹介
Khaki" is often used in military wear. Originally, it refers to a yellowish-brown color similar to beige, but in Japan, ...

From here, we introduce the latest street snaps of khaki coats!

Latest khaki coat coordinate 1Long khaki coat and thick slacks

An olive khaki stainless steel collar coat layered over a gray jacket style. The length of the coat and the silhouette of the slacks are very modern, and the incorporation of dress items and color matching are very well balanced, making this styling a model of adult khaki coat coordination.

Latest Khaki Coat Codes 2If you wear a coat with sweatpants, you should use an open hem type to retain a sense of class

This relaxed style combines a long khaki coat with wide silhouette sweatpants. Sweatpants with elastic or ribbed hems would give off a strong sporty element, but the trendy open-hem type has the elegance of slacks and is a good compromise between casual and relaxed. For those who are not fond of white pants, light gray pants like these neutralize the earthiness of khaki while not being too bright, making them easy to match.

Latest khaki coat coordinate 3Black suit style + khaki coat for an unexpected and interesting look

The mode dress style of a black suit and Margiela’s Tabibi boots is combined with a slightly yellowish and contrasting khaki coat for a wild look. The contrasting khaki coat with a slightly yellow tinge adds a wild touch. A conventional black or gray coat can create a neat look, but it lacks interest. In such cases, a khaki coat like this can create an unexpected and fashionable coordination.

Latest Khaki Coat Codes 4Dark khaki coat that amplifies the austerity of a well-fitted suit style

Dark khaki is a color that amplifies the austerity of a cool guy. Moreover, if it is an Ulster collar coat with a large collar, an impression of dignity can be acquired at the same time. This is even more so if it is worn in a tied-up suit style. If you are a mature man, aged between 40 and 60, and are tired of the standard coat colors such as black, navy, and gray, why not choose a coat in such an austere color?

Latest Khaki Coat Codes 5Match with royal white pants to neutralize earthiness

Among the khaki coats we have picked up so far, we finally introduce men wearing coats in colors closest to their original tones. This is a good example of a man who has cleanly repainted his image by adding white pants, which neutralize the earthiness of the coat. Since these two colors alone do not create depth, an accent color, yellow knitwear, is worn as an inner layer to create an eye-catching look.

The following is an update from before January 2021. The silhouettes and the matching pants have gaps from the current trend, but there are some color combinations that can be used as references, so please check them out as well.

Faded khaki coats give men’s coordination a masculine look

Khaki coats come in a wide variety of styles and colors. Depending on the silhouette and length of the coat, it can also bring out a masculine and burly look. This gentleman chose a bubble-breasted Ulster collar model with metal buttons from among such khaki coats. The faded color of the khaki coat accentuates his masculinity and assists his cool character, giving him an adult look that cannot be achieved with a standard-color coat.

A khaki coat with a fur collar gives the tied-up coordinate a luxurious atmosphere

A double-breasted khaki coat with a luxurious rich brown fur collar is worn over a tied-up navy suit. The khaki coat has an appealing masculine atmosphere and a rugged feel, but this item gives the impression of being extremely luxurious instead of rugged and understated. The short-legged brown fur that matches the color of the hair and the lenses of the sunglasses creates a sense of class, while the khaki base color reduces the sense of gaudiness and ostentatiousness.

Coordinates with a khaki coat spiced up with yellow items

This khaki coat coordination is spiced up with a yellow turtleneck knit that peeks out slightly from the upturned collar of the striped shirt and yellow socks on the feet. The vivid color accentuates the earthy color scheme of the outfit, bringing a touch of flair to the outfit. The choice of a khaki coat, which has a high affinity with brown items, creates a sense of unity in a styling with many colors.

A men’s coordinate with a twist using a khaki coat and tone-on-tone bottoms

The tone-on-tone of the green khaki coat and brown khaki trousers adds a twist to the dressy outfit. A navy jacket with a black turtleneck knit insert adds depth, while vintage-like deep brown leather shoes give a bold impression. The tailored jacket and turtleneck knit, which have a sense of character while being understated, wipe out any sense of drabness in this clean styling.

A wool khaki coat makes a casual winter coordinate look more mass-produced.

The wool khaki coat is different from the standard colors such as black, gray, and navy, and differentiates the casual winter coordinate. It is not too cool like a cold coat and not too warm like a warm coat, creating a stylish look that breaks away from the mass-production style. Khaki goes surprisingly well with any color, and you can wear your existing items in a different way.

Elevate your casual winter outfits with a dressy khaki coat

Elevate your casual winter outfits with a dressy khaki coat with an elegant sheen. The popular image of a khaki coat tends to remind one of military wear, but this gentleman’s khaki coat, which has acquired sophistication instead of a rugged appearance, creates a dressier mood and a one-rank-above look. He has completed the mix of dress and casual style without feeling awkward with a knit cap and an inner down coat.

Men’s khaki coat with a gimmick waist belt for a twist

A khaki coat with a gimmick waist belt that shapes the right side of the waist and a cable-knit turtleneck knit in a cozy color match to create a winter outfit. Tight-fitting patterned skinny pants with a leggings-like fit and tough-looking brown lace-up boots are added to create a loose-fitting, loose-fitting look that is balanced with the relaxed upper body. With this type of khaki coat, you can also achieve the relaxed styling of an oversized coat, which is the latest trend.

The Ulster collar of the khaki coat stands out dramatically around the face of the men’s coordinate.

This stylish coordinate combines a military-inspired Ulster-collar khaki coat with black items to achieve both a masculine and cool look. The wide collar of the coat is turned up to create a dramatic effect around the face, differentiating it from the stoic look. The bare feet peeking out from between the ankle-length bottoms and leather shoes also give the outfit a casual feel.

A casual coordinate that matches the color of the khaki coat, chinos, and knit cap

This gentleman chose a khaki coat with a soft fabric feel, and combined it with chinos and a knit cap in a khaki color. The black ribbed knit with a crew neckline used as an inner layer accentuates the khaki outerwear and bottoms, while the graffiti print white sneakers set on the feet give the coordinate a sophisticated finish. The combination of a black knit that creates a tight impression and white sneakers that are loose and comfortable will give a fresh look to a simple khaki coat styling.

Match the khaki kids’ coat with a seasonal black coordinate for an imadki-style look!

The mod coat, one of the standard military outerwear items, was a favorite of the “mods” who led the British fashion scene in the 1960s. If you want to wear such a mod coat in a modern style, you should match it with a trendy “black” color scheme. As shown here, the voluminous mod coat looks great with a tight black outfit and will surely give you a modern look.

The trick to wearing a khaki coat is in the color tone!

At first glance, a khaki wool coat may look difficult to wear, but if you match the tones as the gentleman we picked up does, you can easily pull it off. It goes great with basic colors such as navy and gray, so you will feel right at home with the items you already have. White sneakers on the feet add a sense of lightness, completing a well-balanced coordination.

Elevate your suit style by wearing a khaki coat with a sophisticated atmosphere

We found a gentleman who wore a khaki coat with a stylish suit style by adding a belt to give it a sophisticated look. While his entire body is in dark tones, he has added a flashy patterned tie as a colorful accent.

Coordination of a khaki coat with a full-throated masculine look

The coat in khaki, which has a military-inspired rugged impression, is the first item in this masculine combination of work-inspired denim jacket, corduroy pants, and other masculine items, giving it a rugged finish. The tone-on-tone green of the upper and lower layers creates a unique look with a sense of depth. The collar of the coat and denim jacket is turned up to accentuate the neckline.

The Chester Coat Coordinate in Khaki and Black for a Rugged Urban Look

A stoic all-black outfit is matched with a khaki coat for an urban and rugged look. The soft texture of the wool coat and the graceful vertical drape created by the long length of the coat create a beautiful impression and make it look not too much. The pants are worn at a length that shows the ankles, creating a subtle, relaxed look.

The use of a red scarf, which is a complementary color to the khaki, gives this coordinate maximum crispness.

To complement the khaki coat, it is also effective to use items of complementary or opposite colors to create a sense of crispness. The gentleman here uses a scarf in red, a complementary color, and drapes it loosely over the khaki coat to create maximum contrast. The dark green used in the tartan plaid pattern on the scarf is also a subtle color match.

A shiny khaki coat creates an elegant and austere coordinate.

Khaki, which has military origins, may give the impression of being rugged, but a khaki coat with a high quality luster will not give you that impression. The elegant sheen creates a luxurious and austere atmosphere that will surely elevate your coordinate.

Create an expressive coordinate by wearing a wool khaki coat with a rustic texture

Any item can completely change its impression depending on the material it is made of, and the khaki coat, which is often thought of as being all about ruggedness, is no exception. This gentleman chose a khaki coat with a brushed, rustic texture to add a rich expression to his dressy, tied-up outfit. The corduroy pants worn with the bottoms give the outfit a somewhat country feel.

Jacketed pants coordinate with an “aji” look using Bubur’s khaki coat

We caught this gentleman wearing “Whitley,” one of Bubur’s masterpieces, with a jacket coordinate. The “tasteful” atmosphere of the used fabric and corduroy collar elevates the look. The relaxed silhouette also matches the recent trend.

How to wear a dignified khaki coat with gold buttons like a stylish person?

The khaki coat with gold buttons, which has military origins, is an excellent item that gives a tough and masculine impression with just one piece, but it tends to be too much depending on the items you match it with. White pants are recommended to match with such a coat. They add a sophisticated image and look fashionable without being overdone.

Khaki coat coordinate with denijake innerwear for a sophisticated look

The khaki coat, with its distinctive big collar that reaches the shoulders, is worn with a denim jacket as an inner layer to create a casual look. A black turtleneck knit is layered underneath to accentuate the neck and give a modern look. The bottoms are sharply put together with skinny jeans and boots to create a Y silhouette for a stylish look.

The coat and other items are all in khaki, creating a sense of unity.

This is a beautiful coordinate that creates a sense of unity by using khaki items, including the chester coat, check shirt, and turtleneck knitwear. Because of the cohesive look of the outfit, the running shoes on the feet are a great addition to the outfit.

A khaki coat adds a different touch to the usual navy suit style!

If you want to give your navy suit, which every businessman has, a different look, try wearing it with a khaki coat. The masculine impression of khaki is neutralized by the intelligent and calm navy, creating a well-balanced coordinate while differentiating yourself from the rest. The gentleman in the snapshot, who chose a stainless-colored coat to match the taste of his navy suit with change pockets, emphasizes the Britishness of the outfit.

A casual khaki coat with a parka for a fresh look

A half-zip parka is worn with a khaki coat for a fresh and casual look. The key is to use only soothing colors so as not to look too youthful. The sizing is also carefully chosen to give the outfit a mature appearance.

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