What Dress Code Is Khakis?

10 December, 2025 Marketing Department

If you’ve ever read “Wear khakis” on a memo and found yourself wondering, “So… is this casual? Business casual? Pwede ba sneakers dito?”—you’re not alone.

Khakis are one of the most commonly used pieces in company dress codes and uniforms, but the rules around them can feel a little vague. The good news? Once you understand what “khakis” really mean, they become one of the easiest, most versatile foundations for professional outfits and company uniforms.

In this guide, we’ll break down what dress code khakis belong to, how Khaki Uniforms work for different industries, and how you can turn them into polished, cohesive workwear for your team.

So… what dress code is khakis, exactly?

Short answer:
Khakis are usually part of business casual or smart casual dress codes.

They’re more polished than jeans but more relaxed than formal slacks. That’s why they’re a favorite for:

Offices that want a professional but not stiff look
Retail and service teams that need to be approachable but uniform
Schools, training centers, and field staff who need something neat, durable, and easy to move in

When khakis are used in uniforms, they’re typically paired with a company-issued top—like a polo, button-down, or jacket—to clearly define the dress code and keep everybody looking cohesive.

What counts as “khakis” for uniforms?

Originally, “khaki” referred to both the color (beige/stone/sand) and the cotton twill fabric. These days, for uniforms, “khakis” can mean:

Classic khaki pants (straight cut, slim, or relaxed)
Khaki chinos
Khaki skirts or skorts
Khaki jogger-style work pants
Even khaki shorts for certain industries (like resorts or outdoor teams)

As long as the overall look is neat, structured, and in that neutral khaki family, it can fit into a business casual or smart casual dress code—especially once you standardize the top and accessories.

How khaki uniforms fit into different dress codes

Khakis are like a chameleon: same base, different vibe depending on what you pair them with. Here’s how companies usually use Khaki Uniforms across dress codes:

1. Business Casual: Offices & Corporate Teams

For companies shifting away from full-on corporate slacks but still wanting polish, khakis are a perfect middle ground.

Typical business casual uniform combo:

Crafted polo shirt or button-down polo + khaki pants
Optional corporate jacket or blazer for meetings
Closed shoes (loafers, flats, low heels, or clean sneakers depending on company culture)

This combo helps your team look like a unified group while still feeling comfortable enough for long work days, client meetings, and commutes.

2. Smart Casual: Retail, Showrooms, & Frontliners

For customer-facing roles where you want “approachable but trustworthy,” khaki uniforms really shine.

Smart casual khaki uniform ideas:

Khaki pants + branded polo shirt with embroidered logo
Khaki skirts + button-down polo jacks
Khaki chinos + lightweight corporate jacket for malls or air-conditioned spaces

The look is friendly, neat, and brandable—your logo and colors stand out clearly against that neutral base.

3. Neat Casual: Schools, Training Centers, NGOs

Not every uniform has to feel “corporate.” For schools and organizations, khakis nail that balance of structured but not intimidating.

Examples:

Khaki pants + colored polo per section/department
Khaki skirts + soft, breathable button-downs
Khaki shorts (for PE or outdoor activities) + dri-fit uniforms

The result: your group looks coordinated in photos, events, and field work—without employees or students feeling overdressed.

4. Functional Workwear: Field, Logistics & Tech Teams

Khakis made from the right fabric can also work for more active jobs.

Stretch khaki pants for installers, tech teams, or logistics staff
Khaki jogger-style pants with pockets for tools or devices
Paired with breathable polos, work shirts, or light jackets

Here, the dress code leans more toward practical uniform than fashion—but khakis keep the look clean and professional while allowing movement and durability.

Why businesses love khaki uniforms

Whether you’re running an office, café, clinic, or retail brand, khaki uniforms offer a lot of advantages:

1. Professional but relaxed

Khaki instantly feels less stiff than black slacks, but still much more “work-appropriate” than denim. This makes employees feel comfortable while still looking credible to clients and guests.

2. Works with almost any brand color

Because khaki is neutral, it pairs well with:

Deep navies and maroons (classic, premium feel)
Bright oranges, yellows, and reds (energetic, friendly)
Greens and earth tones (natural, eco-conscious brands)

Perfect if you want your logo or branded tops to stand out without clashing.

3. Inclusive and easy to size

Khaki silhouettes can flatter many body types:

Straight-cut and slim-fit options
Pants, skirts, or skorts
High-rise or mid-rise styles

When you standardize the color but offer multiple cuts, your staff feels both confident and comfortable—a big plus for morale and productivity.

4. Durable and repeatable

Because khakis are a uniform staple, it’s easy to reorder, replace, and scale as your team grows. When produced with quality fabrics and strong stitching, they hold up well to frequent washing and daily use.

How to design khaki uniforms that match your dress code

If you’re updating or creating your dress code, here’s how to make khakis work for you:

1. Start with the bottoms

Decide what your standard “khaki piece” will be:

Corporate / office: khaki chinos or straight-cut pants
Retail / café: khaki chinos, skirts, or shorts (depending on your brand personality)
Field / active work: khaki pants with stretch, pockets, or jogger cuffs

Standardize the color and fabric, then allow some flexibility in cut if needed.

2. Choose tops that signal the dress code

The top is usually what pushes the look toward casual, smart, or business:

Polos – perfect for business casual and smart casual uniforms
Button-down polos / polo jacks – more formal, great for corporate or reception roles
Corporate or bomber jackets – add polish for cooler offices or outdoor events

By clearly defining “khakis + what top,” your dress code becomes easy to follow and consistent across teams.

3. Add branding the right way

To make your Khaki Uniforms truly yours, your branding should be:

Visible but not overwhelming – think left-chest logo embroidery, sleeve logos, or subtle back prints
Consistent – same logo placement and size for all staff
Durable – use proven methods like embroidery, silkscreen, or sublimation depending on the fabric

This way, your uniforms don’t just follow a dress code; they represent your brand every time your team steps out.

4. Write it clearly in your dress code policy

Instead of simply writing “Wear khakis,” be specific. For example:

Business Casual:

Company polo in assigned color + khaki pants + closed shoes
Smart Casual (Store Staff):

Branded button-down polo jack + khaki chinos or khaki skirt + clean sneakers or loafers
Field Team Uniform:

Dri-fit collared shirt + stretch khaki pants + closed work shoes

Clear guidelines = less confusion, fewer daily outfit questions, and a more polished-looking team.

Turn “khaki” from vague memo to polished uniform with CraftClothing

If you’re ready to upgrade from “basta khaki pants” to well-designed Khaki Uniforms, this is where CraftClothing comes in.

As a Manila-based custom clothing manufacturer, CraftClothing specializes in fully customizable uniforms—from polos and corporate jackets to work pants and accessories—using quality fabrics and careful craftsmanship.

Here’s what you can expect when you create your khaki dress code with CraftClothing:

A range of polo shirts, button-downs, and jackets that pair perfectly with khaki bottoms
High-quality materials designed for daily wear, multiple washes, and long-term use
Custom branding options (embroidery, silkscreen, sublimation) so your uniforms proudly carry your logo
A simple, guided process—from idea, to free mock-up, to finished uniforms your team will be excited to wear

Explore how you can standardize your dress code and elevate your team’s look with Khaki Uniforms from CraftClothing.

Your staff gets comfort and confidence.
Your brand gets consistency and professionalism.
And you? You’ll never have to answer “Ano ba talaga ibig sabihin ng khakis?” in the group chat again.