Why Are They Called Khakis?
If you’ve ever shopped for Khaki Uniforms or office pants, you’ve probably wondered: why are they even called “khakis” in the first place? Is it a color? A fabric? A style of pants? And why do so many companies still choose khaki for their uniforms today?
Let’s dig into the dusty (literally!) story behind khakis—and how this classic shade can work beautifully for your own khaki uniforms at work.
From “Khāk” to Khaki: A Color Born from Dust
The word khaki comes from the Urdu and Persian word “khāk,” which means dust or earth. “Khaki” essentially translates to dust-colored or earth-colored—that soft, muted brownish-beige shade we know today.
In the mid-1800s, soldiers in British-ruled India began dyeing their white uniforms with local materials like tea, mud, and plant dyes. The goal:
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Blend in with the landscape
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Hide dust and dirt
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Stay cooler than in heavy dark fabrics
These “dust-colored” uniforms were soon called khaki, and the name stuck. Over time, other military forces around the world adopted similar uniforms. What started as a practical battlefield color eventually became a staple in schoolwear, office uniforms, and corporate attire.
So… Is Khaki a Color, a Fabric, or a Style?
Short answer: mostly a color—but people now use it to describe the whole look.
Originally, khaki referred specifically to that dusty, earthy shade between light brown and muted green-ish brown. Today, people use “khakis” to mean:
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A color family – light beige, tan, camel, sand, and even slightly olive tones
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A type of pants – “khaki pants” or “khaki slacks,” usually cotton or twill
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A uniform style – polo + khaki bottoms, or button-down + khaki pants
When you see brands or offices talk about Khaki Uniforms, they usually mean uniforms built around this neutral, earth-toned base—whether that’s pants, skirts, shorts, or even dresses and jackets.
Why Khaki Works So Well for Uniforms
There’s a reason khaki has survived trends, decades, and dress-code changes. It quietly ticks all the boxes that matter for uniforms:
1. Neutral, Professional, and Approachable
Khaki sits in that sweet spot between formal and friendly. It looks professional enough for offices, banks, schools, and frontliners, but it doesn’t feel stiff or intimidating.
On staff, khaki uniforms often give off this vibe:
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Trustworthy
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Organized
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Down-to-earth
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Easy to approach
Perfect if your team deals with clients, customers, or guests every day.
2. Easy to Mix and Match
Another big win: khaki goes with almost everything.
Whether your team wears:
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White, navy, black, or gray polos
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Colorful corporate shirts in your brand colors
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Printed company shirts with your logo
Khaki bottoms keep the overall look clean and coordinated. That means your staff can rotate tops more freely while still sticking to a neat dress code.
3. Practical for Daily Work
Remember its origin? Khaki was literally invented to deal with dust, heat, and constant use.
In a modern workplace, that translates to:
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Better at hiding minor stains and dust than pure white
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Less visually “heavy” than solid black in hot environments
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Great for field work, site visits, store staff, or school settings
When paired with good fabric—like durable cotton blends or twill—khaki uniforms can stay presentable even after long shifts and multiple washes.
Choosing the Right Shade of Khaki for Your Brand
Not all khakis are the same. Tiny shifts in tone can say very different things about your brand:
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Light sand khaki – clean, airy, and fresh; great for clinics, salons, cafés, and creative offices
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Classic beige khaki – timeless and versatile; ideal for corporate, school, or government uniforms
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Warm tan khaki – a bit richer and more casual; good for retail, hospitality, and lifestyle brands
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Olive-leaning khaki – subtle, rugged edge; suits outdoor staff, logistics teams, or field workers
When you customize Khaki Uniforms, you’re not stuck with just one standard shade. You can match the tone of khaki with your logo colors, interior design, or brand personality, so the uniforms feel truly “yours” instead of generic.
Khaki Uniforms in the Philippine Workplace
In the Philippines, khaki has become a familiar sight in:
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Corporate offices and BPOs
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Schools and universities
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Government offices
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Retail stores and supermarkets
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Restaurants, cafés, and hotels
Why? Because in a tropical, fast-paced environment, you want uniforms that are:
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Breathable
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Presentable
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Easy to style
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Durable and long-wearing
Khaki pairs perfectly with the kinds of custom clothing companies rely on today—polos, button-downs, jackets, and workwear designed to represent their brand while staying comfortable for staff.
Bringing Khaki to Life with CraftClothing
Knowing why they’re called khakis is fun trivia. But the real magic happens when you turn that classic shade into well-crafted uniforms your team is proud to wear.
At CraftClothing, we:
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Use high-quality fabrics suited for Philippine weather—light yet durable, and comfortable enough for daily use
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Offer multiple customization methods (like embroidery, silkscreen, sublimation, and pattern making) to showcase your logo and design details clearly and cleanly
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Pay attention to fit and construction, from stitching to buttons, zippers, and hems, so your uniforms can withstand regular wear and frequent washing
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Help you with design mockups and recommendations, so your khaki shade, top design, and branding all work together as a cohesive look
Whether you need uniforms for a small team or a large organization, we’re here to make the whole process simple—so you can focus on running your business while we focus on the craft.
Ready to Create Your Own Khaki Story?
Now that you know why they’re called khakis—and why this earthy shade has become a uniform icon—it’s time to make it part of your brand.
Explore our Khaki Uniforms and imagine how your logo, colors, and team personality can come together in one timeless look.
Tell us your vision. We’ll craft the khakis that your team will proudly wear for years to come.
