Khaki was originally derived from the Persian word for "the color of soil." The color name traveled from British India to England, and was first used in English when it was English color name introduced as a military uniform. (Photo: Topical Press Agency/Getty)
1939 to 1945
During World War II, soldiers stationed in tropical climates wore a U.S. Army Field uniform, otherwise known as a Class C or khaki uniform, with a lightweight version of khaki trousers.
Post-WWII
Soldiers started wearing their khaki trousers as everyday wear, and the boys from Princeton followed suit. They were a sign of patriotism, and they were comfortable. Khaki trousers also coincided with women starting to wear pants. (Photo: IGFA)
1980s
The release of The Official Preppy Handbook heralded the return of prep school style a.k.a. Khakis, worn loafers, and pink and green.
1990s
The tech bubble and rise of the ambiguously-defined "business casual" made khakis an Office Space-style workplace staple. (Photo: Boston Globe/Getty)
1998
The Gap aired its "khakis swing" spot during Seinfeld’s final episode to 76 million viewers
2000 to 2016
Denim dominated the early 2000s, with premium denim like 7 For All Mankind heralding denim into acceptance as a dressier and more work appropriate look. In spite of trends incorporated from buzzwords like normcore, khaki has failed to see a resurgence. Even department store family portraits are being done in denim.