What are French Army M52 Chinos?
query_builder
2021/03/27
editorial
Euro military style is currently very popular in the vintage clothing market.
In particular, French military style has many classic items that are enduringly popular due to their high design quality.
This time, we will introduce the "M52" chinos, a timeless masterpiece of French military wear, which we also carry in our store.
History of the M52 Chino
As the name “M52” suggests, the M52 chinos were adopted by the French military in 1952 and were mass-produced as part of the French military uniforms for about 10 years thereafter.
Over its 10-year history, the specifications have changed, and the model can be divided into the "early" model made in the early 1950s, and the "late" model which has a flap on the back pocket.
The 1950s in France can be considered the golden age of French fashion, when Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Chanel and others were active.
On the other hand, it was also a time of growing independence for French colonies, including the Sino-Algerian War and the Algerian War, in which military force was used.
It was against this historical backdrop that the M52 chinos were created.
In particular, French military style has many classic items that are enduringly popular due to their high design quality.
This time, we will introduce the "M52" chinos, a timeless masterpiece of French military wear, which we also carry in our store.
History of the M52 Chino
As the name “M52” suggests, the M52 chinos were adopted by the French military in 1952 and were mass-produced as part of the French military uniforms for about 10 years thereafter.
Over its 10-year history, the specifications have changed, and the model can be divided into the "early" model made in the early 1950s, and the "late" model which has a flap on the back pocket.
The 1950s in France can be considered the golden age of French fashion, when Christian Dior, Balenciaga, Chanel and others were active.
On the other hand, it was also a time of growing independence for French colonies, including the Sino-Algerian War and the Algerian War, in which military force was used.
It was against this historical backdrop that the M52 chinos were created.
About the silhouette, details, and texture of the M52 chinos
The M52 chinos have a seemingly loose silhouette, with a wide thigh width and tucks around the legs, which taper slightly towards the hem.
The balance is excellent, resulting in an elegant silhouette that is typical of French military style.
The balance is excellent, resulting in an elegant silhouette that is typical of French military style.
The details are very simple, with a deep rise and button fly.
The early model has a back pocket without a flap, while the later model has a back pocket with a flap.
There are two types of tacks: one tack and two tacks.
Two-tucks are often seen on later models, but one-tucks are quite rare.
Since this item was manufactured for nearly 10 years, the texture of the fabric and the number of tucks vary depending on the manufacturer.
The fabric is the same for all items and they are all made of twill weave.
Two-tucks are often seen on later models, but one-tucks are quite rare.
Since this item was manufactured for nearly 10 years, the texture of the fabric and the number of tucks vary depending on the manufacturer.
The fabric is the same for all items and they are all made of twill weave.
How to choose the size of M52 chinos and how they fit
French military pants sizes are indicated by two numbers.
You might think that the larger the number, such as 13, 25, 31, or 35, the larger the size, but this is not the case with the French military.
The number on the left indicates the length (inseam length) and the number on the right indicates the waist.
Generally, there are sizes 1 to 6.
Length 1 tends to have an inseam of about 70cm, and Length 3 tends to have an inseam of about 80cm. Waist 1 tends to be just under 80cm, Waist 3 tends to be 85cm, and Waist 5 tends to be about 90cm, but due to the nature of military items, there are individual differences and differences in size even in deadstock.
French military pants sizes are indicated by two numbers.
You might think that the larger the number, such as 13, 25, 31, or 35, the larger the size, but this is not the case with the French military.
The number on the left indicates the length (inseam length) and the number on the right indicates the waist.
Generally, there are sizes 1 to 6.
Length 1 tends to have an inseam of about 70cm, and Length 3 tends to have an inseam of about 80cm. Waist 1 tends to be just under 80cm, Waist 3 tends to be 85cm, and Waist 5 tends to be about 90cm, but due to the nature of military items, there are individual differences and differences in size even in deadstock.
The M52 chinos in the photo are size 35.
You can see that the length is equivalent to 80cm inseam of size 3 and the waist is equivalent to 90cm of size 5. The size is similar to that of jeans or other pants with a 35 inch waist.
If you choose the M52 chinos in the right size, you can wear them with elegance and beauty.
You can also experience a beautiful silhouette by wearing a slightly larger size and tightening the belt.
You can see that the length is equivalent to 80cm inseam of size 3 and the waist is equivalent to 90cm of size 5. The size is similar to that of jeans or other pants with a 35 inch waist.
If you choose the M52 chinos in the right size, you can wear them with elegance and beauty.
You can also experience a beautiful silhouette by wearing a slightly larger size and tightening the belt.
M52 chinos available at ARZACH KAMAKURA
Currently available are late M52 chinos with a flap and one-pleat design. Deadstock with paper tag. All were made between 1953 and 1958.
It is rare to find deadstock items with the paper tag still attached, and this is an old, rare model with a single tuck.
Currently, M52 chinos, including deadstock and vintage ones, are becoming scarce, so various types such as reproduction models and black-dyed ones are appearing.
If you have the chance, we recommend that you get your first one as an original deadstock item and treasure it.
The M52 chinos we carry in our store also have individual differences in size. Please check the size on the product page of our online shop, and if possible, try them on in our store to find a pair that suits you.
It is no exaggeration to say that the M52 is the most popular model of chinos.
If you are looking for a pair of elegant chinos with a different look to American chinos, you can't go wrong with the M52 chinos.
Currently available are late M52 chinos with a flap and one-pleat design. Deadstock with paper tag. All were made between 1953 and 1958.
It is rare to find deadstock items with the paper tag still attached, and this is an old, rare model with a single tuck.
Currently, M52 chinos, including deadstock and vintage ones, are becoming scarce, so various types such as reproduction models and black-dyed ones are appearing.
If you have the chance, we recommend that you get your first one as an original deadstock item and treasure it.
The M52 chinos we carry in our store also have individual differences in size. Please check the size on the product page of our online shop, and if possible, try them on in our store to find a pair that suits you.
It is no exaggeration to say that the M52 is the most popular model of chinos.
If you are looking for a pair of elegant chinos with a different look to American chinos, you can't go wrong with the M52 chinos.
ITEM: M52 CHINO DEAD STOCK
PRICE: ¥33,000 tax included
CONDITION: Dead stock
Origin: Made in France
PRICE: ¥33,000 tax included
CONDITION: Dead stock
Origin: Made in France
You can try on the M52 chinos in Kamakura, the ancient capital of Kanagawa Prefecture.
ARZACH KAMAKURA is a select shop located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. The physical store is located about a 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station, and is easily accessible from within Kamakura city as well as Yokohama.
If you live far away, you can also order from our online store. We can ship not only within Japan, but also overseas. Please feel free to use our service.
ARZACH KAMAKURA is a select shop located in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. The physical store is located about a 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station, and is easily accessible from within Kamakura city as well as Yokohama.
If you live far away, you can also order from our online store. We can ship not only within Japan, but also overseas. Please feel free to use our service.
