Pencil, cigarette, drainpipes, skinnies. Fitted denim of the hipsters, or tight leather of the 80s metal-head. It’s hard to imagine a point in modern fashion when fitted pants were not “in.” They’ve always been around, but it seems to be a trend that’s just not dying out. And now, as a high-profile medical study shows that this staple denim is in fact harmful, is this something we should put to rest?
Speculations on the “unhealthy” side of skinny pants have been going on for years, but it wasn’t until last week when science proved that skinnies, just like heels, actually cause nerve damage. According to the Guardian, tighter pants restrict movement. Why do we have to go through pain just to look good? Surprisingly, this hasn’t always been the case. Let’s take a trip through history and explore how fitted pants have tapered through time.
1400 – 1700
The fitted style originates to in the 15th century. Tudor men (late 1400s) of the United Kingdom wore loose breeches and other hosiery, which were later made popular by King Louis XIII’s court. Their look was the classical white wig, powdered face and a poofy, romper-like outfit with knee high socks. Oh, not to mention the tricorne hat.
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Then there was the Mughlai Empire, a Persian-infused culture established in India from the 16th to the 19th century, which wore Churidar’s, a harem-style pant that’s wide at the top and narrows at the ankles.
Back in Europe, women wore a similar variation of the Churidar: bloomers. Although they weren’t worn in public, bloomers were the first pair of pants deemed acceptable for women to wear. Vive la pants!
Then the European Restoration period (from 1660 to 1685, roughly) introduced fitted breeches. The sudden shift in cut was due to flattery of the body. The fitted pants were not only fashionable, but much easier to move around in, especially when it came to horseback riding.
1900 – 1910
Entering the 1900s (or, sticking with royal references, the Edwardian era), and fitted pants were out, and looser pants (such as Baggy Oxford trousers) were in.
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1910 was the year of harem pantaloons, brought to the forefront by designer Paul Poiret. The name sounds weird, but harem pantaloons are pretty much genie pants. Think I Dream Of Jeannie. These were experimental at the time, and only reserved for rich (read: bougey) women to wear.
1950s
Fast-forward 40 years. The 1950s saw the birth of rock n’ roll, and this musical rebellion re-introduced skinny pants in an edgier way. The Beatniks, a group in which youngsters were shying away from the traditional, social way of living, adopted the skinnies into their avant-garde style and androgynous looks. It was a symbol of rebellion, coolness and all that jazz. Think of high-waist, dark wash jeans, a black turtleneck, black shades and a black beret.
1960s
The ’60s brought about bright colours and more options for women. Carrying over the high-waist style, pants were now cut in more feminine ways, such as the capri. And just like that, flirty pants were born. Prior to the 70s, skinnies were pretty much only associated with men. It wasn’t “lady-like” to wear them, especially because of the badass image it evoked (not to mention sex appeal: skinnies gripped curves).
Skinnies were a tool for gender empowerment for women, not to mention a shout for sexual equality. This slightly shifted during the 70s, as the skinny pants helped create a bad-boy image which was, well, all about boys.
1970s
The 70s are often associated with the hippie aesthetic (wide-legged bell-bottoms, flower power), but we tend to dismiss the rise of punk rock. Bands such as The Ramones, Teenage Head, The Clash and the Sex Pistols re-re-introduced skinnies, making it a punk staple for generations to come. These jeans came ripped and covered in buttons and homemade patches.
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Thanks to female punk musicians like Patti Smith, the skinnies were now something that commonly shared by both men and women.
1980s
Ten years later, pants in the 80s were tighter than ever. The 70s look carried over, but the 80s kids were more about distressed and acid wash looks. Groups such as Megadeath and Van Halen made this popular.
1990s
The 90s brought about the subtler, cleaner look, meaning no rips or accessories. But fitted pants were now a thing for both boys and girls, which is a plus.
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2000s
And then, the era many of us now regret: the emo phase. This point in history introduced super skinny pants (remember when boys stole their girlfriends jeans?) that hid absolutely nothing. The “scene” look is still alive and well in rural high schools, unfortunately, but skinny jeans have evolved into a more comfy fit for all.
Related Link: Mesh, a fashion trend from 1888
What do you think about skinny jeans? Let Vv Magazine know in the comments below, or tweet us @ViewtheVibe.
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