What Are Pants and Trousers?
Pants and trousers are garments that extend from the waist to below the knee or ankle. They differ from skirts and dresses because they cover the legs separately rather than having one piece of fabric extending down both legs.
Trousers are typically more formal than jeans, khakis or chinos. They’re often worn with a suit or a dress shirt.
Origin
Pants and trousers (along with leggings) are outer coverings worn on the lower part of the body. They are divided into sections to cover each leg separately. Their origins date back to ancient times, and they are often thought of as a type of pantaloon.
Trousers became more common among equestrian peoples and, later on, with the domestication of horses, men were able to move around quickly while riding. They were not, however, immediately accepted as clothing by all cultures and societies. Some societies banned them, particularly for women.
Over time, the development of pants allowed men to move more freely and was a sign of masculinity and combat power. They were also an ideal garment for warriors and working peasants. Women, on the other hand, had to wear skirts and aprons that were often tight and restrictive.
The term pants is a contraction of the word pantalone, which came from the Italian comic strip character Pantaloon. The shortened form, Pants and Trousers pant, is attested by 1840. Pants may also be referred to as breeches, knickerbockers, or pantaloons, though the latter two terms usually denote specific types of trousers. In the United States, they are mainly known as slacks. The term jeans is sometimes used to describe pants but generally indicates a particular style of slacks. Other forms include jodhpurs, kashmiris, and ghararas.
Styles
A pair of pants or trousers are a staple wardrobe item. They are a versatile clothing option for both formal and casual occasions. They come in different styles and fabric types, and are designed for both men and women.
Whether it is to dress down a smarter ensemble or to add a tailored touch to a casual look, trouser trends are always in vogue. The cropped chinos with a buttoned-up shirt and premium suede bomber or the high-waisted trousers with a polo neck, tee and white sports luxe trainers are ideal for dressing down, while the classic woollen trouser is a wardrobe staple that works well in both formal and off-duty settings.
The choice of fabric also plays a key role in how the trousers look. A natural, heavier weight fabric will keep the pleats from ballooning or opening, while flimsy synthetic fabrics are prone to these problems.
The closure type of the trousers is another important factor. Trousers can be closed by buttons, elastic or with a fly front. There are also trousers that feature a waistband with belt Pants and Trousers loops and pockets, while others are completely unstructured. The pockets may be seam side or front and they may be positioned at the back, in the middle or on the sides. The trousers are then finished with a hem, which is either flat, military or cuffed.
Fabrics
The fabric used for trousers is usually heavier than the light, drapey fabrics used for skirts and dresses. They are designed to be worn over the upper body, so they need to be stiffer and hold their shape better – particularly if they will be used for work or formal occasions.
Traditionally, trouser fabrics were woven with either cotton or wool. Gabardine, a classic twill weave with a smooth face on one side and traditional diagonal ribs on the other is great for trousers because it has both strength and good drape. We also have a lightweight wool gabardine with a bit of elastane blended in for comfort and improved elastic recovery, perfect for dress pants.
Other popular trouser fabrics include wool crepe, which is a thick, strong fabric that gives a fluid drape but is firm enough to hold its shape well. A good quality twill wool in a bottom weight is also excellent for trousers, as is a soft, stretchy pique cotton.
Another type of trouser fabric is cotton satin, which is a silky, luxurious material that is great for trousers that will be worn for special occasions. Hemp, a sustainable bast fibre that is similar in look and feel to linen is also good for pants, as is a sturdy hemp corduroy. Hemp corduroys have a soft, stretchy quality that makes them comfortable to wear and they are available in a range of colours.
Accessories
While statement jackets and trendy sneakers tend to get most of the attention, a well-chosen pair of pants is quietly (and reliably) one of the most important wardrobe staples. The best men’s pants look polished, professional, and ready to face whatever the day brings. But rather than resign yourself to your trusty slim-fit black dress pants, why not consider something bold? These hot pink, high-waisted dress pants are a fashion-forward choice that work for a wide variety of office styles. They’re crafted with 5% elastane for a stretchy fit and feature a little bow at the waist and at the end of each pant leg. For a more tailored look, wear these with a button-down shirt and blazer. This style comes in regular, tall, and petite sizing.
Other options include stirrup pants, which are similar to leggings and can be cuffed like jeans, or carpenter pants, which have more pockets and additional hoops for tools. You can also find work pants in materials other than wool, including linen and cotton.
The ADAY ethos is built on sustainability, versatility, and simplicity. These pants embody those ideals with a classic silhouette, machine-washable fabric, and the option of cuffing the legs for an alternate look. They’re available in a range of neutral colors to suit almost any dress code, and the front flap pocket adds an extra touch of style.
