Trousers are the most comfortable and popular item of men's and women's wardrobe. Due to the wide variety of styles, fabrics, and colors, they go with all clothing styles - from brutal military to elegant chic. To find the perfect option for yourself, it is important to distinguish between different types of trousers, know their features, history, and purpose. In addition, it is imperative to take into account the advantages and disadvantages of the figure.
Classification
Trousers are classified according to parameters depending on cut, length, material, and purpose. In addition, products are sewn with different fit levels:
- High-waisted models. Very popular with women, as they visually correct the figure, creating an elegant silhouette. High-waisted models were common in the 70s, competing with low-waisted pants. The trend is called "mom jeans".
- Low rise – pants that sit on the hips, usually at least 3 cm below the belly button. These pants have been available for both men and women since the 1950s.
- Mid-rise – a traditional model with a waistline at the navel or a couple of centimeters below. A universal cut, as it suits most body types.
By appointment
Trousers are suitable for almost everyone, regardless of age and build. There are 4 types according to their purpose:
- Business (classic) – trousers in an office style, usually straight cut with creases. Often made of suit material, distinguished by calm colors and the absence of bright decorations.
- Casual – comfortable, simple trousers for every day, allow for more complex cuts, decoration and unusual colours, fabric combinations.
- Sports – practical pants, suitable for physical exercise and active recreation, do not restrict movement, made of soft elastic material.
- Dressy – elegant trousers for formal events and special occasions. Women's festive styles of trousers are sewn from expensive flowing fabrics – satin, silk.
Based on materials
When choosing a fabric for sewing trousers, its characteristics such as texture, breathability, compliance with the chosen style, density, and composition are taken into account. Depending on the materials used, the following types of products are distinguished:
- dense – models made from fabrics that hold their shape, do not wrinkle and can be ironed well (polyester, denim, tweed);
- lightweight – models made of thin, flowing materials with folds and drapery (silk, chiffon);
- natural – products made from natural materials (cotton, linen, silk, wool, cashmere);
- synthetic – trousers made from artificial fabrics (viscose, polyester, nylon).
There are universal fabrics that are used for sewing both men's and women's models. These include cotton, wool, tweed, denim, cashmere, etc. There are also fabrics that are mainly used for making models for the fair sex: guipure, silk.
By cut
The cut of trousers determines their style and the possibility of using them in certain styles. There are the following types of silhouettes:
- narrow – models of trousers that completely follow the line of the legs;
- tapered - trousers with volume on the hips, tapering towards the bottom;
- straight - a traditional version of trousers of a simple silhouette with narrow or wide legs of the same width;
- loose - a cut with wide legs, used in casual and dressy styles;
- flared - women's trousers that fit the figure from the waist to the knees and then flare out towards the ankles.
By length
The length of trousers is presented in different variations. It is selected taking into account the style, features of the cut, body type. The main types are:
- Standard - long trousers reaching to the ankle.
- Cropped trousers are models that are above the ankle. They should cover the knees. Cropped trousers are stylishly combined with a jacket with 3/4 length sleeves and are suitable for people of short stature.
- With a turn-up. Trousers can have a cuff, which makes the bottom tighter, which helps the garment keep its shape.
When choosing the length of trousers, it is necessary to take into account several well-known rules. For example, shortened options are recommended for tall girls, while short ones – floor-length items with arrows. Owners of wide hips should give preference to flared models that cover the foot, while full ones – items up to the middle of the heel.
In business models with arrows, the cuff is presented as a straight horizontal strip; in more informal styles, in order to make a turn-up, it is enough to simply roll up the legs. Often, the seam is covered with a material in the same tone or contrasting for a more aesthetic look.
Fashionable women's styles
Trousers moved from men's to women's fashion in the last century and have since become a favorite wardrobe item for the fairer sex. They are worn both to offices and to special events in summer, winter, and in the off-season. Among the many options, we can highlight fashionable styles of trousers for women:
- Afghani (harem, harem pants) are loose, baggy pants with numerous folds on the hips, tightly hugging the ankle or calf (if shortened). They are made of silk, chiffon, knitwear and are combined with a tight-fitting top.
- Bananas are oval-shaped trousers with pleats at the waist and slightly tapered from the knees to the ankles. They resemble the fruit of the herbaceous plant of the same name in shape. They can have different lengths and are made from thin and thick fabrics. They go well with short-sleeved shirts, chiffon blouses, and long single-breasted jackets. They suit short girls.
- Breeches are a style similar to bananas. The pants are very loose on the hips, they fall in folds, and from the knee they hug the legs. They add volume to the hips and emphasize the width of the shins. It is recommended for tall, slender girls to wear them with shirts tucked into the belt.
- Pipes (cigarettes, pencil, skinny jeans) are one of the most popular types of women's trousers. They are low-waisted, 7/8 length products that follow the curves of the body. They are sewn from elastic denim with spandex. They are combined with a top of any length - both with short jackets and cardigans.
- Flared – items that fit tightly to the knees and widen towards the feet. The shape of the flared legs resembles bells. The best choice of footwear is high-heeled shoes, which visually stretch the silhouette and add height. Ideal for a pear-shaped figure, as they balance the proportions.
- Capri pants are cropped, straight-cut pants that end at the calf or knee. They may have cuffs. They are made from simple fabrics (jeans, cotton, polyester). They are usually worn in an informal setting, but can also be used to create a business look.
- Cargo – practical, often spacious military-style trousers with large patch pockets with flaps on the hips or knees. The trousers often have a low rise and are combined with long T-shirts and shirts.
- Carrot - cropped tapered trousers with a high waist and tucks at the waist, loose at the hips. The name is translated from English as "carrot", which indicates their conical shape. Suitable for women with "pear" and "hourglass" figure types. Flowing fabrics are used for production: crepe, silk, soft.
- Slacks are loose trousers made of thick cotton with creases and turn-ups at the bottom, used for wearing outside of work. They resemble boyfriend jeans and look harmonious with a printed top.
- Chinos are loose-fitting linen or cotton trousers, often cropped or rolled up, allowing for slight creasing. Originally available in natural shades, they are now available in a variety of colours. Versatile, recommended for the office and for walks.
- Leggings are elastic, tight pants without fasteners, zippers, or pockets. They are made of viscose, cotton, with the addition of lycra or spandex for elasticity. They are suitable for everyday, sportswear. They are worn for physical exercise, since the soft, stretchy material allows you to move freely. You can wear a tunic or long sweaters on top that hide your hips.
- Palazzo - long wide trousers with a high waist. Popular as a smart summer option due to the use of light, breathable fabrics. Silk, satin, knitwear, and other fabrics made from natural fibers are also used for this item of clothing. In winter, wool, jeans, and suiting material are preferred.
- Culottes are a mini version of palazzo pants. They are short pants that reach to the knee or mid-calf. They have an A-line cut that resembles a skirt. The French origin influenced the name of these wide pants.
- Jodhpurs are tight-fitting elastic trousers with imitation cuffs at the ankle, stylized as riding pants. They have a loop at the bottom for the heel. They fit harmoniously into a jockey outfit or a military-style ensemble.
- Baggy - a style of traditional Korean pants that are part of the national costume. They are very baggy, have a loose fit, and are supported by a belt.
- Gauchos are short, wide, calf-length trousers modeled after the costumes of South American cowboys. They are usually high-waisted and are best worn with open-toed shoes.
- Boyfriend jeans are loose, straight, oversized trousers with a dropped crotch and cuffs. When paired with cropped tops, T-shirts, tank tops, classic jackets and high-heeled shoes, they look casual and stylish.
Despite the variety of styles of women's trousers, they all have a common origin, being borrowed from the men's wardrobe.
Popular male models
Trousers are a basic element of a man’s wardrobe. The classic suit includes a hem with creases. But there are also other, less formal models intended for everyday wear. Common styles of men's trousers:
- Cargo – durable cotton loose-fitting items with large pockets, suitable for outdoor activities. Usually olive or camouflage colored. Pair with knitted sweaters, light shirts, T-shirts, and sports shoes.
- Chinos are trousers without creases made of twill fabric. They are made of pure cotton or linen, but there are also products made of a mixture of different materials. As a rule, they have a light brown color, but other colors are also common. As a universal style of trousers, they are combined with a classic shirt, jacket or a simple plain T-shirt.
- Slacks are semi-formal wide trousers made of thick gabardine. This type of men's trousers has folds from the waist, turn-ups at the bottom. They can be tapered. They are worn with tucked-in shirts, and can be complemented with a belt or suspenders. In terms of footwear, a combination with loafers or oxfords, classic shoes looks stylish.
- Joggers are loose-fitting sports pants, tapered from the knee and secured with an elastic band at the ankle. Knitwear or soft stretch cotton are used for sewing. This model is a favorite among young people. You can complement it with a sports-style top, a casual untucked shirt, or a tweed jacket. Beanie hats and baseball caps are suitable headwear.
- Breeches are baggy on top, hug the knees and end with narrow cuffs that are tucked into the boots. The top should be tight, you can choose a fitted shirt and dilute the look with a vest, put on shoes, sneakers or moccasins.
- Hooligans are comfortable men's trousers of a loose cut. Their calling card is considered to be slanted deep, slightly voluminous side pockets. Hooligans are sewn from denim, viscose, cotton. Usually have an elastic band or lacing on the waist. An ideal option for everyday wear.
Knowing the features of different types of men's trousers will help you choose the right option and express your individual style.
What are unisex products?
Nowadays, trousers are considered universal clothing for both sexes. The unisex trend emerged in the 1960s, when girls began to advocate wearing simple, comfortable clothes that allowed them to lead an active lifestyle on par with men. Thus, elements of the stronger sex's wardrobe (trousers, shorts, shirts, etc.) were borrowed for women's clothing, receiving the name "unisex". In modern fashion, there are significantly more models for girls than for men. Common general styles for both sexes are classic trousers with arrows, chinos, cargo, slacks.
Tips for choosing
When choosing the ideal pair of trousers, it is recommended to consider such parameters as fabric, color, length, style and body type. For summer outfits, you should choose pants made of light, breathable fabrics (cotton, linen). In cold weather, wear wool, tweed, and corduroy. Cotton is sometimes mixed with polyester so that the material wrinkles less and the item stays smooth longer.
Classic colors of trousers: black, dark blue, gray. They are suitable for business looks and look good in suits. For informal, everyday outfits, you can choose bright stylish shades: blue, red, green. The choice of the best length of trousers for a non-business style depends on your height. Classic trousers suit tall people, while shortened options to mid-calf look better on men and women of medium and short height.
Properly chosen trousers fit well and are loose enough to move easily. Tight-fitting styles should not bunch up near the zipper or around the hips – this is a sign that they are too tight.
Trousers are an irreplaceable item in the wardrobe. They have many men's and women's styles, each with its own distinctive features. With all their diversity, anyone can choose the ideal option for themselves, which will become the basis for stylish looks.
Video
Photo
