Not all harem pants are created equal. While some current incarnations of the harem pants are being shown with dropped crotches and causing some panic among fashionistas, there are comfortable and tasteful harem pants available. These contemporary harem pants in black are gathered at the ankle, and have a flattering silhouette. Other harem pants look like a combination of a skirt plus leggings, mimicking the once popular look of a pair of jeans underneath a skirt, which is very modelesque.
Harem pants came on the fashion scene near the beginning of the 20th century, as created by French designer Paul Poiret. The loose pants were in direct opposition to corsets and other binding clothing for women. Poiret was also fond of draping. It’s not surprising that draping and harem pants have increased in popularity simultaneously. Today the appearance of harem pants can be attributed to a desire for exoticism in our everyday lives, and by an interest in fashions of the 1980s.
In the 1980s, harem pants, the draped style with the tapered ankles were popular. They could be worn with ankle slouch boots which were popular at the time. MC Hammer, in heavy rotation on MTV wore his extreme version of harem pants.
I Dream of Harem Pants
Barbara Eden wore them well in I Dream of Jeanie, although she longed more for the appearance of Doris Day and Jackie O., matching pastel suits complete with hats and gloves. Jeanie’s harem pants were sheer, made in a classic full style and not made for leaving the bottle.
Runway: On and Off
Harem pants have been populating the fashion runways, and off the runway Jennifer Lopez, Debra Messing and Rachel Stevens have been photographed wearing harem pants.
Modern harem pants may also be three-quarter length, similar to Capris, tapered below the knee, and made to fit closer to the body than 1980s harem pants. Some will balk at the resurgence of harem pants, but for converts, enjoy them during dance class, yoga, or for a night-time walk on the beach.
Sources
Harem Pants, http://www.shira.net/cg/harempants.htm
http://www.fashion-era.com/orientalism_in_dress.htm
