The bell bottom pants were originally worn by sailors during the War of 1812. They were a flared bottom that was more functional than fashion. They were rolled up when cleaning the decks of the ship and could be pulled down quickly in case a sailor fell overboard.
They also had a large flap on the front that was easy to kick off in the water. This was important because the thick wool that the pants were made from became heavy if a sailor fell overboard and was unable to roll them up.
In modern times, a zipper has replaced the flap. However, zippers were not common at the turn of the century so a large flap was necessary to keep the pants dry.
Bell bottoms slowly waned in popularity over the years but became famous once again in the 1960s and 1970s. They were a rebellion against mainstream fashion and a symbol of a new generation of American youth that were more involved in radical political and artistic movements.
Why Do Sailor Pants Have 13 Buttons?
Contents
The front flap on sailor pants has 13 buttons. This was a novel design at the time because the zipper had not yet been invented and would have rusted in sailors’ salty environment.
Interestingly, the reason they had this many buttons is a bit more complicated than it sounds. Originally the flap had 15 buttons but these were reduced to seven to save material.
Another reason they had this many buttons is that the flap actually had two hems which meant you could use a lot of them to keep your pants up. This was a cool idea but not one that sailors really used.
Finally, it was a good decision to go with this many buttons because they are more durable than the zipper which can come apart easily. This is because they are made of a heavier-duty fabric. This was a smart move because if someone falls overboard the trousers are more likely to stay in place. It’s also a good idea because it makes them more practical to wear.
What is the Origin of Bell Bottom Pants?
Bell bottom pants are a classic style that was incredibly popular during the 1970s. Everyone from Sonny and Cher to disco dancers rocked the wide-legged flare jeans.
While most people associate bell bottoms with the 70s, they actually have a long history dating back nearly one hundred and fifty years. The bell-bottoms’ oversized legs were originally a functional design used by sailors who worked on boats. They were able to roll up easily and could be inflated with air for use as life preservers if they fell overboard.
In the 1920s, designer Coco Chanel took inspiration from wide-legged sailor pants and created versions of them called “Yacht Pants” and “Beach Pajamas.”
Women began wearing these pants to break away from restrictive corsets and dresses. They became a huge fashion trend throughout the 1960s and 1970s, paired with clogs or Cuban-heeled shoes for everyday wear.
Why are Sailors Pants So Wide?
While sailor pants have been around for centuries, the modern day bell bottom did not make its grand entrance until the early part of the 19th century. These wide pants were functional – they could be rolled up in an instant to allow sailors to do their work – but the most impressive thing about them was that they were fashionable and even made it to the glitzy department store shelves for a while. Today, they are still a staple in many sailors’ closets as a matter of course if they are on a ship or if they have to wear a uniform off the dock.
The modern sailor can choose from a variety of fabrics, including wool, cotton, and denim. In particular, linen and spandex have a long standing reputation as being the best choices for sailors, thanks to their ability to breathe well in salty air. A sailor can also choose from a variety of styles, from cuffed or rolled to loose or slim. In addition, a sailor can select from a range of fits and finishes to suit their personal preferences.
Why Do Sailor Uniforms Have a Flap?
The flap in the front of a sailor uniform is one of the most recognizable features. It’s a feature that can be found in period paintings, daguerreotypes and etchings. It’s also a feature that is believed to be lucky.
Sailors have worn their pants this way for many reasons over the years. The first was to help keep their hair from getting caught in the rigging and equipment of the ship. This was especially important when they were on long voyages.
Another reason that sailor pants have the flap is to help them get in and out of their uniform more quickly. In addition, the flap can help if a sailor falls into the water.
In addition to this, the flap was used as a means of decoration. In the past, sailors would decorate their cuffs and collar flaps to make them more personalized and flashy. This was against Navy regulations, but they continued to do it because it was a way to express themselves.
What are Sailors Trousers Called?
Sailors Trousers are a type of pant that is worn by sailors. They are similar to work pants and come in a blue color. They also have a broad flap on the crotch area that is held in place by 13 buttons.
The reason for this is that the zipper was not popular on a wide scale in the 1800s. Zippers were made of metal and would rust in the salt air and water that sailors are exposed to.
They were also very heavy and difficult to remove when they needed to get out of the water. This was the main reason why they had to have this large flap.
These bell bottom pants are sometimes referred to as “Crackerjacks.” They were originally designed for practicality and made it easier to remove them when needed. They also had flared ends which allowed them to roll up for practical purposes and were a great life preserver when a sailor fell overboard.
What Do the 3 Stripes on a Sailors Collar Mean?
During the early 1860s, sailors were wearing a collar with three white stripes. These stripes indicated their rank.
They also indicate the color of the sailor’s uniform. The Navy has several different blue and white uniforms, depending on the type of service a sailor does.
The US Navy has a long history and is one of the world’s largest and most respected maritime forces. It is made up of more than 336,000 active-duty and 101,000 reservists.
Sailors wear a number of insignia to show their rank, pay grade and rating. A rating is the group of people that work together in a specific field, such as aviation, marine engineering, or submarine.
In the US Navy, an enlisted sailor’s rate is determined when they join the service. They are assigned to a particular rating and the people in their rating become a community of shared interests.
When a sailor completes 12-years of good service with no breaks, they earn gold service stripes on their uniform. Previously, yellow stripes were reserved for those with bad conduct, but new policies have eliminated that designation.
Why Do Sailors Have 7 Creases in Their Trousers?
The wide legs on bell bottom pants were designed to help sailors get their pants rolled up quickly in order to avoid getting wet from the water while working on the ship’s top deck. They also helped keep sailor’s feet dry in case they were to fall overboard and had to be pulled out of the water.
In addition to their practical purposes, they were also very fashionable during that time period. French designer Coco Chanel used them as inspiration for her wide-legged trousers, which became popular throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
During that time, young people were rebelling against everything the previous generation had stood for, and bell bottoms served as a symbol to represent this. They sparked a movement that aligned with anti-war sentiments at the time.
In the ’60s and ’70s, bell bottoms were widely available at thrift stores and sold in large numbers to people of all ages. They were worn with heeled shoes and boots, often paired with Cuban heels or clogs, for a hippie look that captured the era’s counterculture movement.
Learn More Here:
1.) Pants Guides
