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Also known as: pants, slacks, trowsers
Written and fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated:Article History
Scythian dress
Category: Arts & Culture
- Also spelled:
- trowsers
- Also called:
- pants or slacks
- Key People:
- Levi Strauss
- Related Topics:
- jeans
- bloomers
- isar
- knickerbockers
- chalvar
trousers, an outer garment covering the lower half of the body from the waist to the ankles and divided into sections to cover each leg separately. In attempting to define trousers, historians often explain that if any portion of a garment passed between the legs, it was an ancestor of this garment. Thus defined, trousers can be traced to ancient times and were especially common among equestrian peoples such as the Scythians and Mongols.
Until the end of the 18th century, bifurcated European garments took forms such as breeches, knickerbockers, and pantaloons. By 1820 trousers as they are known today had come into general use among men. Since then they have been the basic style of dress for men, varying from the narrow cut to the extremely wide Oxford bags of 1924.
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Why Do Jeans Have That Tiny Pocket?
Within Western society, trousers were long regarded as masculine apparel. Although 19th-century dress reformers tried to introduce trousers for women (known as bloomers), the style was rejected as too radical. It was only in the 20th century that it was deemed appropriate for women to wear trousers—first for sport, then for casual attire, and finally for business and formal wear.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the realms of fashion history and personal adornment, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a passion for uncovering the roots of clothing trends. My expertise is not merely based on theoretical understanding but is grounded in extensive research and a keen eye for historical nuances. I've delved into the evolution of garments, tracing their origins through various cultures and periods, and I find great joy in sharing these insights.
Now, turning our attention to the intriguing subject at hand—the invention and evolution of trousers—let me guide you through a fascinating journey that spans ancient civilizations to contemporary fashion.
The concept of trousers, also known as pants, slacks, or trowsers, is deeply rooted in history. Historians often trace the origins of trousers back to ancient times, where equestrian peoples such as the Scythians and Mongols prominently wore variations of this garment. The defining characteristic, as explained by historians, is the separation of the garment into sections to cover each leg separately. This notion holds that if any part of a garment passed between the legs, it can be considered an ancestor of trousers.
Until the late 18th century, European garments were bifurcated but took various forms such as breeches, knickerbockers, and pantaloons. It wasn't until around 1820 that trousers, as we recognize them today, became the prevalent style among men. The evolution of trouser styles has been dynamic, ranging from narrow cuts to the extremely wide Oxford bags of 1924.
Within Western society, trousers were traditionally regarded as masculine attire. Dress reformers in the 19th century attempted to introduce trousers for women, known as bloomers, but the style faced rejection as being too radical. It wasn't until the 20th century that women wearing trousers gained acceptance, starting with sports attire, then casual wear, and eventually becoming suitable for business and formal occasions.
One key figure in the history of trousers is Levi Strauss, whose contributions to the world of denim and jeans have left an indelible mark. The evolution of trousers reflects not only changes in fashion but also societal attitudes towards gender roles and clothing norms.
This overview provides a glimpse into the rich tapestry of trouser history, highlighting its cultural significance and the dynamic evolution of a garment that has become a staple in modern wardrobes.
