What Are Capri Pants?

In the 1950s, smart ladies of fashion wore capris combined with simple polo shirts and crisp white blouses. Nowadays, ladies wear capri pants with cotton basics and cute ballerina flats. These snug, short pants are an excellent, modest alternative to shorts and skirts, and can even be transitioned into the office. Short pants have a long history in Western fashion, representing a lasting and versatile wardrobe silhouette.

Function

Capri pants are usually worn as a casual bottom, although some office environments allow them in dressy fabrics. They often serve as an alternative to shorts and full-length trousers, and coordinate easily with tops and jackets. Some designers have branched out, using the capri pant to create suits and special-occasion wear. Capri pants made from knit fabrics make great leisure and beach wear, with additional value as workout apparel.

History

The capri pant closely resembles men's knickerbocker pants, or breeches, from the 18th century. Ladies also wore short pants, called bloomers, underneath their dresses as a foundation garment. The modern capri pant was very popular in the 1950s, with TV wives such as Laura Petrie ("The Dick Van Dyke Show") wearing them while in the home. The pants lost popularity, then came back into vogue in the 1990s. Now, capri pants are a regular addition to many high-fashion runway lines.

Identification

Capri pants have several features that distinguish them from other pant silhouettes. First, the capri cut is usually more narrow than other short-pant structures such as the gaucho. Capris may end either slightly above the knee or a couple of inches below, falling to a tapered width, or along a straight one. Common capri fabrics include denim, cotton twill, linen and polyester. On rare occasions, designers create wool versions.

Considerations

Capri pants can present a fashion challenge for some women. Petite women sometimes claim that capris make them look shorter, since the hemline can sometimes fall in the awkward area between the bottom of the knee and mid-calf. To remedy this problem, try shopping in petite stores, or hemming the pants to a shorter length. Capri pants are a silhouette that greatly benefit from a trip to the fitting room.

Misconceptions

Some think that capri pants can look too young or childish, or that they'll add visual weight to the frame. If these are concerns, stick to darker neutral and black fabrics. Black capris can be slimming, especially when paired with a kitten heel. Khaki and olive capris work with practically any other color, and are flattering shades on most skin tones. Capris are fun to wear, so it's worthwhile to try a pair on during your next shopping excursion.

References

• Style List: Four Rules for Wearing Capri Pants

Resources

• Bella Online: Capri Pants and Pedal Pushers