Have you ever given much thought to the different lengths of pants and what they are called? Here's a diagram out of Patternmaking for Fashion Design:
Shorty Shorts - 1 1/2-inches below the crotch level at inseam and 1 to 1 1/2" above the crotch level at the side seam.
Shorts - 2-inches below crotch level.
Jamaicas - Midway between the crotch level and the knee.
Bermudas - Between the Jamaicas length and the knee.
Pedal Pushers - 2-inches below the knee.
Toreador - Between knee and ankle.
Capri - 1-inch above ankle
Ankle - self-defined.
Based on these definitions, I have never worn shorty shorts and shorts. In my younger days, I would have happily worn either the Jamaicas and the Bermudas. Today, I'm much more likely to be seen in Pedal Pushers length as defined.
Toreador is a new term for me. Out of curiosity, I looked up the various terms of pedal pushers, toreador, and capri to see what showed up in fashion. All showed up but more or less looked the same. The lengths varied based on designer. I think all of these terms are interchangeable in today's world.
Which of these lengths are more flattering on? Which of these lengths are least flattering? I'm sure everyone has an opinion on this. To me, the mostly flattering style is a where the hem length is hitting a curve just at the point where it it getting smaller. For me, this would most likely be at the top of my knee and at the bottom of my calf.
I think I need to explore different pant lengths as I age. In the past, I was never really attracted to the longer capri styles. However, they look very cute when styled well.
The warmer weather here has me wanting to wear lose dresses and skirts. It feels hot even with the air conditioning. Yeah, I know I can turn the temperature down but I would prefer not to turn it lower during the day and what I'm wearing directly affects that. It's all about choices and how much you're willing to pay the electric company.
What do you think of these pant definitions? Any surprises?
Happy Stitching!
No comments:
Post a Comment