TextileGlossary.com

What are "Bell Bottoms" - Definition & Explanation

Bell Bottoms
Bell bottoms are trousers that become more wide from the knees downwards.
It is believed that bell-bottom pants were introduced in 1817 to sailors working on deck. The flare at the end of the pant leg allowed them to be rolled up more easily than normal straight-legged pants. The bell-shaped leg also made the pants easier to remove in a hurry when forced to abandon ship or when washed overboard. The pants may also be knotted at the legs to be used as a life preserver. Absurdly wide hems became fashionable in the 1960s, both for men and women.

If a person looks at a pair of bell-bottoms from front or behind, it has the form of a bell or trumpet. Bell-bottoms are sometimes worn by carpenters in order to prevent dust from getting into their shoes. In the modern fashion scene, bell-bottoms were most popular in the 1960s and 70s. They become popular again in 1990s in a reincarnation known as "flares", worn mostly by women.
Bell Bottoms
Bell bottoms are trousers that become more wide from the knees downwards.

Some other terms

Some more terms:

The process of physically compressing (or shrinking) woven fabrics so that they don't shrink unacceptably when a customer washes them. Most fabric processes work under tension that stretch fabrics as...
A shirt is a sort of top, i.e. a piece of clothing used to cover the trunk of the body. In the UK, it refers almost specially to what Americans call a dress shirt, i.e. a garment with a collar and a...
Antimicrobial is a wet finishing technique that is durable. It is an application of chemicals that inhibit the growth of odor causing bacteria and fungi. This is of particular use on wicking...
Wool fabric brings to mind cozy warmth. Some wools are scratchy giving some people the idea that they are "allergic" to wool. Although wool fiber comes from a variety of animal coats, not all wool?s...
A shrug is an article of clothing, a sleeved sweater that covers the chest, shoulders and/or arms. It is usually worn by women. Generally, a shrug covers less of the body than a vest would, but it is...

Add a definition

Add a definition for a textile term that you know about! Send us an email & tell us:
  • The term you want to define
  • Its definition in 500 words or less
  • Attach an image if necessary.
  • Optionally, tell us about yourself in 200 words or less!

Companies for Bell Bottoms:

If you manufacture, distribute or otherwise deal in Bell Bottoms, please fill your company details below so that we can list your company for FREE! Send us the following details:
  • Company name
  • Company address
  • Attach a logo, if necessary.
  • Optionally, tell us about yourself in 200 words or less!

(s) 2023 TextileGlossary.com Some rights reserved. • Sitemap