Boys' 20th Century Trousers Chronology: The 1970s


Figure 1.--

Most boys wore long pants in the 1970s, but more boys even older boys were wearing short pants. The changes begun in the 1950s and 60s became well establisged in the 1970s. A major trend was that the difference between American and European pants continued to close. While there were still differences, they were much less pronounced. This varied somewhat from country to country. The other major trend was the increasing popularity of casual styles. Short pants were increasingly being seen as casual warm weather wear. We still see many boys in Britain wearing short pants suits and blazers with shorts, but almost always as required school uniforms. Short pants generally disappeared as dress up wear, but became very popular as casual wear. Here the growing popularity of both basketball and soccer in America were important factors. Jeans became the height of fassion. They largely replaced Lederhosen in Germany, except for younger boys and special occassions. Designer jeans made their first appearance, first in America. Boys also wore cotduroy pants, some cut like jeans, but denim jeans were much more popular. Another trend was that shorter cut shorts became increadingly populasr. Few boys wore knee-length shorts. By the end of the decade boys were wearing very short short pants, even in America and Britain. Camp shorts were popular in America, as well various styles with colorful sports styling.

Pants Types

Most boys wore long pants in the 1970s, but more boys even older boys were wearing short pants. The changes begun in the 1950s and 60s became well established in the 1970s. A major trend was the increasing popularity of casual styles. Short pants were increasingly being seen as casual warm weather wear. Short pants generally disappeared as dress up wear, but became very popular as casual wear. Here the growing popularity of both basketball and soccer in America were important factors. Jeans became the height of fassion. They largely replaced Lederhosen in Germany, except for younger boys and special occassions. Designer jeans made their first appearance, first in America. Another trend was that shorter cut shorts became increadingly populasr. Few boys wore knee-length shorts. By the end of the decade boys were wearing very short short pants, even in America and Britain. Camp shorts were popular in America, as well various styles with colorful sports styling.

Countries

A major trend was thatthe differences between American and European pants continued to close. While there were still differences, they were much less pronounced. This varied somewhat from country to country. We still see many boys in Britain wearing short pants suits and blazers with shorts, but almost always as required school uniforms.

Age


Length


Material

Boys also wore cotduroy pants, some cut like jeans, but denim jeans were much more popular.

Gender


Hosiery









HBC





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Created: 10:38 PM 2/15/2006
Last updated: 10:38 PM 2/15/2006