What are flared trousers?
Flared trousers (from French cloche - bell) is a style of trousers whose legs widen towards the bottom, starting from the hip or knee line.
To understand what flared pants are from a historical perspective, the style originally appeared in the 19th century as part of the uniform of American sailors. The wide legs allowed the pants to be quickly rolled up when washing the deck and easily removed in the water during a shipwreck.
Flared trousers entered mainstream fashion in the 1960s and 1970s. They became an iconic element of hippie style and disco culture, and since then have regularly returned to designer collections in new interpretations.
The main types of flared trousers
The cut of flared trousers is divided into several main categories depending on the starting point of expansion and the length of the legs.
- Flared from the knee A classic option, in which the fabric fits tightly around the hips and begins to noticeably widen from the knee joint downwards.
- Flared hips (palazzo) Wide-leg trousers that flare out just below the hips. This cut creates a flowing, airy silhouette, visually reminiscent of a maxi skirt.
- Cropped flares A modern variation, above the ankle in length. Most often found in denim, it's often finished with raw hems.
- Bell-bottoms An extreme version of a knee-length flare with maximum expansion towards the bottom, which completely covers the shoe.
What to wear with flared trousers
Since flared trousers create extra volume at the bottom, the silhouette is built on a contrast of proportions. A fitted top, such as a turtleneck, fitted shirt, crop top, or bodysuit, is the perfect complement. This helps maintain balance and accentuate the waistline.
Classic long flared trousers require the right footwear. They look best with heels, wedges, or platforms (ankle boots, pumps, sandals). According to the fit guidelines, the hem of the pant leg should cover at least half of the heel. Ideally, there should be 1-2 centimeters between the hem of the trousers and the floor, which visually lengthens the legs.
When choosing outerwear, harmonious proportions are achieved by pairing it with cropped, waist-length jackets, such as leather biker jackets or bombers. Alternatively, choose long, structured coats and classic, straight-cut trench coats that don't add bulk around the hips.
