Simon zips along. Bruce sees what he can turn-up.
From ancient origins to modern styles, from practical purpose to cultural significance, trousers offer a fascinating lens through which to view history, social change, and even language itself.
Origins of Trousers

The oldest known trousers are from 13th-10th century BC China, made of wool, with straight legs and a wide crotch. These were likely for horse riders. This suggests a connection between trousers and the practicalities of horseback riding and warfare.
The "Pair" of Trousers:
The accepted theory is etymological: the word "trousers" comes from the Celtic words "truce," "trus," and "trusas," all ending in 's' and therefore sounding plural to English speakers.
The Evolution of "Pants"

In Europe, "pants" was a shortening of "pantaloons". "Pantaloon" is derived from a comical theatrical character with flamboyant trousers.
Surprisingly, the American usage of "pants" to mean trousers is older than the British usage of "pants" to mean underpants.
Trousers and Gender
Historically, women wearing trousers was considered rebellious. In the USA, it was sometimes illegal for women to wear trousers in offices and restaurants until the 1970s. Charlotte Reid was the first woman to wear trousers to Congress in 1969.
A Parisian bylaw required women to seek permission to “dress as men” (including wearing trousers), which was only relaxed in 2013. The caveat was that women could wear trousers if holding the handlebars of a bicycle or the reins of a horse.
An Indian court ruled that a husband forcing his wife to wear saris instead of kurtas and jeans was considered "cruelty" in 2014.
Trousers as a Symbol of Status:
Peter the Great of Russia mandated trousers for all Russians (except farmers and clergy) in 1701.
In some cultures, trousers (specifically "breeches") were historically associated with manhood. The transition from breeches to trousers was a significant moment for men.
Different Styles of Trousers Through History
Breeches: Rise high, stop at the knee, often worn with stockings (popular from 14th-19th centuries).
Plus Fours: Named for being four inches below the knee.
Jodhpurs: Riding trousers, adopted by the British from India (specifically Jodhpur).
Bell Bottoms: Historically worn by the Royal Navy, with various theories on purpose such as to enable quick removal after falling overboard, or use as a flotation device.
Flares: A later iteration of the bell bottom, and notably featured in Star Trek uniforms, as a way to reflect being on a ship.
Capri Pants: Tight fitting trousers which finish just above the ankle or between the ankle and the knee.
The Story of Jeans
Jeans are named after the "Gene" material that originated in Genoa, Italy in the 16th Century.
"Denim" was created when the people of Nimes in France tried to replicate "Gene", resulting in a more hardwearing twilled cotton fabric.
Levi Strauss (and tailor Jacob Davis) patented the use of rivets to strengthen trousers in 1873, though Jacob Davis' role is sometimes overlooked. Jeans transitioned from workwear to fashionable clothing, helped by James Dean’s "Rebel Without a Cause".
Cuffs/Turn-Ups:

Invented in the 1890s. Banned during World War II due to fabric shortages. Associated with Al Capone's gangster style and later with the punk movement.
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