subject: Pedal Pushers for Warm Weather [print this page] Pedal Pushers for Warm Weather Pedal Pushers for Warm Weather
Who invented pedal pushers and how did they become so popular? Love them or hate them, pedal pushers always come back, stronger than ever. But where did the idea come from? Who thought of making women's half-pants? How did they manage to survive till today?
Pedal pushers, as the name coyly indicates, were originally meant for cyclists who needed pants for coverage but something short enough to not get caught in the bicycle's gears. Enter the idea for "short-long" pants. These pants came along mainly for women cyclists during the 1950s when appropriate dress was not revealing shorts, but dresses; this was a happy middle.
Throughout the years, pedal pushers have acquired some sassy names. These names included clam diggers, toreador pants and motor scooter slacks. Pedal pushers have not only developed in name, but in styles of "short-long" pants. One of the more successful varieties of the pedal pusher are capris. Capri pants were developed by European fashion designer Sonja de Lennart in 1948. Unlike pedal pushers, capris go down the ankle, hovering just above the feet. The Italian island of Capri was the muse for this style.
The reason pedal pushers have been able to last throughout the years are mainly due to their functionality. Pedal pushers do not extend as far as capris; they tend to stop at the knee. Not only does this style allow liberal movement of the legs, for cyclists and non-cyclists both, but also more clothing than the average short. They come in an array of fabrics as well. Some of the more popular types have been jeans and stretchy legging material.Pedal pushers have come to be found in different colors, patterns and styles, declaring them everlasting women's clothing.
Fifties movie starlet Audrey Hepburn was one of the first to popularize pedal pushers. The functionality of these pants stretched as they became more fashionable to include more sports such as sailing. The multifunctionality of the pants were popularized by Hepburn, who was often seen wearing pedal pushers in different sporting events.When capris arrived as products of pedal pushers, she began sporting them also, often in the color black which brought attention to her narrow shape and powerful character. Having an iconic personality such as Hepburn only fueled the demand for short-long pants.
Today, pedal pushers can still be seen included in the summer line of many clothing brands. They are ideal for hot weather and protection from the sun. Pedal pushers will add to your closet; buy yours now!.
