Who Wears the (Harem) Pants?

Posted by Gill Hart Feb 23, 2009

Inspired by the runways of YSL, when it comes to this season's trouser trends, the dropped-crotch look with a mass of material floating between the knees may be comfortable, but to my mind, is akin to wearing a baby’s nappy (diaper).

Quite who wears these apart from the die-hard-fashionista, I am not really sure. Anyone the wrong side of 22 should think very carefully before donning a pair, especially if under 5ft 4. Whilst these may look glamorous on 6ft runway models with skyscraper legs, women like me have enough of a struggle to look good in this season’s peg-legged pants, yet along baggy trousers which look as if they have been borrowed from a circus.

I am actually no stranger to harem pants. Living in Thailand, they are reminiscent of the Thai fisherman pants that are worn daily not only by fisherman but by tourists like backpackers who find them comfortable and cool. However, what works for a stroll along a beach in Phuket, with a tropical tan and searing sun, does not convert so easily to a cold and damp London.

In fairness, since last year, harem pants have been toned down somewhat for the spring season. They are less billowy and clown-like and have been given a more wearable edge. For anyone who actually looks good in them, there are some gorgeous designs in the market.

The most wearable are probably those which are part of a jumpsuit, as you don't have the problem of what to wear on top, and they look more sophisticated in an all-in-one style.