By Mary Catherine
I think we all happen upon trends that we’re just not sure about. I fought the comeback of leggings and I lost that one–happily, it turns out. But I also wasn’t sure about dresses over pants and I stand by that one…which brings me to my current conundrum: harem pants. Amber and I were talking about if they’re actually Hammer pants or maybe gypsy pants? I think all the names apply, with maybe the dropped-crotch aspect being a definitive characteristic of the Hammer variety. For the sake of this post, I’m going to refer to them all as harem pants and say upfront that I don’t think the extreme dropped crotch helps anybody and all the crotches here are just–looser, let’s say.
What I’m talking about is a silhouette that is different from the skinny pipe-leg jean silhouette that we’ve all been seeing for a while now. I have a couple pairs of pleat-front shorts and I love them. It’s different, feels a little more retro-modern and has a casual, less body-conscious look overall which can be interesting.
My question is -are they one of those items that only works on the tall-skinnies or is there a way for the rest of us to pull them off? I remember seeing Sienna Miller in a pair a few years ago and I thought she looked great. She’s not incredibly tall or emaciated, and though she got a lot of flack for them, I thought it was a really interesting choice and she looked cute. And I’ve been seeing more versions of them popping up here and there and they have me feeling curious…So I trolled around on the interwebbies today looking for more examples and found a few that were terrifying, but some that I thought really worked.
Witness:
Both of these are from the ebay store Funkin Junkie. And though their model is clearly thin and probably not 5’2″, I think she looks great because she got the surrounding elements and proportions right. When you have some voluminous fabric, it’s best to keep everything around it fairly simple and on the fitted side. I would think a snug little tank top is key if you’re going to go blousy below. And I was thinking, too, that proportionally, the high, fitted waist could do a lot of favors in terms of making one’s waist appear smaller and maybe disguising some of things some of us might want disguised in the bottom area. And for my money, seeing a bit of the ankles seems to be very helpful in giving the look room to breathe. I also think you need the highest possible heel in your closet.
Urban Outfitters had a couple of them as well:
Again, a high, chunky heel and a little bit of ankle. The first ones I can see as a great springtime-throw-them-on-with-a-tank no-nonsense outfits. I know the second ones aren’t technically harem pants, but I thought they were super-cute and the silhouette is similar and I think the same rules apply.
I was also thinking the thrifting possibilities for these–especially the pleated pants– would be pretty good for a bit…I found a bunch (about 20 different pairs) on etsy that I am considering…Even though I am 5’2″, I think I can pull them off by keeping the blouson effect fairly tamed (perhaps a simple alteration here and there), and following the rules above.
What do we think? Is it a do or a don’t??
Unfortunately, it seems like harem pants in most thrift stores are getting nicked like crazy. Tough to find already.
I heard a nice pair will sell for like $80 on ebay! Insanity.
In other news, the model from Funkin Junkie is my friend, Jillian! I just worked with her yesterday on the first photoshoot for The Painfully Hip Design Collective! She’s only about 5’5, FYI, completely fab, and will be gracing many a painfully hip page very soon!
I haven’t bought any harem pants, but i did buy some high-waisted, tapered, striped linen trousers which are a similar shape, but much more flattering – sans the “i just took a dump in my pants” results.
Hmmm…. I like this idea, but I’m not sure it would work on someone like me. I am an hourglass/ curvy kinda gal…5’4″ tall with T & A and a small waist. I’m not sure how flattering this look would be on me, but I do love to rock the 4″ heels and they seem sooooo comfie. What do ya think?
Maybe I just need to try it.
I am all for them!!! I think you know I’ve had a long term affair with “granny” pants, and this is just another take on those in a way– retro prints, high waist, comfortable and flowing. I am rather fond of the cheetah ones. And I think you are completely right about the necessity for fitted plain tops (you gotta let the pants be the soloist and everything else a backup singer :~)) but the ankle part never occurred to me…. seeing the pics you chose, though, I totally get it– I’m giving my granny pants a few roles in the pant leg department next time I sport them!
I must say: negative, Ghostrider. No, no, nada. Not happenin’ with a 5’2″ lady wif curves. my mom pulled a pair of pants like the last above off of a rack this weekend and asked if pleats were back. I stand by the mantra: If it doesn’t look good on you, no matter how cool or hip it is, don’t wear it. You are not helping anyone if you force a look. It has to be effortlessly cool.
YES from me!
I’m 5’4″ short, and on the curvier side, and purchased my Harem pants last year, and have worn them to death ever since. I have several pics of me wearing them in my blog, and I think it only works as you said, with the right shoes, the right proportions, and nothing to voluminous on top…PLUS, they are SO comfy I’d be happy living in them at home…they’re my ‘muu muu’ of pants
xx
Callie, I have to agree with you. Negative, Ghostrider. On Jillian it looks great, on me it would look…wrong. I’m 5’9″ with a pretty small waist and wide hips but I still think it would emphasize the pear too much? I must say, the top left-hand all-black is my fav.
[...] bookmarks tagged snug To wear, not to wear (and how to wear): harem pant… saved by 5 others theRealRikku14 bookmarked on 03/18/09 | [...]
The all black is my fav too! however, i have a pear shape body, so i would look super fat! i say Harem pants yes, but depending on your body
I dunno…. I feel as though some of ‘em look like really hideous sweat pants, and some of then look like grandmother pants… I could never ever wear grandmother pants and keep a straight face all day. I wouldn’t be sure whether to cry, laugh, or blush a very dark and unflattering shade of radish.
Nope – nadda.
No one has worn this since the 80′s. Not saying it shouldn’t come back (it shouldn’t
but when people wear them now (and I have yet to see anyone do so in real life) they are going to look TOO OBVIOUSLY TRENDY! Like, hello I’m just gonna wear whatever Elle tells me to wear.
Because, seriously, why would you wear these ugly, unflattering pants? Do you want to have a saggy diaper butt and huge hips?
I don’t. Perhaps models do, I dunno.
I can appreciate the subtle versions, like the first UO one because it’s just skimming the trend but anything else is too much and down the line will be too “Spring 2009.”
no no no no…
Sorry I HATE harem pants, with burning, firey, unquenchable passion…
My hips are big enough without drawing unnecessary attention to them! It’s one of those trends that makes even the models look fat, so I’m not sure how a person with an kind of derriere could pull it off!
one opinion!
I have had some that end mid-calf and they look great with a white tank top.
for me it is a don’t, I cannot do it!
I think with any trend, it works for some, and doesn’t for others. I don’t like them too much to take out the time to find a pair that would work for me.
First off I must say what a wonderful site you have here! I enjoy your commentary so much! With that said, everyone should try the ‘Dhoti’ style pant! Not to be confused with the ‘Harem’. The Dhoti is the pant with the drop crotch (in refernece to the piece of cloth men wear in the middle east), the Harem has more of that balloon leg bottom. I am a whopping 5’3″ w/large thighs & hips & I found that Forever21 has an awesome pair of Dhoti pants for $15 (wearing them on my blog)! I’ve tried those black ones on from Urban…I was about to run out in tears I’ve never tried on anything so bad!
I’m still very much on the fence, as I’d have to see them on someone much more like me (5’2″ curves but not much of a waist) to be convinced, but I just wanted to say that I really appreciate this kind of post for articulating what to take a look at proportion-wise for how to make these things work. I’m slowly working on training my eye to notice that sort of thing, but it takes time and is very much helped along with people’s guidance, so thanks again!
I have to say…I had no desire to wear these until I saw that first picture. The black on black with the bow is just gorgeous. I love the silhouette, I love how the tank makes it casual and cute…I might have to try it. I’m a shorty too, though (5’2″). I usually try to not let it get in the way but sometimes its inevitable.
I tried harem pants. I really tried but mine have been confined to the house. My husband comments on how unflattering they are every time I wear them and sing MC hammer to me.
The first photo seems to be a bit monochromatic in style. But it worked out for her. The second photo looks unruly. geezz i can’t find ways on how to compliment that dress of hers to that leopard pants. oh but one thing, i like the glasses…gotta have one of them
has no one yet noticed that they are pretty much m.c hammer pants? harem=hammer. it’s a don’t if you ask me.
oh girls these comments are SO INTERESTING! thank you so much for all the comments and input. fashion is a fascinating topic and its thrilling to read what everyone thinks about all this…. i’m still undecided about whether to buy or not to buy harem pants but i WILL say this: the day we posted this, i got an email from ANTHROPOLOGIE featuring harem pants….just sayin’
I really like your exploration of the subject, since i’ve wondered the same things myself (mainly, i wonder if, after hating them, i’ll eventually come around and end up liking them, like i did with skinny jeans). but i’m going to have to give harem pants two thumbs down. i think they look like saggy old lady pants and they don’t flatter any figure! with a stiff fabric (like the green ones above): MAYBE. but with the loose, flowy fabric: i think we’re entering into diaper territory.
Have been wearing them for years, will keep wearing them after they aren’t trendy. I’ve always liked the Belle Epoque / Poiret look of them. And, I’m short and curvy!
worst trend ever. seriously, how can this even be debated? not everything from the past needs to be recycled as a trend. especially an obvious don’t.
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I don’t like it! Worst trend ever!
I started wearing loose crotched pants (harem/aladdin) last summer. Being a muslim who likes fashion, I am excited about it. For me it embraces my modesty and is pretty and easier to move in than a skirt.
For one thing, it has been the style in Turkey, Afghanistan, Iran, and Syria for hundreds of years. You can feel utterly comfortable in them and they are very easy to make on your own. I do not look forward to it being a trend because people will eat and than spit it out, like this silly fashion world does with EVERYTHING. I will proudly and comfortably wear mine for years to come.
[...] what does that mean, anyway? Essentially, a harem silhouette means that you’re dealing with a voluminous bottom and a high, fitted waist. It’s an [...]
ive brought some from topshop(black long) im yet to wear them though as i dont know how to!! i like them though…..i remember my mum looking ultra trendy in eighties though with vest and bangles loaded up.My sisters husband said they look like a nappy! i think it depends on your body shape(im a 10/12 uk size and 5.6) and how confident u r with your dress sense.
[...] Diane von Furstenberg), but this semiotic coherence is often (but not always!) absent from other iterations of this pant form. For example, consider that there doesn’t seem to be much reference to [...]
[...] you really feel the need to follow this trend, according to Painfully Hip, here is a how-to: Get the surrounding elements and proportions right! When you have some [...]
Love them! Full length ones with some heels and a nice top. I wear mine with a billowy top cos I need to hide my tummy but since they’re long the pants are still noticed. I had to try on a few sized before i got the right look.
Kalli´s last blog ..Stretching A Buck – Mince
I have a pair of harem pants and capris and absolutely love them! They are extremely comfortable, easy to wear, but I can still look chic at the same time. If anyone is going to wear harem pants they definately need to keep the top part slim and simple. I couple pieces of jewelry is simple and cute with this look, but DO NOT go overboard. I’m 5’2 as well and I wear the harem pants with heels or flats and I’ve received tons of compliments.
Harem Pants is still hot. They are here to stay and I love them! You don’t need to follow fashion to see this trend. I’m also convinced they are here to stay because they are so insanely comfy. Specialy the very voluminous with extremely low crotch. Now they also come in many shapes, sizes, material, and also for men. Big girls can wear harem pants too. Harem pants need much volym and crotch almost to the ground to look really good. It’s not anymore kind of gross or weird if you see someone wearing them out in public. They are so comfortable! I have myself nothing against people wearing pajamas, sweatpants, harem pants or any other cozy clothing in public if they prefer. One day, maybe we can all wear what we want… Like these extremely baggy unisex harems pants for instance:
http://www4.picturepush.com/photo/a/2192822/img/2192822.jpg
The black pair look great on you!
Harem pants are amazing, I’ve bought a pair and are simply in love with them. They’re quite different from the skinny jeans, you feel free and more comfortable.
The height issue can be fixed with a hot n’ high pair of heels.
I used to be strictly against skinny jeans while they were making a comeback, skinnies didn’t seem to do much for anybody’s proportions. Skinny girls looked too skinny, big girls looked squished. So give harem pants a chance, I think that if you have a nice waist area, these would be great for you – yes, even if you have a big behind like I do.
If you can pull them off, you are instantly more stylish than the girl wearing skinnies beside you.
[...] Center in September. So beware walking down Broadway in the 60’s without your trendiest harem pants on. Also on the calendar this year: what promises to be a bruising battel between one of New [...]
Yeah I came acroos harem pants the other day at a thrift store and it was really unique in its patterns and it seems comfortable!!! I am considering getting one and pairing it up with a white vest!!!although im not sure how people here would react but then i guess it would be a unique way of stepping out of my comfort zone!!!lol i’ve kinda had it with the whole skinny jeans look coz it just makes me look more thin…plus i like the more relaxed,flowy look!!!!
i was browsing through n i came upon ur site. interesting views, im petite but gues what, it works well for me. and here in singapore, u can find cheap buys with gorgeous hippie prints.
i don think harem pants are bad news though =)
I think they are brilliant as long as you wear them correctly
1) High heels
2) Tight top (lace leotard with a plain matching bra looks good)
3) If wanting to wear a jacket wear a plain blazor or a little retro leather jacket, personally i like to man it and not wear one
4) dont over do it with jewellery, the pants are statement enough. Pop some dangly earings in and your ready to hit the town!!!
http://www.stellarputtogethers.com shows you how to wear harem pants 5 different ways along will many other trends!
[...] Diane von Furstenberg), but this semiotic coherence is often (but not always!) absent from other iterations of this pant form. For example, consider that there doesn’t seem to be much reference to [...]
Harem pants are traditional arabic pants. My grandfather used to wear them. They are being made into a fashion kinda like shemegh scarves were. The name “Harem” even refers to it being arabic. They aren’t MC Hammer pants. I have a few pairs myself in honor of my granddad, dear lord i love them so much. They are so comfortable and great!
Definitely an acquired look, I have a couple pair and haven’t worn them yet..
saw these in spain last year and they looked hot (but then again, all spanish women are inherently gorgeous). none of the styles pictured do the spanish ones justice. it took me a few days in barcelona to work up the courage to buy a pair because they were so shocking at first, but i have never looked back and now have several pairs. this look works for no-gut women if the waist/hip area is ruched and the crotch is very low. completely flat shoes or very high heels look best.
well i think these are very nice,
there easy to wear with some dolly shoes and a plain black long sleeve top
styled with pearl earrings, pearl necklace and pearl bracelets.
or you could wear them with a vest top and some cute pumps?
its a very attractive look and works great on curvy girls
its also very feminine
I found a great pair of black satin harem pants at an outlet recently. I couldn’t resist, so I tried them on and I must say dear g-d! was my reaction, and not in a good way.
I dunno it if was the material (satin can be very unforgiving showing every curve/bump) or just the style, but it made my butt, which I don’t think is that big at all (I’m 5’6″, 117 lbs and have an hourglass figure) look MASSIVE and saggy, which was gross.
The tight leg, around the calf, only emphasized the huge baggy hips and droopy butt.
Some styles that went away need to stay away. Same with the other 80′s craze of neon clothing.