Bell-bottoms

It is believed that bell-bottom pants were introduced in 1817 to sailors working on the deck. The flare at the end of the pant leg allowed them to be rolled up more easily than normal straight legged pants. The bell-shaped leg also made the pants easier to remove in a hurry when forced to abandon ship or when washed overboard. The pants may also be knotted at the legs to be used as a life preserver. Absurdly wide hems became fashionable in the 1960s. See also: Hippie, 1960s