The history of capris
Image Credit: The Style Historian
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, it’s time to look into the history behind capris. Known to some as pedal pushers, this week we’re unearthing the origins of this polarizing trend.
Deep breaths. We got this – let’s go.
First thing’s first – the name
Pedal pushers. Clam diggers. Toreadors. Knickerbockers. Capris.
All terms used to describe this week’s topic.
According to trend reports, what’s actually coming back into style are * technically * pedal pushers, but today that name has morphed into capris – a catch all phrase for both cropped trousers that fall mid-calf (think flood pants) and those that fall right to the knee (pedal pushers).
Image Credit: Capris (Left) – note how they go past the knee and are nearly mid-calf. The pedal pusher (right) stops promptly at the knee, Pinterest.
Inspired by cyclists, pedal pushers arrived in the 1950 and early 1960s, who first wore the style to avoid their pants getting stuck in their bike chain. Falling out of style, they then returned in a huge way in the 2000s when celebs like Britney Spears and Jennifer Lopez started wearing them.
Image Credit: Image Credit: A women cycling in long trousers, 1939, Pinterest.
But what I found really interesting is the origin of the capri.
In 1945 German fashion designer Sonja de Lennart created a high-neck blouse, wide swinging skirt and wide belt, calling it the Capri Collection due to her fondness and childhood nostalgia for the Ilse of Capri in Italy.
Image Credit: The Original Capri.
A few years later in 1948, de Lennart created the capri as we know it today, a tight fit three-quarter length pant with a short slit on the outer-side of the pant leg. The original capris were designed in different lengths for both summer and winter wear, joining de Lennart’s broader Capri Collection.
Image Credit: The Original Capri.
Up until this time, women were wearing the typical wide and ‘masculine’ pants – the capri was a noticeable departure from what women were wearing.
Image Credit: Women in typical 1943 trouser style – the pants were criticized for hiding women’s curves, VintageDancer.
Noticing her innovative style, American costume designer Edith Head caught wind of the Capri Collection and had it used for Audrey Hepburn in the 1953 movie Roman Holiday, introducing capris to the world.
Image Credit: Audrey Hepburn wearing the Capri Collection in the film Roman Holiday.
From there, capri pants became synonymous with classic style – worn often by icons Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.
Image Credit: Audrey Hepburn in Sonja de Lennart’s “Sabrina” – this elevated capri look took the design to the next level in the 1950’s and became part of Hepburn’s signature classic style, Pinterest.
Image Credit: An updated photo of Marilyn Monroe wearing capris, Pinterest.
Although less known to the masses, de Lennart became one of the most innovative designers after WWII – there was almost no fashion designer who did not add capri pants to their collection.
Differences between the Y2K 2000s style and now
Y2K pedal pushers were low-waisted, baggy and tended to be worn with a hat.
Image Credit: JLo at the 2004 Kid’s Choice Awards, Pinterest.
Now in 2024, we’re seeing capri and pedal pusher styles as tight and high-waisted, with a spectrum of colours and patterns. And we’ve lost the matching hat accessory (thank goodness).
Image Credit: Emrata in 2024 pedal pushers in New York City, Pinterest.
Image Credit: Gigi Hadid wearing modern jean pedal pushers with kitten heel mules, Pinterest.
Image Credit: Model walking in the Ferragamo Spring/Summer Runaway in modern black capris with mule heels, Pinterest.
The trend resurgence first popped up at Jacquemus spring/summer 2023 collection, solidified by celebrity and influencers also beginning to wear the trend.
The trend confusion
Given the chaos of the internet and morphing terms for very different styles – it’s clear the pedal pusher + capris styles are irrevocably linked, and both are coming back in style.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find an article mentioning one, without the other. Many articles often show both styles using the exact same name. Or photos of actual capris with the name pedal pushers. (My brain is confused after typing out that paragraph)
And style guides are showing us both as real options to wear for 2024.
If you’re willing to try this one out, here are some tips:
You can’t go wrong with the oversized blazer, white tee, capris and kitten heel mule combo
I have work capris that I picked up almost a decade ago. When I’m feeling bold enough to wear them, I always opt for an oversized blazer + heels to break things up and help elongate my legs. I also like to do a fun sheer stocking to keep things elevated and corporate core in the winter.
Image Credit: The Style Historian
2. If you’re short or have shorter legs relative to your waist (sup my long-waisted girlies), tuck in your shirt + wear heels to keep those legs looking long.
Image Credit: The Style Historian
This particular blouse works because it blends low/high styling – it’s a flowy, blush satin, and not skin tight to the body. The relaxed tailoring gives an effortless look while keeping my silhouette longer.
Any style of cropped pants tends to shorten our legs, so a kitten heel is a good way to keep things long (unless you’ve been #blessed with naturally long legs). Some recommend your capris should hit the slimmest part of your calf.
3. While we’re patiently awaiting that good summer weather, an oversized sweater with sling backs is also a great way to elevate.
Earlier this week I polled my Instagram followers on whether or not they’ll be looking to try this trend out. I was surprised to see that ~60% of respondents are excited and willing to try the 2024 look, with ~30% are not willing to relive the trauma of the Y2K pedal pushers.
For me, I’ve been incorporating capris at work but I haven’t tried a true pedal pusher yet. I like to think of them as an extension of the cycle short we all lived in thru the pandemy, while channeling our inner Diana.
Are you going to try this one out? And what do you call them? Let me know! And have a wonderful week xx
Until next time,
- TSH
Sources: Wikipedia - Pedal Pushers, Vogue, Leaf, CR Fashion Book, Who What Wear UK, The Original Capri