Monday, February 9, 2015

Why It's Called a "Pair of Pants"

Every time this question is posed,
I just chuckle, because I know the answer
and it's not some outlandish thing.
Historically, men wore britches(short) or trousers(long.)
(I made mine with a back button opening and sewn crotch seam.)

"Pants" is a shortened version of pantaloons.
It's called a pair of pants
because the crotch seam was not sewn.
Two were worn (one for each leg obviously)
and held up by a drawstring.
There could be various styles - fancy or plain.
If you think about having to go to the bathroom
wearing a corset, first petticoat,
hoop skirt or bustle, another petticoat, and then a huge dress/skirt, 
it makes sense that there would be
such 'accommodations' for the task.
The expression that the woman wears the pants in the family
is a little tongue in cheek.
Of course they do.  Men don't wear pants.
But, it also has the other meaning.
It is becoming less so, but if visiting with older men,
they will refer to them as trousers.

 A friend of mine just laughs when I tell her things like this.
I always say 
I know lots of useless bits of information.
Just don't ask me anything important:)

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches


  1. I just had to come and find out what we called them pants. All loved the history lesson and I can pass this information along now too!

    1. Thanks for stopping by. Glad someone else thinks bits of old info can be fun.

  2. I always wondered, and now I know! lol

  3. I chuckled all through this. :) You are very right!

  4. Love it!! Good to know...

    and I am sure you know the saying about throwing the baby out with the bathwater... that is good, too!!

    Visiting here from JES's site...for my first time. Nice blog!

  5. Thank you for the history lesson:)

  6. My family thinks I full of trivia, too, and you just gave me another bit! I often say the same thing: my head is full of "useless" bits of information while I forget the important stuff! :-) Thanks for sharing.

  7. I would hate to play you at Trivia Pursuit! But honestly, I find this kind of information interesting! :)

  8. Thank you for sharing this fun information... and while some may find it "useless", it is also very interesting and I look forward to learning other tidbits of info from you. :)

  9. I LOVE your "useless bits of information! i love knowing those kinds of makes life more interesting and I feel more educated...LOL!!! Thanks so much for sharing! (I wondered why they were plural as well! Now I know!)
    hugs to you,