bellbottoms

Bellbottoms, also known as flared pants, are trousers designed with a dramatic flare from the knee or mid-thigh to the hem, creating a bell-shaped silhouette that often covers or brushes the floor over the wearer's shoes. The style is most commonly associated with denim or cotton fabrics and can range from a subtle widening to a pronounced, floor-skimming flare.

The modern bellbottom rose to prominence in the late 1960s and peaked during the 1970s in Western fashion, closely tied to the era’s music and cultural movements. They were popular within hippie, soul, and disco scenes and became a defining element of the decade’s visual language. While flared trousers have appeared in various forms across different periods, the contemporary bellbottom is typically characterized by a clear flare starting at or below the knee.

Design variations distinguish bellbottoms from related styles. Flare degrees range from moderate to ultra-flare. They are often contrasted with bootcut pants, which have a gentler flare to accommodate boots, and with wide-leg trousers, which maintain width from the hip downward. The silhouettes may vary with rise height, fabric weight, and inseam length, giving many fashion-forward interpretations while preserving the bell shape.

In contemporary fashion, bellbottoms continue to recur in vintage and retro trends, appearing in denim as well as tailored fabrics. They are commonly paired with platform shoes or boots to emphasize the flare, and care typically involves appropriate washing and shortening or hemming to achieve the desired length.