What is bloomer pants?

Bloomer pants, also known as bloomer shorts or simply bloomers, are loose-fitting pants that were traditionally worn as an undergarment by women in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They were introduced as a more comfortable and modest alternative to the tight-fitting and restrictive garments that were common at the time, such as corsets and long skirts.

Bloomers typically have an elastic waistband and are gathered at the hem, giving them a full and flowing look. They were made from lightweight fabrics such as cotton or silk, and could be decorated with lace or embroidery. They were worn with a loose-fitting blouse or tunic, and sometimes with a jacket or sweater.

Bloomers were originally associated with the women's rights movement, as they were worn by feminist activists as a symbol of their independence and rejection of traditional gender roles. However, by the 1920s they had largely fallen out of fashion and were no longer worn as outerwear. Today, bloomers are mainly used as a garment for dance or exercise, and can be seen in various styles and colors for both women and girls.