How To Harem

Aladdin pant, MC Hammer pants, Harems, all of the above… when did these pants come on the “scene” and why are they necessary?

The original harem pant comes from Persia almost 2,000 years ago. Harem style pants were worn by women among different middle-eastern cultures to represent modesty and innocence – makes sense as to why they are loose around the hips and legs. This diminishes any trace of a feminine body shape. Now, as time has passed, they have trickled into our western culture. Today they are seen in stores all over and are worn by men, woman and even children.

I say “Yes!” to the harem pant because I believe leggings are worn much too often, by too many people, for WAY too many occasions! Don’t get me wrong, I support leggings, to an extent, but let’s not turn to them for every outfit (unless you are pregnant – you do you baby!).

Because it’s a stretch for me to wear shorts in the warmer weather, I like to wear harem pants. They keep me cool because they are so loose. And when worn correctly they synch my waste so it looks like I am slightly thinner than I am! Who wouldn’t want that??

For a smaller waste effect – Simply tuck in the entire shirt. This works best with a fitted shirt as it avoids the bulk around the edges, giving a clean silhouette.

 For an effortless, classy look, without looking frumpy: Simply tuck in an oversized top just in the front allowing the rest to hang loose. Make sure your outfit is ironed and that the fabric doesn’t wrinkle easily. Otherwise, you may look more like a crinkled plastic bag.

Harem and joggers are different style pants. Joggers are considered skinny and clinched at the ankles. Harems are slouchy in the “j stitch” or rear/lap area.

Below are sweat pant harems that I pair with heels. Adding heels not only dresses up your outfit but it makes your body appear longer. This also helps avoid looking “frumpy” in fabulous underestimated trend!