How to Wear Parachute Pants?

Do you know what parachute pants are? You may be wondering what the pants have to do with parachutes. Are they named this way because they are often worn by parachutists? Or is it because their shape looks very much like a parachute? Maybe you are unfamiliar with this name, but in fact you can see this type of pants almost every day.

As the unisex style becomes more popular, the clothing without obvious gender characteristics has been favored by more and more women. Maybe they are not as elegant as dresses and can not highlight your feminine charm, but they are loose, comfortable and practical, providing you with a better wearing experience. Parachute pants are exactly one of the representatives of this kind of clothing. If you are a fan of this kind of unisex style or a pragmatist, then you can certainly to try a para chute pant!

What Are Parachute Pants?

The reason why parachute pants are called so has something to do with its original wearer, shape and fabric. Parachute pants originated from the field uniforms of American paratroopers during World War II. In addition, the fabric of parachute pants is similar to that of parachutes, which is a thin nylon fabric. In addition, the loose fit of these pants makes the shape of the pants like a parachute opening in the air when walking, so parachute pants got this name.

Parachute pants have very unique characteristics from its fabric to style, making them very suitable for creating unique trendy looks. In terms of fabrics, parachute pants were initially made of nylon fabric, because this fabric is light, wear-resistant and waterproof, suitable for the changing and harsh natural environment during combat. As the war ended, parachute pants entered people's daily lives, and the fabrics used have also been refined. In order to improve the comfort of wearing, cotton and nylon blended fabrics are increasingly used in the production of parachute pants.

In terms of the style, parachute pants have been very loose since their inception, because they need to leave enough space for paratroopers to move, and this has not changed to this day. In addition, there are usually two iconic pleated dividing designs at the knees of parachute pants, which further facilitates the activities of paratroopers. This design has been retained to this day, so it is very suitable for sports that require bending the knees. At the bottom of the trouser legs, there are usually drawstrings that can tighten the trouser legs, so it is more convenient to tuck the parachute pants into the boots. On the other hand, after tightening the drawstring, the overall shape will also look neater.

Since the 1980s and 1990s, parachute pants have become one of the representative items of trendy culture and are widely loved by young people. Although once nearly disappeared, with the return and rise of retro and unisex fashion trends in recent years, parachute pants have returned to people's vision. In particular, more and more women are gradually willing to accept this kind of pants.

Differences between Cargo Pants and Parachute Pants

Many people cannot tell the difference between cargo pants and parachute pants. Indeed, there are many similarities between the two, such as similar style and usage. But in fact, the two originally served different wearers, which to a large extent led to many differences in their fabrics, styles and details.

First of all, in terms of fabric, cargo pants were originally laborers' work uniforms, so the most important feature is wear resistance. Very strong and wear-resistant fabrics such as denim and canvas are often used in the production of cargo pants. This is somewhat different from the nylon fabric used in the early days of parachute pants.

In addition to providing convenience to move around, laborers also need pants with many pockets, because they have to to carry hammers and many other tools. Paratroopers do not need or are not allowed to carry heavy objects when landing, so parachute pants do not have many pockets. Now, the multi-pocket design has become a reserved element of overalls, which not only has practical functions but also plays a role in creating trendy looks.

Although the style of cargo pants is also very loose, there will be no drawstring on the legs of the cargo pants. On the contrary, the legs of cargo pants are usually straight or flared. So if you prefer the loose style then a pair of cargo pants is a better choice for you. But if you would like to create a neat outfit, then choose a pair of parachute pants.

From the perspective of styles, cargo pants may give people a tougher feeling, but less elegant. This is perhaps because they are usually made of thicker and more wear-resistant fabrics. Unlike cargo pants, parachute pants are both fashionable and elegant.

What Tops to Wear with Parachute Pants?

What styles can a pair of parachute pants be used to create? Of course, more people will choose to use it to create a tough or unisex and handsome style, but in fact, you can also use tops in other styles to create a sense of contrasting. For outfits in different styles, we recommend the following tops for your reference:

First of all, you can take advantage of the styles to create a sense of contrasting. Since parachute pants are very loose, you can choose a slim-fitting top to contrast with them. For example, a slim-fitting knit top is a good choice to be worn with a pair of parachute pants. In this way, the slim-fitting knit top can highlight the curves of your upper body, while the parachute pants on the bottom are very elegant and casual.

If you are more concerned about the unity of style, then you can choose a solid color or striped tank top. In particular, the combination of a cropped tank top and a pair of high waist parachute pants can effectively raise the waistline, making your legs look longer and your proportions look more perfect. If you would like to create a hot girl outfit, then do not miss this combo!

For those ladies who prefer the simple style and don’t want to spend much time on pondering over the outfits everyday, then just wear a basic white T-shirt and a pair of parachute pants. If you want to add some sparkle to this look, you can also opt for a brightly colored T-shirt.

Of course, a shirt is indispensable for a work outfit! Tuck a solid-colored shirt with drape into the waistband of the parachute pants, and a neat and sophisticated work look is easily completed! For a more formal occasion or colder days, then you can also wear a checked blazer over the shirt.

If you're a big fan of the loose style, you can also go with a loose or even oversized top, like an oversized hoodie. However, be aware that this combination is easy to go wrong. Unless you're very skinny, layering two loose-fitting pieces together will make you look even bulkier.

Alternatively, you can also consider choosing a more feminine top to contrast with the unisex style of parachute pants. There are many elements that seem to be with an inherent feminine charm, such as lace and mesh. You can also choose an off the shoulder top to show your beautiful shoulder and neck curves.

What Accessories to Wear with Parachute Pants?

Maybe parachute pants aren’t suitable for very flashy accessories. So it’s best to ditch those earrings and necklaces with fancy pendants. Instead, we suggest you opt for some of the following accessories:

A baseball cap or a bucket hat. Parachute pants have a stronger sporty and casual sense, so a baseball cap or a bucket hat is in line with them. When you wear a white T-shirt and a pair of black parachute pants, you can choose to use a red baseball cap to add highlights to this outfit and create a temperament that makes you look younger.

A pair of sneakers or boots. If you don’t want to break the overall casual vibe, then go for a pair of sneakers. In the outfit mentioned above, a pair of sneakers would definitely look great. If it is cold or you want to create a cool look, you can also wear a pair of boots. Anyway, the parachute pants have drawstrings at the bottom, so it’s easy to tuck the pants into the boots to create a very neat look.

A watch or a sports bracelet. Compared to a gemstone bracelet, a watch or a sports bracelet is a more suitable choice. Among them, a simple watch is more suitable for a professional look in the workplace, while a sports bracelet will make your daily look more energetic.

A leather belt. It is necessary to outfits for both office and daily. A leather belt can easily enhance your waistline in addition to fixing the pants. For a more fashionable look, you can choose a leather belt with a metal buckle to add a delicate sense.