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Gaucho pants were a popular fashion trend in the 1970s, an updated version of capri pants from the 1950s/60s. They were practical and stylish, but fell out of favor in the mid-1960s. However, they made a comeback in the mid-1970s with a slightly longer inseam and flared leg, and were even considered acceptable office attire. The trend eventually faded again in the early 1980s, but may make a comeback in the future.
As a fashion trend that seems to make a comeback from time to time, gaucho pants were the 1970s version of a late 1950s/early 1960s classic. With a hem that fell just below the kneecap and a slightly higher waist than many types of pants, capri pants were considered very stylish and practical for young women growing up during the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations. Capris were generally form-fitting without being too tight and were the ideal piece of clothing to wear on a warm day while running errands or taking care of the house. Never considered proper office wear, these early gaucho pants never left the realm of casual wear, but for several years they were almost a necessity in a well-dressed woman’s wardrobe.
Cultural changes in society and fashions in the mid-1960s meant a temporary end to whims, possibly because it was so closely tied to the prevailing social climate and not worthy of inclusion in any counterculture wardrobe. Even those who were staunchly in favor of the establishment were ready to ditch pants in favor of pantsuits and jeans. An attempt to create A-line flared leg capris failed miserably, and it looked as if the garment would go the way of the old underwire corsets.
However, by the mid-1970s, the former capri was making a comeback as gaucho pants. While still hitting just below the knee, the new improved gaucho look has a slightly longer inseam and a slightly flared leg that gave the garment an updated look compared to fit models of the previous decade. Rather than being worn with simple sneakers, the new versions were more appropriately worn with knee-high boots. Another change was that the pants were flared enough to enter the business world. When paired with a matching jacket, gaucho pants were soon considered acceptable attire for the office, as well as for a date or to do some shopping. Interestingly, gaucho pants from the 1970s were not considered casual at all, but rather a good compromise between formal and informal attire.
The gaucho pants phenomenon continued for a few years, but by the early 1980s the garment fell out of favor again in almost every situation. However, since gaucho pants were a huge hit back in the day, and are also known to be comfortable, it’s only a matter of time before some retro-oriented fashion designer manages to make this garment of yesteryear new once again. .
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