Harem pants are loose-fitting pants associated with ancient Turkey. They are often seen in belly dance and as part of costumes. They are comfortable and easy to make, and can be worn as loungewear or as part of an exotic outfit. They are traditionally associated with the housing of women in a home, but modern usage often focuses on the fashion and exoticism of the Near Eastern courts. They are a popular wardrobe item for fashionable and bohemian women and are often worn by belly dancers. They can be made easily with thin, flexible, stretchy fabric and can form the basis of a variety of costumes.
Harem pants are a loose-fitting garment that gathers at the ankles. Typically made of cotton, rayon, or sheer fabrics, they are often seen in belly dance and as part of costumes. Harem pants are comfortable and extremely easy to make, and can be great for lounging around the house or as part of an exotic outfit.
Traditionally, this style of pants is associated with ancient Turkey. In many illustrations from the past, beautiful women are shown wearing similar garments, performing dances or performing judicial functions. The term harem comes from a Turkish and Arabic word that referred to the housing of women in a home, although modern usage often focuses on the more lewd elements of this living arrangement. High-ranking officials would often have multiple wives or concubines in the harem, who could be called upon for various services.
In the first decades of the 20th century, Western culture became fascinated with the fashion and exoticism of the Near Eastern courts. Through paintings and stories, a large minority of Western culture idealized and romanticized the ideas of harem life. Harem pants have become a popular wardrobe item for fashionable and rather bohemian women.
Today, you will most likely see harem pants on a belly dancer. The loose, lightweight garment allows for easy movement while adding flowing lines of fabric. Most versions use a considerable amount of fabric, so it billows gracefully over the gathered section at the ankle.
Most harem pants must be worn under skirts or on their own. Often professional dancers will wear slightly sheer versions under circle skirts to add a touch of modesty to their outfit. The opaque versions can easily be worn as part of a dance costume or other outfit. If you are making a harem girl costume, the pants are usually paired with a midriff-baring shirt or vest. For boys’ versions, the pants go well with a loose open vest or a flowing tunic.
To make your own harem pants, you’ll need several yards of thin, flexible, stretchy fabric. Patterns are readily available at sewing stores and online, and often involve just two pieces of fabric and two main seams. If you can sew straight and cut with some precision, these pants shouldn’t be a problem. For more advanced sewers, try adding details such as laced side slits or embroidery.
These pants are a great sewing project for beginners as the fabric is very forgiving and they can easily be made in an afternoon. Harem pants can form the basis of a variety of costumes, from Aladdin to an exotic dancer. By making a slimmer version of smooth silk or satin, they also make wonderful pajama bottoms or baggy pants.
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