Pedal pushers are similar to Capri pants but have a looser fit and finish at the mid-calf. They were originally designed for comfortable cycling and have gone in and out of fashion. They come in various styles and names, including clam diggers, bullfighter pants, scooter pants, and Calypso or pirate pants.
Pedal pushers are as iconic trousers of the 1950s as poodle skirts were. They’re quite similar in style to the Capri pants that became popular in 1949 and were almost immediately embraced by movie stars like Audrey Hepburn. Unlike Capri pants, which come in a slim fit, or skintight style that ends just below the knee, pedal pushers often have a looser fit and finish at the mid-calf. They often lack the characteristic vent at the bottom side seam of the Capri and may feature cuffs instead.
The original goal of this type of pant was to allow women to ride a bicycle comfortably, without their clothes snagging on the chain or wheels. Generally, the longer and looser the pant, the more likely a person is to snag it in the chains, which could result in ripped pants or, at the very least, hard-to-remove grease stains. Some riders use rubber bands to keep their pant leg away from the chain, but pedals have offered a way to avoid this unfashionable look and protect clothing.
Sometimes, the name is used synonymously with Capri and a variety of other pant styles that end at the calf or just below the knee. Some other names that are sometimes used for similar items of clothing include clam diggers, bullfighter pants, scooter pants, and Calypso or pirate pants. Clam diggers are often cuffed pants and are meant to mimic the way people roll up their pants when looking for clams in ankle-deep water.
The terms scooter and pedal pants are essentially the same thing. Capri pants are quite similar to bullfighter and calypso or pirate pants. The main difference to the Calypso and pirate Capris pants is that they should look a little worn and may feature a shorter waist, below the natural waist. All Capri styles are generally short and tend to be skintight or close to the body, so they are generally not suitable for a great deal of athletic activity.
This style of pants has gone in and out of fashion. They are often simply referred to as Capri pants, even though they have a looser fit. The pants come in a variety of colors, fabrics and patterns and are still excellent for use on casual bike rides.
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