One of the first things that come to mind as summer approaches is to spruce up your wardrobe with the latest fashions in cool cotton. When it comes to leg wear, cool cotton capri trousers are always sought after. Capris combine a comfortable fit with elegance and give a slim silhouette. They are defined as close-fitting trousers that are tapered, calf length or end slightly above the ankle.
Capri trousers are named after the Isle of Capri off the shores of Italy – considered to be the birthplace of fashion. They have been around since World War II and have evolved from the frilly bloomers that women wore under long skirts. Later capris looked similar to the bicycle shorts and pedal pushers that were worn around 1950s.
While capris are largely popular with women, the style is also worn by men, particularly in Europe and other tropical countries. They are an ideal alternative to the regular trousers or slacks worn during hot weather. Unlike women’s capris that are full-calf to ankle length, men’s capris are designed to be mid-calf length. Flared at the bottom, they can be worn with a T-shirt and a short sleeved shirt for a casual look.
Capris are one of those comfortable garments that never go out of fashion, although styles may change with time. You can wear them anywhere – at home, out walking, to college, to the office or to a party. Capris go well with long sleeved, short sleeved and sleeveless blouses, T-shirts, ruffled and lacy tops, short and long tunics, hooded sweatshirts, tank tops or a simple shirt under a jacket. Cool and comfortable, they are made out of pure cotton, lightweight cotton blends, twills, denims, silk, seersucker, gingham and soft, skin friendly synthetic fabrics.
The length of capris varies between slightly below the knee to slightly above the ankle. They can be narrow at the bottom, with a small slit that is highlighted with light embellishments like embroidery or cutwork, or they can have a slight flare at the bottom to give a casual, trendy look. Teamed with the right kind of top or shirt, capris can be part of a casual outfit or suitable for a party.
Capris are available in neutral shades like light brown, white, beige, black and denim blue, and can be mixed and matched with a huge variety of tops to create outfits that are unique and stylish.
