Hot Pants and the 1960s Swinging London Scene

It can be a lot of fun to look at the origin of certain fashion trends. A good case in point is hot pants. What is now a common fashion choice among young female’s dates back to a period of time when England’s counter culture was in its infancy. Hot pants date back to the 1960s Swinging London scene that redefined everything from the political beliefs we hold to the clothes we wear to the music we listen to.

The 1960s were a time when many of the cultures in the West were transitioning from dated, wartime philosophies to a new, post-modern way of looking at the world. It was a time of rebellion and discovery; a time when pop culture was purposely pressing the boundaries to see how far the new culture could go. Hot pants fit right into that mindset.

This style was introduced by British icon and fashion designer Mary Quant. You might also recognise her as the designer of the original miniskirt. She created hot pants specifically to be tight and short so as to emphasise the buttocks and legs. A true set of hot pants measures 2 inches or less at the inseam, providing very little material for those who prefer a more modest form of dress.

Out and Back in Again
Quant’s original hot pants were very popular in Britain through the 1970s. However, they gave way to pastel coloured playsuits and denim jeans in the 1980s. It wasn’t until the turn of the 21st they once again emerged as a fashion trend. Today it is not uncommon for the modern woman to have a closet with a couple of pairs of hot pants, a bodysuit or two, and several different designer dresses.

It will be interesting to see how long they last the second time around. We suspect something else will emerge to take their place, but perhaps hot pants will never truly fade away into total obscurity. Perhaps they will make their way around again in another decade or so. They seem to be one of those enduring fashion trends that lights the counter culture fire every few generations.

In terms with comfort, there is nothing cooler than wearing hot pants during summer days. Since they provide modish and hot look, it is now the first choice of any from teens to youth and very much in fashion. As they are returned again in the fashion world, women having the best chance to get better and unique look anytime by wearing them with awesome boots, bellies, high heels or sandals.

Colin Armstrong