
What would you wear if you were standing right here?
It’s summer! What are you going to wear? Ready to talk Capri Pants?
I figured that Capri Pants are named after the island of Capri (left). But I didn’t know much more than that, so I did some research. The best article I could find was in German, titled “Die Caprihose.” It’s too good to paraphrase, so I will quote it directly:
What is a Capri pants?
In English they are called Capri Pants, in German they are called fisherman pants. This medium-length pants are actually designated by the way according to the Italian island of Capri and should probably give a relaxed and casual ambiance. Invented it, otherwise read as often, the German designer Sonja de Lennart, and not the Italian Emilio Pucci. The designer was selling only pants he imitated de Lennart. Probably the misunderstanding arose about the origin of Capri pants, because Pucci Capri 1949 opened his first boutique, and there’s also sold counterfeit pants.
Modehit of the 50s
The fashion hits of the 50s of course include the petticoat and skirt, silk stockings with seams, cocktail dresses, the controversial bikini and just the Capri pants. You are probably wondering you if you hear that it was almost revolutionary at the time. The tight, short pants fueled endless debates on morality and decency of their carriers and the morale of the youth in general to. Today we, the Capri seems far more provocative, but at that time, only the bravest dare to trend-setters on the street. Many mothers forbade their daughters to appear in the Capri pants on the road. Sunbathe on the beach but it was in the 50’s a fashion must.
Well, there you go. Any case anyone needs more info, here are my Capri Pant tips. Actually it’s one tip:
- Try on the capri pants. Only buy them if they look great on you.
Do not buy capri pants because it’s hot and you need something to wear. Do not buy them because they are in style, or because everyone else has them, or because they or on sale.
If you are tall, make sure your capri pants are not too short (well-below the knee) or they will make you look gangly. If you are short, maybe slim-jean capris will look good on you. Maybe not. If you have wide hips, be sure the leg isn’t too tapered, or it will make you look like an ice cream cone. A little flowly flare-calf action can look good. If you think you have ugly ankles, take an honest friend shopping with you to see if she nixes the Capri Pants. If she doesn’t, you have a hang-up about your ankles. Get over it.
Avoid: Capri-pant suits, Capri pants in prints, tight white capri pants that show your underwear. Evening capri pants? I say no. Unless you LOVE how you look and feel like a million bucks, don’t wear capri pants (especially not black ones — gah!!) when you’re dressed up. You’re a grown woman, go wear a dress.
More reading:
Are Capri Pants as Ugly as Some Men Say?
Blog Her: Tim Gunn Says no to Capri Pants
Capri Pant Checklist — hazards and tricks
Style List: 4 Rules for Wearing Capri Pants

Boden Straightleg Crop Pant in Crocus, $78. Does this look good on its own, or just because the Boden model is so damn skinny?
- This looks great. It would not look better cropped. J. Crew Heritage Fit Chino, $39.99
- If you are too hot for pants, wear shorts: Piece-dyed Bermudas in gray pearl, $39.50 at The Gap
- What do you think? Woodrush Green, Banana Republic Crinkle Pant, $98