Knickerbockers: A Fashion Trend That Never Goes Out of Style
Knickerbockers, also known as knickers, are loose-fitting trousers that end just below the knee. They were popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially among golfers, cyclists, and hikers. Knickerbockers are named after the fictional Dutch-American character Diedrich Knickerbocker, who wore them in Washington Irving’s A History of New York.
Today, knickerbockers are making a comeback as a retro and versatile fashion choice. They can be worn with a variety of tops, shoes, and accessories to create different looks. Whether you want to go for a casual, sporty, or elegant style, knickerbockers can help you achieve it. Here are some tips on how to wear knickerbockers in 2023:
- Choose the right fabric and fit. Knickerbockers can be made of wool, cotton, linen, or synthetic materials. Depending on the season and occasion, you can opt for lighter or heavier fabrics. The fit should be comfortable and not too tight or too loose. You can also choose between plain or patterned knickerbockers, depending on your preference.
- Pair them with a suitable top. Knickerbockers can be worn with shirts, sweaters, jackets, or vests. For a casual look, you can wear a simple t-shirt or polo shirt with your knickerbockers. For a more formal look, you can wear a button-down shirt or a blouse with a blazer or a cardigan. You can also add a tie or a scarf for some extra flair.
- Select the right shoes and socks. Knickerbockers can be worn with sneakers, boots, loafers, or oxfords. You can also wear them with sandals or flats for a more feminine touch. The socks should match the color of your knickerbockers or contrast them for some contrast. You can also wear knee-high socks or stockings for a more vintage vibe.
- Accessorize with style. Knickerbockers can be accessorized with hats, belts, bags, jewelry, or sunglasses. For a classic look, you can wear a fedora or a beret with your knickerbockers. For a more modern look, you can wear a baseball cap or a beanie. You can also wear a belt to cinch your waist or add some color to your outfit. A bag can also complement your knickerbockers and carry your essentials. You can also wear some jewelry or sunglasses to add some sparkle or shade to your look.
Knickerbockers are a timeless fashion trend that can suit anyone’s taste and personality. They are easy to mix and match with different items and create various outfits. Whether you want to dress up or down, knickerbockers can help you do it with style and confidence.
The History of Knickerbockers
Knickerbockers have a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 17th century. The term \”knickerbockers\” traces its origin to the Dutch settlers who came to the New World – and especially to what is now New York – in the 1600s. Specifically, it refers to the style of pants the settlers wore…pants that rolled up just below the knee, which became known as \”knickerbockers\”, or \”knickers\”.
In 1809, legendary author Washington Irving solidified the knickerbocker name in New York lore when he wrote the satiric A History of New York from the Beginning of the World to the End of the Dutch Dynasty under the pseudonym Diedrich Knickerbocker. Later known as Knickerbocker’s History of New York, Irving’s book introduced the word \”knickerbocker\” to signify a New Yorker who could trace his or her ancestry to the original Dutch settlers. The city’s most popular symbol of the late 19th and early 20th centuries was \”Father Knickerbocker\”, complete with cotton wig, three-cornered hat, buckled shoes, and, of course, knickered pants.
The knickerbocker name had its first use in the sports world in 1845, when Alexander Cartwright’s Manhattan-based baseball team – the first organized team in baseball history – was named the \”New York Knickerbockers\” or the \”Knickerbocker Nine\”. The knickerbocker name stayed with the team even after it moved its base of operations to Elysian Fields at Hoboken, NJ in 1846. The name was later adopted by other sports teams, such as the New York Knicks basketball team and the Knickerbocker Athletic Club.
Knickerbockers became a popular fashion item for men and boys in the mid-19th century. They were worn as casual or sporty attire, especially for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, golfing, cycling, and hiking. They were usually made of wool, tweed, or corduroy, and fastened with a band below the knee. They were often paired with a Norfolk jacket or a sports coat.
Knickerbockers also became part of women’s fashion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They were worn by female cyclists who wanted more freedom and comfort than skirts or bloomers could provide. They were also worn by suffragettes who advocated for women’s rights and social reforms. Knickerbockers for women were usually made of cotton or linen, and sometimes had a matching jacket or blouse. They were also called \”pedal pushers\” or \”clam diggers\”.
Knickerbockers declined in popularity after World War I, as men and women adopted more streamlined and modern styles of clothing. However, they never completely disappeared from fashion. They have been revived several times throughout history, such as in the 1950s by rock and roll musicians like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly; in the 1960s by garage rock bands like The Knickerbockers; in the 1970s by punk rockers like The Ramones; and in the 1980s by hip hop artists like Run DMC and LL Cool J.