If a sailor is swept overboard, bell bottoms can be easily slipped off in the water, and by filling the legs with air, they can even act as a flotation device in an emergency. Also, while wading through water, bell bottoms can be rolled up on the legs to stay dry. Lastly, the longer length of bell bottom pants helps protect boots from damaging sea spray.
USN 65-95 During Boot Camp we actually practiced the flotation maneuver during water training
Templo S.U.D. over 9 years ago
Do they STILL sell bell-bottoms these days?
Opus Croakus over 9 years ago
Yes, but now they’re called “flared leg”.
Observer fo Irony over 9 years ago
Here come the hand-me-downs.
Plumbob Wilson over 9 years ago
Next year’s fashion abomination: the return of the polyester leisure suit.
Wren Fahel over 9 years ago
My 12-year-old daughter wears a flared-sleeved shirt that I wore in the ’70s!
e.groves over 9 years ago
“Bell-bottom Blues”.
nosirrom over 9 years ago
Bell-bottoms had nothing on Elephant bell-bottoms.Trivia question: Why do sailors wear bell bottoms?
Miba over 9 years ago
Yep, they’re called flare now. I actually really like the style, almost all my jeans are flared.
dflak over 9 years ago
There are some things man was not meant to know. Women’s fashions is one of them.
Sailor46 USN 65-95 over 9 years ago
If a sailor is swept overboard, bell bottoms can be easily slipped off in the water, and by filling the legs with air, they can even act as a flotation device in an emergency. Also, while wading through water, bell bottoms can be rolled up on the legs to stay dry. Lastly, the longer length of bell bottom pants helps protect boots from damaging sea spray.
USN 65-95 During Boot Camp we actually practiced the flotation maneuver during water training
neverenoughgold over 9 years ago
One of these days I’m going to get rid of my cream colored double knit suit with the bell bottom trousers…: >)