Bell-bottoms—pants that flare out at the cuffs—have had many different associations during the last half of the twentieth century. First part of a military uniform, later the symbol of those who opposed war, bell-bottoms have tended to arouse strong emotions. Some have condemned them as a fashion mistake, whereas others have worn them as a bold fashion statement.

A man models a pair of bell-bottoms. Barnabas Bosshart/Corbis Corporation. Reproduced by permission.

Bell-bottomed pants were designed as part of a sailor's traditional clothing. They have long been part of various naval uniforms. Wide legs made it easy to pull wet pants off over heavy boots, helping those who fell overboard to discard heavy clothing. The flared legs could then be filled with air to provide a flotation device. Onboard ship, sailors sometimes washed decks in bare feet, and bell-bottoms could be rolled up easily to keep...