Sarouel pants
It is not the yogis who read me that will contradict me, we love our yoga leggings, or yoga pants. And even on days when we don't practice, it's not uncommon to put them on for a stroll or to go shopping, right?
But let's face it, they're not always the most functional active clothing in the world.....
Sometimes we wish we had a little more comfort than tight, tightsy yoga pants. Sure, they are comfortable, but especially when we're not doing anything, imagine going dancing all night with them, or wearing them in high heat...not to mention that sometimes we need pockets!
And that's how God invented the Sarrouel! "What, those loose-fitting nerdy things just good for hippies?!"
That was before, the product lines have made a lot of progress in this area, so that the sarouel is more fashionable AND comfortable than ever, two reasons to try it if you're not convinced.
For those who are not yet familiar with it, the sarouel is loose fitting pants, sometimes referred to as "harem pants", whose unique characteristics have convinced thousands of yogis around the world.
THE HISTORY OF THE SAROUELS
Modern harem pants (sarouels) are associated with a relaxed lifestyle and culture, with a comfortable fit and a liberating sense of unbridled style. They are so deeply rooted in Western fashion, it's easy to forget that they've actually been around for centuries in many different places around the world. The name itself gives a clue to their origins...
Here is a brief journey through time, from the deserts of Africa to the fashion cities of the 21st century!
Truly Persian pants?
The exact origins of the baggy style harem pants that we know and love are unknown. One thinks however that they were first worn by the Persian men, there are nearly 2000 years. Others think on the other hand that the first sarouels developed later; in the Middle East, in North Africa or in Turkey. Some say that they come from the robe-like tunic called Dhoti, worn as a traditional garment for men in the Eastern world. Dhoti also known as pancha, mardani or veshti is a traditional male garment worn in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal. It is a rectangular piece of unstitched fabric, usually about 4.5 meters long, wrapped around the waist and legs and tied at the waist, resembling a long skirt.
That would explain partly the name. The term "harem" is defined as a "sacred place for female family members" in Arabic culture. These were usually composed of wives and concubines, and men were not allowed to enter. Nineteenth-century illustrations showed North African women from harems wearing large tulip-shaped pants. The pants were worn by women from different tribes in the Middle East to represent modesty and innocence. This can be seen through the style and design of the pants: they are loose around the hips and legs, diminishing any trace of a feminine silhouette.
The Asian origins of the sarouel
It wasn't just Africans, Turks or people from the Middle East who wore harem pants. There is every reason to believe that a similar style of pants was also worn in Southeast Asia, particularly among the Hmong of China, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand. Hmong harem pants were often wider and lower at the crotch.
The modern era
The fluid hippie styles of the 1960s and 1970s were undoubtedly inspired by Poiret's iconic creations. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that sarouels finally received the recognition they deserved. The most famous release of the humble harem pants was that of rapper MC Hammer, whose shiny dark red pants went down in history as one of the most memorable musical outfits.
Today, harem pants have become a fashion favorite, with celebrities such as Rhianna, Heidi Klum and Jennifer Lopez wearing them.
Modern sarouels for both men and women often feature bold Asian or African-inspired prints in homage to their origins. The asymmetrical tassel patterns are reminiscent of North African styles, and the exceptionally low crotches are very reminiscent of the Hmong take on harem pants.
They can be worn in a variety of situations: from festivals to beach days to an evening with friends or a sports class.
WHY DO YOGA PRACTITIONERS LOVE IT SO MUCH?
First of all, as I told you, they are terribly fashionable! Both men and women love this comfortable and very functional unisex style. Made of 100% cotton, the "Buddha Pants" are breathable, move with you and are super soft to the touch. They also have deep pockets that can hold phones, keys and personal belongings.
Cheap karouelI really insist on pockets, which are the functional highlight that yogis love!
For the magic of the show, and just like the K-Way in the olden days, these pants fold up into their own pocket, creating a tiny bag that is easy to pack, ideal for travel, and also versatile.
Once packed, the bag itself can be used as a pillow for car trips, lying on the beach, or even as an accessory in your yoga practice!
The concept is just awesome, and the sarouel is de facto a must have for any traveler!
I summarize, we are in front of a pair of pants that is :
- Perfect for the summer: as the temperatures rise and the travels show the tip of their nose, find comfort, ease and style in the "Buddha pants". Perfect for hot weather because they are soft, breathable and made of organic cotton, there's no better way to stay cool. They are ideal to wear with a crop top or over a bikini.
- Without a doubt your future best travel companion: the sarouel is THE dream pant for the wanderer: fluid, cool and elegant. You can go from a yoga mat to a party in these pants. Although they are easily washable, the intricate textile patterns hide dust and dirt. Sit for long hours on the plane in the comfort of these pants. Using the storage pocket, you can fold the Aladdin to make a pillow for long trips!
- A great value for festivals: ideal for moving during summer festivities, yoga trips/retreats and concerts. Pair them with yoga tops, bras, brassieres, swimsuits, sandals and sneakers and let's go for the wild night! You can wear them high at the waist or low on the hips.
- Ideal for yoga/meditation/dance sessions of all kinds: these pants are designed for comfort and to be functional once on the yoga mat (but also on the meditation cushion or in a Zumba class). Find ease and focus on your asanas: these pants stay in place and move with you, giving you space to express yourself.
HOW TO WEAR YOUR SAROUEL?
Usually considered as clothes for strolling, harem pants are now worn by many stars and some of the coolest celebrities around the world. With an ample silhouette at the hips, upper thighs and calves, these pants have many clothing benefits:
• they go with almost everything in the wardrobe.
• they can be worn low at the hips, at the waist or even higher.
• most are designed with a drawstring or elasticated waist, which allows a lot of freedom of movement.
• most harem pants are unisex and are perfect for couple outfits, so a flexible wardrobe!
• they adapt to most body shapes.
