Why the Stirrup Pant is Making a Fashionable Comeback

Fashionable and practical, stirrups have withstood the test of time. Originating in Central Asia during ancient civilizations, the stirrup is widely regarded as one of the most important inventions due to its widespread use amongst nomads and horseback armies. The earliest iterations of stirrups were attached to the saddle and crafted out of durable metals and were meant to provide foot support and balance to those riding animals.

Continuing into the 20th Century, the silhouette began to shift into a stirrup pant—rather than just a metal holder—that was more streamlined and helped ease movement and activity. Though metal stirrups are still used today, the purpose of stirrup pants is to hold the pant legs in the boots of the rider so the ends of the pants do not get caught on anything. During this period, stirrup pants and similar garments became used for other sporting activities such as skiing, aerobics, and ballet. The first documented use of stirrup pants outside of horsebacking riding was during the 1936 Winter Olympics, where it was utilized for skiing events. 

The 1980s saw the stirrup pant become widely popularized for both its sartorial attributes and practicality. As the garment was increasingly available to the general public, it was mainly used in exercise garments that were crafted out of nylon and synthetic fabrics. Put simply, stirrup leggings are sleek, skin-tight leggings with an additional piece that wraps around the foot. Meant to help ease movement and impact on the body, the style slowly became synonymous with the iconic and energetic era. 

Eighties icon Jane Fonda was a regular wearer of stirrup pants, too. The garment was the perfect mix of athleisure ease and over-the-top quirk, making it the ideal addition to the star's casual and vibrant wardrobe. As the garment became more suited to sartorial flair rather than practicality, the stirrup pant became a mainstay of 2000s fashion. Because the style was mainly worn for athletic purposes, stirrup leggings became increasingly popular during this period. Though these styles may seem outdated to a modern eye, they most certainly laid the groundwork for the garment's present resurgence.

Due to fashion's love for everything nostalgic, the stirrup pant has been making a major comeback over the past few seasons. Combining elements of athleisure and aesthetic know-how, the modern stirrup pant is an interesting melange of the garment's functional past and modern sensibilities. Whether it be denim stirrups at Diesel or stretchy knit pants via Jacquemus, the garment is making a newly imagined resurgence in vibrant colorways, fabrications, and silhouettes. 

Here, take a look at some of the most fashionable stirrup pant moments in recent memory: