The Return of Flared Trousers: A New Eid Trend Among Pakistani Men
This Eid, while women embraced the voluminous farshi shalwar in vibrant hues, another unexpected trend surfaced—flared trousers for men. Traditionally, Pakistani men stick to neutral kurta shalwars, with the fashion-forward opting for brighter colors and embroidery. However, this year saw the resurgence of a vintage classic: flared trousers.
The History of Flared Trousers in Pakistan
Originally a 70s fashion staple, flared pants and bell-bottoms first gained popularity in the late 1960s, influenced by the global hippie movement. Pakistanis were exposed to this trend at cultural hubs such as Lahore’s shrines, Karachi’s beaches, and Peshawar’s bus stands, where they encountered traveling hippies.
As highlighted by the late Zia Mohyeddin on The Zia Mohyeddin Show, the ‘radical chic’ of the West captivated young, urban, middle-class Pakistanis. By the 1970s, bell-bottoms, flared trousers, and flamboyant shirts became synonymous with youth culture and rebellion. Pakistani film icons Waheed Murad and Shabnam further cemented this trend, reflecting the glam-rock and disco movements worldwide. However, by the 1980s and 90s, fitted styles such as chooridars and straight trousers took over, relegating flared pants to fashion history—until now.
Celebrities Reviving the Flared Look
This year, several Pakistani celebrities embraced the flared trend with varying degrees of success:
- Ali Ansari: A Classic White with a Twist
Ali Ansari kept it traditional with an all-white ensemble but stood out by pairing his kameez with subtly flared trousers, a departure from the typical straight-cut style. - Farhan Saeed: Minimalism Meets Retro Flair
Also opting for an all-white look, Farhan Saeed styled his outfit with a shorter kameez and noticeably flared trousers. Paired with formal shoes instead of traditional sandals, his ensemble exuded understated sophistication. - Saud: A Risk That Didn’t Pay Off
Veteran actor Saud attempted the trend with white flared trousers and a short, blue printed kameez. However, the semi-sheer, cropped kameez did not complement the trousers, resulting in an unbalanced look. - Babar Azam: A Missed Opportunity?
Cricket star Babar Azam sported a mint green kameez with straight trousers that hinted at the flared trend but fell short of fully embracing it. The slightly loose fit of his trousers appeared more accidental than intentional. - Osman Khalid Butt: Baggy, Blue, and Beautiful
Osman Khalid Butt took a bold approach with a monochrome blue three-piece ensemble featuring a voluminous kameez and baggy, straight-legged trousers. The coordinated waistcoat added refinement, solidifying his status as a fashion-forward celebrity. - Danish Taimoor: Elegant in Beige
Danish Taimoor exuded class with a beige embroidered kameez and understated flared trousers, complemented by chunky brown loafers. The intricate embroidery elevated the minimalist palette. - Fahad Mustafa: East Meets West
Fahad Mustafa embraced high fashion with a Sana Safinaz kurta set and an embroidered coat. His blend of textures—silky kurta and structured, khaddar-like flared trousers—made for a sophisticated statement.
While some executions of the flared trend missed the mark, its return signals a refreshing departure from the safe, conventional styles often seen in men’s fashion. Whether this is a fleeting trend or the start of a broader movement toward bolder silhouettes remains to be seen. One thing is clear: Pakistani men are beginning to experiment with fashion, and we’re here for it.
