A Brief Guide to Parachute Pants
Parachutes have gone through a lot of developments and use. Its
purposes are not just escape devices. After the World War I and II more
developments to its design lead it to be used for other purposes such as
sports and recreation.
Parachutes are safer than they were decades
ago, which garnered the interest of thrill seekers and extreme sport
enthusiasts. Although the parachute is the main focus, other accessories
such as the pants are also equally important. Parachute pants have also
been associated with the 80's.
The pants are used to go along with
the parachute. Other designs include jumpsuits and wing suits. The design
depends on its purposes. Companies make different prototypes that can be
used in different kind of sports. They are also associated with the
clothing trend during the 80's and MC hammer.
Pants for jumping and
breakdancing
Parachute pants are made of ripstop nylon. This type
of fabric is water repellent and lightweight. They have interweaving
ripstop threads that are reinforced in a crosshatch pattern. This enables
the pants to resist ripping or tearing. This type of fabric was also used
to replace silk that were originally used in making parachutes in World
War II.
These pants can be custom made and are made to fit the
wearer. Companies have their own sizing system and use the customer's
measurements to make one. Typically, they have standard features such as
elasticized waistband, crocodile closing system, zip front fly and Velcro
knee reinforcements. They can be matched with a top.
They also
became popular in American culture in the 80's because of breakdancing.
Breakdancers used nylon to make their own trousers and jumpsuits. This
enables them to do fast and intricate routines that they call "downrock"
without tearing their pants. It also decreases the friction to be able to
do speedy moves. The use of nylon and its large baggy cut resembled
parachute pants. It was then later on labeled as parachute
pants.
They gained more popularity when they were used by hip hop
artists. This time they were light weight, loose fitted, and styled with
excessive zippers, folds and pockets. The baggy cut and folds creates a
visual effect which enhances the rhythm of the dancer's moves. The pockets
are not really usable and are merely used to add another zipper or another
superficial feature to the pants. They are designed with bright colors,
neon patterns, and Middle Eastern prints which are different from its
predecessors made by breakdancers.
These pants went out of style in
the 90's. They were rather mocked by people as an emblem of the era of
excess which was the 80's. They did make a comeback though but they were
used by individuals in the Rave scene. Unlike before they became
functional and the many pockets were put to use.
They have a zipper
in the calf to vent the leg for cooling in hot dance floors or remove the
lower part of the pants. The design and materials are similar to the ones
in the 80's but more usable. They were called "Phat
Pants."
Parachute pants, along with body position, enhance
skydiving and play a big role when competing in sports. There are many
companies that manufacture this type of clothing. They can also add drag
and play a role in the aerodynamics of skydiving and other parachute
sports.
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Article Source: www.ArticleFog.com.
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