Why It's Called a "Pair of Pants"

Every time this question is posed,

I just chuckle, because I know the answer

and it's not some outlandish thing.

Historically, men wore britches(short) or trousers(long.)

(I made mine with a back button opening and sewn crotch seam.)

"Pants" is a shortened version of pantaloons.

It's called a pair of pants

because the crotch seam was not sewn.

Two were worn (one for each leg obviously)

and held up by a drawstring.
There could be various styles - fancy or plain.

If you think about having to go to the bathroom

wearing a corset, first petticoat,

hoop skirt or bustle, another petticoat, and then a huge dress/skirt, 

it makes sense that there would be

such 'accommodations' for the task.

The expression that the woman wears the pants in the family

is a little tongue in cheek.

Of course they do.  Men don't wear pants.
But, it also has the other meaning.
It is becoming less so, but if visiting with older men,
they will refer to them as trousers.

 A friend of mine just laughs when I tell her things like this.

I always say 

I know lots of useless bits of information.

Just don't ask me anything important:)

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches