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Why did sailors have bell bottom pants?
Although no one has been officially accredited with inventing the bell bottom trouser, the flared out look was introduced for sailors to wear in 1817. The new design was made to allow the young men who washed down the ship’s deck to roll their pant legs up above their knees to protect the material.
When did sailors stop wearing bell bottoms?
Once sail power vanished in the late 19th century, bell bottoms no longer had any practical purpose. Since WWI sailors wore bell bottoms primarily as a tradition. In 1977 The British Navy replaced the bell bottom with a flares leg.
Why do British sailors wear bell bottoms?
The trouser material is made of cotton fibers that swell when wet and can hold air. In the event of a sailor falling overboard or having to abandon ship without a life vest, the bell-bottomed trousers can be quickly removed in the water without having to remove footwear.
Why do sailors wear wide leg pants?
Hort said the wide-legged pants served a number of purposes: * They’re easy to slip off if a sailor is swept overboard. Once removed and the legs filled with air, they make a pretty fine emergency flotation device. * They can be rolled up above the knees for swabbing decks and wading ashore.
Why do navy gunners wear white hoods?
The purpose of anti-flash gear is to provide protection to the head, neck, face and hands from short-duration flame exposure and heat. This equipment is donned by shipboard navy personnel whenever a fire breaks out or during periods of heightened readiness.
Why do sailors wear sweaters?
Fashion’s fixation with stripes finds its origin in a garment called the marinière or matelot shirt. This item of clothing – a navy/white, wool or cotton sweater with 21 stripes – was issued as part of the French Navy’s seafaring uniform in 1858. Interestingly, each stripe tallied up Napoleon’s military victories.
Why do Sailors wear white uniforms?
Symbol of peace: In olden days, seafarers traveled to different countries to explore the world. They achieved this as messengers of peace. White colour symbolises peace.