Pants are versatile and universal garments. They come in all sizes, fit all body shapes, and are available in myriad fabrics.
Whether you are young or small, man or woman, tall or short, you will find a perfect fit for you.
But of late, pants aren’t mere pieces of clothing used to cover our nakedness.
Not only do they make great fashion statements but are used as expression symbols as well.
Take for instance a situation where one pant leg is rolled up. Ever wondered what this means?
Well, here is a quick list of the top possibilities:
1. Gay Symbolism
One of the most common looks among gay men is pants with one leg rolled up.
Despite being out of the shadows, homosexuality is still frowned upon by many.
That’s because traditional gender roles are still the acceptable way of life.
As such, homosexual men roll their pants to express their sexuality.
Dressing this way sends the message that you are gay and are proud of it.
You may also attract sexual mates or gay peers if that’s your desire.
For a long time, gay men have been famous for adorning tight-fitting clothing such as skinny jeans.
Now, they are moving away to a comfortable look with loose-fitting pants.
Often, they will roll one leg up to make a fashion statement or preach their gay agenda.
2. Rider Convenience
While most gay men roll their pants, heterosexual persons sometimes engage in it too.
And the majority of them are bikers.
It all started when messengers used bicycles to deliver parcels.
They would roll up the right pant leg when riding and would show up at the door with the pant still rolled up.
That, in itself, became a trend that is still going on to date.
According to Metroleague.com, cyclists first do this to avoid the bike’s chain or crank from getting caught on the pants.
If your clothing has ever gotten caught in your bike’s chain, you know the risk it poses.
At best, it can negatively affect your bike’s performance or rip your clothes. At worst, you may get into a nasty bike accident.
Rolling your pants also protects your pants from getting grease (which is pretty difficult to get rid of).
Finally, bikers also roll up their pants to keep dust away from their feet while cycling. This is especially true when riding on wet or muddy roads.
3. Fashion Trend
Another reason people roll up their pants is to look cool.
In the 90s, celebrities such as Eminem and LL Cool J would appear on red carpets with this look.
Others would adorn the rolled-up pants in their music videos.
Expectedly, the trend caught fire in the fashion industry.
Copycats—both the young and the old—sprang up everywhere.
Fans of the said celebrities naturally dressed like them.
Back then, rolling up one pant leg to reveal Reebok sneakers or jungle boots was the order of the day. What better way to make a statement than exposing one leg?
Although the trend is not as popular now, some people are still hooked on it.
When you want to show off your Chelsea boots, quirky socks, or a favorite pair of sneakers, roll up one of your pant legs.
4. Aesthetic Reasons
Rolling up jeans is also be stylish for some people.
They may not be gay, cyclists, or trend copycats but just individuals that enjoy rolling one pant leg.
For some, doing that gives them a slimmer fit. For instance, when putting on baggy jeans, rolling one side can take your style a notch higher.
It can also give definition to your leg.
Others do it to protect the pants from getting hemmed if they will be wearing it for a long time.
It is also common for people to roll up one pant leg to create a shorter length. To them, that’s fashionable.
No matter your reason, it’s okay to embrace the look for aesthetic reasons and nothing more.
5. Keeping Cool When It’s Hot
Rolling one pant leg is also one way of cooling down when the heat is unforgiving.
Summer is here and being outside can get intense.
When you feel overwhelmed, just roll one leg of your pants and enjoy some fresh air in your feet.
Leonardo DiCaprio likes doing that anyway so you will have a mentor to look up to.
One or two-inch rolls should do you fine. Just don’t be surprised if you attract one or two gay men for some romantic date.
6. Gang Affiliation
Last but not least, rolling one pant leg can signify that one is part of a gang.
Gangs such as MS13 and Bloods and Crisps are famous for this.
Often, they identify themselves by rolling their pants on a specific side. Some prefer the right leg and others the left one.
Those that roll up the left pant leg will often have their ballcaps or “lids” facing left as well.
A bandana on the left side will accompany the look as well.
Gangs that roll up their right pant leg will do the opposite.
Also check: What Does a Bandana Around the Leg Mean?
