Bell-bottoms (or flares) are a style of trousers that become wider from the knees downward, forming a bell-like shape of the trouser leg. It became fashionable for both men and women in Europe and North America in the mid-1960s.
In the 1970s, bell-bottoms moved back into mainstream fashion; Sonny and Cher helped popularize bell-bottoms in the US by wearing them on their popular television show. The pants were typically flared from the knee down, with bottom leg openings of up to twenty-six inches.
Made from denim, bright cotton and satin polyester, they were so popular that they became a symbol of the outlandish and colorful style of the decade.
Take a look at these snapshots to see people in their bell-bottoms from the 1970s.
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s
Favorite Fashion Trend of the 1970s