Trousers

Trousers

Jeans

Jeans

Skirt

Skirt

Shorts

Shorts

Leggings

Leggings

Cargo Pants

Cargo Pants

Chinos

Chinos

Culottes

Culottes

Sweatpants

Sweatpants

Capri Pants

Capri Pants

Casual Bottoms

Casual Bottoms

Trousers - Clothes and Fashion

20 chapters
levelintermediate

Check out our readings on casual bottoms to learn about comfortable and stylish options for relaxed looks, including jeans, leggings, and more.

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Trousers

Read a passage about a formal or semi-formal pair of pants, designed for a polished look, perfect for work or special occasions.

A Brief History of Trousers

1.1

Trousers, also known as pants, are an essential part of modern clothing. They are worn by people all over the world and have become a staple in wardrobes everywhere. But have you ever wondered where trousers came from? Who first thought to wear them? The story of trousers is fascinating and full of surprising twists and turns.

Celana, juga dikenal sebagai pantalon, adalah bagian penting dari pakaian modern. Mereka dikenakan oleh orang-orang di seluruh dunia dan telah menjadi pokok di lemari pakaian di mana-mana. Tetapi pernahkah Anda bertanya-tanya dari mana celana berasal? Siapa yang pertama kali berpikir untuk memakainya? Kisah celana menarik dan penuh dengan lika-liku yang mengejutkan.

Ancient Origins

1.2

The history of trousers dates back thousands of years. The first known trousers were worn by ancient people in Central Asia around 3,000 years ago. These early trousers were made from wool and were likely designed to protect the wearer while riding horses. At the time, horses were the primary means of transportation across long distances, sometimes over hundreds of kilometers. Riding a horse without any kind of leg protection could be quite uncomfortable, especially in rough terrain. Trousers helped protect riders from the elements, like wind and cold, and also made it easier to move around.

Sejarah celana panjang sudah ada sejak ribuan tahun yang lalu. Celana pertama yang diketahui dikenakan oleh orang-orang kuno di Asia Tengah sekitar 3.000 tahun yang lalu. Celana awal ini terbuat dari wol dan kemungkinan dirancang untuk melindungi pemakainya saat menunggang kuda. Pada saat itu, kuda adalah alat transportasi utama untuk jarak jauh, terkadang hingga ratusan kilometer. Menunggang kuda tanpa perlindungan kaki bisa sangat tidak nyaman, terutama di medan yang kasar. Celana membantu melindungi penunggang dari unsur-unsur seperti angin dan dingin, dan juga memudahkan pergerakan.

Trousers
1.3

Interestingly, early trousers were quite different from the ones we wear today. They were more like leggings, with separate pieces of fabric for each leg, tied together at the waist. This design was practical for horseback riding because it allowed for more freedom of movement. As time went on, the design of trousers evolved, and they became more similar to the trousers we are familiar with today.

Menariknya, celana awal cukup berbeda dengan yang kita kenakan hari ini. Mereka lebih seperti legging, dengan potongan kain terpisah untuk setiap kaki, diikat bersama di pinggang. Desain ini praktis untuk menunggang kuda karena memungkinkan lebih banyak kebebasan bergerak. Seiring waktu, desain celana berkembang dan menjadi lebih mirip dengan celana yang kita kenal sekarang.

The Romans and the Middle Ages

1.4

When we think of ancient Rome, we often picture people wearing long tunics and togas. Trousers were not common in Roman society, and they were seen as strange or barbaric. The Romans first encountered trousers when they expanded their empire into Northern Europe. There, they found that the local tribes wore trousers, especially the Celts and the Germans. At first, the Romans were shocked by this fashion choice. They thought trousers were odd because they were so different from the loose-fitting garments they were used to wearing.

Ketika kita berpikir tentang Roma kuno, kita sering membayangkan orang-orang yang mengenakan tunik panjang dan toga. Celana tidak umum dalam masyarakat Romawi, dan dianggap aneh atau barbar. Bangsa Romawi pertama kali menemukan celana ketika mereka memperluas kekaisaran mereka ke Eropa Utara. Di sana, mereka menemukan bahwa suku-suku setempat mengenakan celana, terutama suku Celt dan Jerman. Pada awalnya, bangsa Romawi terkejut dengan pilihan mode ini. Mereka menganggap celana aneh karena sangat berbeda dari pakaian longgar yang biasa mereka kenakan.

1.5

However, as time went on, the Romans realized that trousers were quite practical, especially in cold weather. Some Roman soldiers began wearing trousers under their armor for added warmth and protection. By the Middle Ages, trousers had become a more common piece of clothing throughout Europe. They were often worn by men of all social classes, from knights and soldiers to farmers and craftsmen.

Namun, seiring berjalannya waktu, orang Romawi menyadari bahwa celana cukup praktis, terutama dalam cuaca dingin. Beberapa tentara Romawi mulai mengenakan celana di bawah baju besi mereka untuk kehangatan dan perlindungan tambahan. Pada Abad Pertengahan, celana telah menjadi pakaian yang lebih umum di seluruh Eropa. Mereka sering dipakai oleh pria dari semua kelas sosial, dari ksatria dan tentara hingga petani dan pengrajin.

The Renaissance and the Birth of Breeches

1.6

During the Renaissance, fashion began to change once again. People started to pay more attention to their appearance, and clothes became a way to show off one's status and wealth. Trousers, or breeches as they were called then, were worn by men from the upper classes. These breeches were often made from expensive materials like silk or velvet and were sometimes decorated with embroidery or lace.

Selama Renaisans, mode mulai berubah sekali lagi. Orang-orang mulai lebih memperhatikan penampilan mereka, dan pakaian menjadi cara untuk menunjukkan status dan kekayaan. Celana, atau yang disebut breeches pada saat itu, dikenakan oleh pria dari kelas atas. Breeches ini sering terbuat dari bahan mahal seperti sutra atau beludru dan terkadang dihiasi dengan sulaman atau renda.

1.7

Breeches were typically knee-length and were worn with long stockings that covered the lower leg. This style became very popular in Europe, especially in countries like France and England. Breeches were considered very fashionable and were worn by many famous figures of the time, including kings and noblemen. For example, "King Louis XIV" of France, known for his extravagant taste in fashion, was often seen wearing beautifully decorated breeches.

Celana breeches biasanya sepanjang lutut dan dikenakan dengan stoking panjang yang menutupi bagian bawah kaki. Gaya ini menjadi sangat populer di Eropa, terutama di negara-negara seperti Prancis dan Inggris. Celana breeches dianggap sangat modis dan dikenakan oleh banyak tokoh terkenal pada masa itu, termasuk raja dan bangsawan. Misalnya, Raja Louis XIV dari Prancis, yang terkenal dengan selera modenya yang mewah, sering terlihat mengenakan celana breeches yang dihiasi dengan indah.

The Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Trousers

1.8

The Industrial Revolution, which began in the 18th century, brought about many changes in society, including changes in fashion. As factories and machines began to take over traditional methods of production, people started to move to cities in search of work. This shift led to a demand for more practical and durable clothing. Trousers became the go-to choice for working men because they were comfortable, easy to move in, and could withstand the wear and tear of factory work.

Revolusi Industri, yang dimulai pada abad ke-18, membawa banyak perubahan dalam masyarakat, termasuk perubahan dalam mode. Seiring pabrik dan mesin mulai mengambil alih metode produksi tradisional, orang-orang mulai pindah ke kota untuk mencari pekerjaan. Pergeseran ini menyebabkan permintaan akan pakaian yang lebih praktis dan tahan lama. Celana panjang menjadi pilihan utama bagi pria pekerja karena nyaman, mudah digerakkan, dan dapat menahan keausan akibat pekerjaan pabrik.

1.9

During this time, trousers also became more standardized. Instead of being custom-made by a tailor, trousers began to be produced in factories, which made them more affordable for the average person. This change was significant because it meant that trousers were no longer just for the wealthy but could be worn by people of all social classes.

Selama waktu ini, celana juga menjadi lebih terstandarisasi. Alih-alih dibuat khusus oleh penjahit, celana mulai diproduksi di pabrik, yang membuatnya lebih terjangkau bagi orang biasa. Perubahan ini signifikan karena berarti celana tidak lagi hanya untuk orang kaya tetapi bisa dipakai oleh orang dari semua kelas sosial.

The 20th Century and Beyond

1.10

In the 20th century, trousers underwent even more changes. At the beginning of the century, trousers were still primarily worn by men. Women typically wore dresses or skirts. However, during World War I, many women began to work in factories and other jobs that were traditionally held by men. Trousers were much more practical for these kinds of jobs, and so women began to wear them more often.

Pada abad ke-20, celana mengalami lebih banyak perubahan. Pada awal abad, celana masih terutama dikenakan oleh pria. Wanita biasanya memakai gaun atau rok. Namun, selama Perang Dunia I, banyak wanita mulai bekerja di pabrik dan pekerjaan lain yang secara tradisional dipegang oleh pria. Celana jauh lebih praktis untuk jenis pekerjaan ini, dan sehingga wanita mulai lebih sering memakainya.

1.11

After the war, trousers became more acceptable for women, although it was still considered unusual for women to wear them in public. This began to change in the 1930s and 1940s when actresses like "Katharine Hepburn" and "Marlene Dietrich" were seen wearing trousers in movies. These actresses helped to popularize trousers for women and made them seem more fashionable and acceptable.

Setelah perang, celana menjadi lebih dapat diterima untuk wanita, meskipun masih dianggap tidak biasa bagi wanita untuk memakainya di depan umum. Ini mulai berubah pada tahun 1930-an dan 1940-an ketika aktris seperti "Katharine Hepburn" dan "Marlene Dietrich" terlihat memakai celana di film. Aktris-aktris ini membantu mempopulerkan celana untuk wanita dan membuatnya terlihat lebih modis dan dapat diterima.

1.12

Today, trousers are worn by everyone, regardless of gender, age, or social status. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, from jeans and chinos to formal trousers and cargo pants. Trousers have truly become a universal piece of clothing.

Hari ini, celana dikenakan oleh semua orang, tanpa memandang jenis kelamin, usia, atau status sosial. Mereka datang dalam segala bentuk, ukuran, dan warna, dari jeans dan chinos hingga celana formal dan celana kargo. Celana benar-benar telah menjadi pakaian universal.

Trousers

Trousers in Language

1.13

Trousers have not only made their mark in fashion but also in language. There are several idioms and expressions related to trousers that are commonly used in English. For example, the expression "fly by the seat of your pants" means to do something without any preparation or plan. It comes from the early days of aviation when pilots had to rely on their instincts and basic instruments to navigate. Another common expression is "wear the trousers," which means to be the one in control or to have the final say in a situation, often used in the context of relationships.

Celana tidak hanya meninggalkan jejak di mode tetapi juga di bahasa. Ada beberapa idiom dan ungkapan terkait celana yang umum digunakan dalam bahasa Inggris. Misalnya, ungkapan «fly by the seat of your pants» berarti melakukan sesuatu tanpa persiapan atau rencana. Ini berasal dari masa awal penerbangan ketika pilot harus mengandalkan naluri dan instrumen dasar untuk navigasi. Ungkapan umum lainnya adalah «wear the trousers», yang berarti menjadi orang yang memegang kendali atau memiliki keputusan akhir dalam suatu situasi, sering digunakan dalam konteks hubungan.

Trousers in Pop Culture

1.14

Trousers have also made their way into pop culture. In the famous children's book "The Cat in the Hat" by "Dr. Seuss," the mischievous cat wears a tall hat and a bow tie, but he is never seen wearing trousers. This lack of trousers adds to the cat's playful and whimsical character. In movies, trousers have often been used to make a statement about a character's personality or status. For instance, in the movie "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," the main character "Indiana Jones" is known for his iconic look, which includes a pair of rugged trousers, showing his adventurous spirit.

Celana juga telah masuk ke dalam budaya pop. Dalam buku anak-anak terkenal 'The Cat in the Hat' karya 'Dr. Seuss,' kucing nakal itu memakai topi tinggi dan dasi kupu-kupu, tetapi ia tidak pernah terlihat memakai celana. Kurangnya celana ini menambah karakter kucing yang ceria dan aneh. Dalam film, celana sering digunakan untuk membuat pernyataan tentang kepribadian atau status karakter. Misalnya, dalam film 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,' karakter utama 'Indiana Jones' dikenal dengan penampilan ikoniknya, yang termasuk sepasang celana kokoh, menunjukkan semangat petualangannya.

Fun Fact: The World's Largest Pair of Trousers

1.15

Did you know that the world record for the largest pair of trousers was set in 2014 in Germany? The trousers measured an incredible 70 meters in length and 50 meters in width! They were created by a group of dedicated volunteers who wanted to raise awareness for a local charity. The massive trousers were so large that they had to be displayed in a field to fit properly. This record-breaking achievement shows just how important trousers have become in our culture and how they continue to inspire creativity and innovation.

Tahukah Anda bahwa rekor dunia untuk celana terbesar dibuat pada tahun 2014 di Jerman? Celana itu memiliki panjang 70 meter dan lebar 50 meter! Celana itu dibuat oleh sekelompok relawan berdedikasi yang ingin meningkatkan kesadaran untuk amal lokal. Celana raksasa itu sangat besar sehingga harus dipajang di ladang agar muat. Prestasi pemecah rekor ini menunjukkan betapa pentingnya celana dalam budaya kita dan bagaimana celana terus menginspirasi kreativitas dan inovasi.

1. Trousers

1. Trousers

Casual Bottoms

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Quiz
1.

What was the original purpose of the first trousers?

A

To make soldiers look uniform

B

To help when riding horses

C

To protect against rainstorms

D

To show high social status

2.

Match the era with how trousers were viewed or used:

Ancient Central Asia
Ancient Rome
Middle Ages
Seen as strange or barbaric
Became common for many social classes
Practical protection for horse riders
3.

Sort these events in the correct historical order:

trousers became common in the middle ages
romans found trousers odd
trousers were worn by roman soldiers
romans encountered trousers
ancient central asians wore trousers
4.

Which groups shocked the Romans with their use of trousers?

A

Greeks and Egyptians

B

Celts and Germans

C

Persians and Indians

D

Vikings and Moors

5.

Fill in the blank with the correct words from the text (Only one word is allowed in each blank).

The first known trousers were worn by ancient people in Central

.

Early trousers were made from

.

They looked like separate

tied at the waist.

Trousers were not common in

society.

Trousers were called

during the Renaissance.

6.

Complete the table about important facts on trousers (There are three extra options).

StatementAnswer

First known trousers

Material used for early trousers

Breeches were worn with

Trousers became common for workers during

Trousers became popular for women after

Central Asia
Wool
Long stockings
Industrial Revolution
World War I
Northern Europe
cotton
long leggings
7.

Who is an actress that helped popularize trousers for women?

A

Greta Garbo

B

Marilyn Monroe

C

Katharine Hepburn

D

Audrey Hepburn

8.

Which of the following are true about breeches during the Renaissance? (Choose all the correct answers)

They were worn by women.

They were made from silk or velvet.

They covered the entire leg.

They often had embroidery or lace.

They were worn with long stockings.

9.

Sort these trousers' purposes in the correct historical order:

symbol of status
universal everyday wear
practical work clothing for factories
practical riding clothing
10.

Which statements are TRUE about trousers? (Choose all the correct options)

The Romans invented trousers.

Trousers became a symbol of adventure in movies.

Trousers were common in ancient Roman clothing.

Trousers were first made from cotton.

Today, trousers are worn by everyone.

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