You can't touch this! Great Deal, that is.

You may call them Hammer pants, genie pants, or harem pants if you are Anna Wintour. Whatever the name, these billowy pants with tapered calves and ankles that are a staple of many Middle Eastern and Asian traditional garb were made huge in the late 80’s by MC Hammer.  Love them or hate them, they are back at least for the time being.  Having indulged the first time around, I planned to sit this round out…but I keep finding them when I thrift, and usually around 99 cents often accompanied by a pretty embroidered scarf and/or tunic.  I finally gave in.  I bought a pair at my local Value World. 

While they are not the most figure flattering garment for my shape, they are trendy, cute, and comfortable.  The fabrics are typically thin, light, and silky, perfect for summer breeze.  On a hot or humid day they are as cool as a skirt but offer the security of pants. No peep show here!  I think that they are super cute with a little tank or fitted T, heeled or flat sandals, and some oversized sunnies.  If it’s a little cool out, add a denim jacket and light scarf- and you are good to go!  If you are not in to the ethnic harem look specifically, you can look for tapered larger sized pants like the ones pictured below. 

Though the pants may not be your traditional size you can belt them with a fitting belt and achieve that ballooned top of the pants that are the hammer signature. You could even purchase some straight leg pants in a nice print or fabric for the low then have them tapered at the bottom leg and ankle for the same effect. That’s the thing about thrifting- you can indulge in trends without investing in them.  I personally don’t expect this trend to last, but for the cost of a bag of chips, who cares?

So, if you are in the Metro Detroit area, and want to try this look for cheap, these garments are everywhere! I suspect our eastern European and Asian friends and families who no longer want these adorable unique and hand crafted garments have chosen to donate them for our thrifty pleasure. I found mine at Value World on Coolidge and Nine Mile Road in Oak Park. I always find them grouped along the front wall, right alongside the formal gowns. Thrift stores located in communities with large Asian populations may offer you some success such as the Salvation Army or Goodwill in Livonia and Canton respectively.

Stay Funky and Happy Thrifting!