- Tap pants
Tap pants are a form of
lingerie worn exclusively by women. It is also known by the names of Frenchknickers , side-cut shorts, and dance shorts. As the name implies, they are a type ofshorts , in that they cover the pelvic area and the upper part of the upper legs.Tap pants look much like track shorts, allow freedom of movement, and can be worn as an outer garment over other types of underwear (g-strings). However, most wearers may wear them as innerwear or leisurewear with nothing underneath. From a distance, one could mistakenly identify tap pants as a half slip.
Name
The name "tap pants" originates from shorts worn by tap dancers while practicing their routines.
Materials and design
Tap pants are mostly manufactured using materials like lace, silk, satin and cotton voile. Some pairs may have ruffles.
Popularity
Tap pants have been losing popularity to slimmer versions of underwear since the mid 20th Century [http://www.knowlesville.com/matt/vintage_fashion/lingerie.html] , as loose undergarments do not mix with figure hugging dresses, and especially with pants.
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