capri pants: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, fashion, lifestyle media
Quick answer
What does “capri pants” mean?
A style of women's trousers that end at mid-calf, typically fitting snugly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A style of women's trousers that end at mid-calf, typically fitting snugly.
Fashionable, close-fitting casual pants originally associated with 1950s/60s style and Italian resort wear, often made from lightweight fabrics like cotton or denim.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is used and understood in both varieties, but is perhaps more firmly established in American fashion lexicon due to its 1950s/60s popularity there. In the UK, 'cropped trousers' or 'three-quarter length trousers' are more generic modern terms.
Connotations
In both: evokes a retro, feminine, sometimes preppy or casual chic style. Can have slightly 'dated' connotations unless referring to a specific vintage or revival look.
Frequency
Low-frequency in everyday conversation, except in specific fashion contexts. More common in written descriptions (catalogues, style blogs) than spontaneous speech.
Grammar
How to Use “capri pants” in a Sentence
[Subject] + wear + capri pants[Subject] + be + dressed in + capri pantsa pair of + capri pantsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “capri pants” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She decided to capri-pant it for the garden party. (Very informal, nonce formation)
American English
- She's planning to capri for the luncheon. (Informal, rare)
adjective
British English
- She loved the capri-pant silhouette. (Hyphenated attributive use)
American English
- It was a classic capri pants look. (Noun used attributively)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in fashion retail/buying: 'The spring line includes updated capri pants.'
Academic
Very rare, except in historical/cultural studies of fashion.
Everyday
Used when describing specific clothing: 'It's warm enough for capri pants today.'
Technical
Used in fashion design and pattern-making to denote a specific garment length and cut.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “capri pants”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “capri pants”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capri pants”
- Using singular 'capri pant'.
- Confusing with 'cycling shorts' or 'leggings'.
- Misspelling as 'capree', 'caprey', or 'capris' (though 'capris' is a common informal variant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very similar. 'Pedal pushers' is an older, slightly more American term, often implying a casual, sporty context. 'Capri pants' can be slightly more stylish and tailored. In modern use, they are often synonyms.
Traditionally a women's garment, though similar men's styles exist (e.g., 'cropped trousers' or 'shorter-length chinos'). The term 'capri pants' is rarely applied to men's clothing.
Historically, flat shoes like ballet flats, sandals, or espadrilles. Modern styling includes sneakers, loafers, or even low heels.
Yes, 'capris' is a very common informal shortening, especially in American retail and casual speech (e.g., 'a pair of capris').
A style of women's trousers that end at mid-calf, typically fitting snugly.
Capri pants is usually informal, fashion, lifestyle media in register.
Capri pants: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈpriː pænts/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈpri pænts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the Italian island of Capri, famous in the 1950s for stylish holiday wear. 'Capri' pants were the trousers you wore there.
Conceptual Metaphor
GARMENT FOR A LIFESTYLE (e.g., casual, retro, European holiday).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of capri pants?