Bontan
Bontan, in Japanese, refers to a type of baggy-legged pants that were popular among Japanese youth, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s. These pants are characterized by their distinctive silhouette, which features a very wide thigh area that tapers down to a narrower ankle. The amount of bagginess in the thigh can vary significantly, ranging from a subtle flare to an extremely exaggerated volume.
The bontan style is closely associated with bosozoku (暴走族), Japanese biker gangs, although its popularity extended beyond this subculture. They often customized their bontan with embroidery, patches, and slogans reflecting their affiliations or personal style. The length of the pant leg was also a matter of personal preference and subcultural significance.
While the popularity of bontan pants has waned in recent years, they remain a recognizable symbol of Japanese youth culture from the late 20th century, and their influence can still be seen in some contemporary fashion trends and subcultures. The term "bontan" is generally understood within Japan and by those familiar with Japanese fashion history.