80s Happy Pants

80s happy pants rocked! Why? Fun kids fabrics were used, so most of us had our own unique happy pants!

In Australia, happy pants were a basic, elasticised pair of shorts, made from your choice of kiddies cotton fabric.

The shorts were not too tight, not too baggy, and finished in length just above the knee.

These days, I probably would not be able to sew to save myself, however, I'll find a pattern and give it a bash, and see how it turns out.



Hmmmm. I searched the net several times for a good free or cheap pattern that I could pass on to you guys, to no avail. So I have done the next best thing.

I have had the good fortune to be able to collaborate on an 80s happy pants pattern, with a talented lady from the UK, Sue Locke.

• 1.50m (1 ½ yds) of 150 cm (60”) wide cotton fabric
• 1.50m (1 ½ yds) of 1.5 cm (1/2”) wide elastic.

When you buy your fabric, consider the following:

• Use kids fabric
• Bold, bright designs
• Easy to use and comfortable to wear cotton material

To find out more about the awesome 80s happy pants pattern , just click here.

Later in the 90s, happy pants were released commercially, however, there were two differences. The commercial pants were bright coloured patterns without any kiddy designs, and they were full length long.

Even in the 80s, pattern tops were not worn with pattern bottoms, so match your 80s happy pants with an 80s tee shirt. Don't forget to roll up the sleeves, and tie the corner into a knot, if it's oversized..

Accessorise with bangles, and an 80s hair style!

Also, check out these other 80s fashions!

80s Dresses

80s Punk Fashion

80s Madonna Look

80s Dresses

80s Fluro neon Clothing

80s Acid Wash Denim

80s Shoulder Pads - Power Dressing

80s Michael Jackson

Do you have an original 80s photo to share, wearing 80s happy pants? We'd all love to see it!