Pedal pushers are pants that are as symbolic of the 1950s, as were poodle skirts. They are quite similar in style to the Capri pant that became popular in 1949, and was nearly instantly embraced by movie stars like Audrey Hepburn. Unlike the Capri pant, which is a slim fit, or tight fitting style that ends just below the knee, pedal pushers could have a looser fit and ended at mid-calf. They frequently lacked the characteristic slit on the bottom side seam of the Capri, and might instead feature cuffs.

The goal of pedal pushers was to provide comfortable riding for women without entangling clothing in bicycle chains or wheels. Generally, the longer and looser the pant, the more likely you were to snag pants in the chains, which could result in ripped pants, or at the very least, grease stains that were hard to remove. Some bicyclists used elastic bands to keep the pant leg away from the chain, and some still do. Pedal pushers offered a way to avoid this unfashionable look and keep the clothing protected.

Sometimes the term pedal pushers is used as a synonym for Capri pants, and a variety of other styles of pant that ended at the calf or just below the knee. A few other names common at the time include clam diggers, toreador pants, motor scooter slacks, and Calypso or pirate pants. Probably we are mostly familiar, in addition to the terms Capri and pedal pushers, with clam diggers. These were often cuffed pants, and meant to imitate the way people rolled up their pants when searching for clams in ankle deep water.

The terms motor scooter slacks and pedal pushers are essentially the same thing. Capri pants are quite similar to toreador and Calypso or pirate pants. The main difference with Calypso and pirate pants from the Capris is that they were supposed to look a little worn and might feature a shorter waist, below the natural waistline. All styles of Capri were usually shorter than pedal pushers and tended to be skinny fit or tightly fitting to the body. They thus weren’t suited to the same level of activity as the more generously sized pedal pushers.

In the 2000s many different Capris and pedal pushers were popular. Most are simply called Capri pants, though the more loosely fit ones are probably better-termed pedal pushers. They come in a variety of colors, fabrics, and patterns and are still excellent for use in casual rides on a bicycle. Bicycle pants made of Lycra that end at mid-calf may also be termed pedal pushers.