Painter Pants of the 80s

• Painter's paints were a fashion trend in the 1980s that took off among those who never painted for a living. Designed for working painters, these inexpensive pants featured several pockets of all sizes and a signature "hammer'" loop on the right leg seam. Made of white cotton canvas, the pants provided a perfect backdrop for young trendsetters seeking to make their own unique fashion statement.

White

• The classic white painter's pants appealed to those seeking a simple look to offset the bright T-shirts and tops so popular in the '80s. Some would add a splash of color by tying a bright bandanna to the hammer loop or even hang a toy hammer from the loop.

Paint-Splattered

• Paint-splattered clothing was all the rage in the '80s. Fashion designer Willi Smith introduced the style in his early-80s collection. Before long, everyone was making homemade, paint-splattered duds. Painter's pants provided an ideal blank canvas.

Pastel and Neon

• As bright neon and pastels gained popularity in '80s fashion, designers got on board by offering painter's pants in a rainbow of colors.

Caps and Overalls

• Trendsetters completed the utilitarian look by accenting their painter's pants with painter's caps. They personalized their caps with buttons and pins and wore them turned to the side or with the bill flipped up. Many rounded out their wardrobes with painter's overalls.