WBTV reported about a possible ban on saggy pants in Charlotte. City Leaders asking for an ordinance aren't concerned with extra big or baggy pants in general-- only those baggy pants that expose underwear or boxers.Calling it the "Pull Em Up" ordinance, Mecklenburg County commissioner Bill James says he will suggest that the county and city health and safety committees recommend making "saggy pants" part of what's defined as indecent exposure. James will propose the ordinance at the commissioners meeting tonight.
The origin of saggy pants is up for debate, but many experts agree that it's an evolution of ill-fitting prison garb. Since belts are banned in jail and uniforms aren't tailor-made, pants would sag. It is believed former inmates brought the fashion to the streets and the sagging phenomenon was born.
Cities with Saggy Pants Ordinances:
* Shreveport & Alexandria, LA: Ordinance allows some sag, but 3 inches or more can bring a fine of $25 to $200 and a requirement for community service.
* Hawkinsville, GA: The ordinance states it is 'unlawful for any person to appear in any public place or in view of the public wearing pants or shorts below the waist, which expose the skin or undergarments.' The penalty is a $250 fine and 40 hours of community service.
* Delcambre, LA: Ordinance states: Wearing pants low enough to show boxers or buttocks can result in six months jail time and a $500 fine.
Cities Considering Banning Saggy Pants: Trenton, NJ, Atlanta, GA, Dallas, TX, Stratford, CT, Stantonsburg, NC, Duncan, OK, Pine Bluff, AR, Opa-Locka City, FL, Baltimore, MD, Jamaica