Trousers, Skylab 2, Kerwin

These trousers were part of the Skylab crews' in-orbit wardrobe. A hidden zipper allowed the custom-fit trousers to convert easily from pants length to shorts. The pockets, snaps, and velcro were practical features for clothing worn in weightlessness. Matching jackets, short-sleeve knit shirts, and soft fabric ankle-boots completed the ensemble of "constant wear garments," all made of comfortable, fire-resistant woven durette fabric. Skylab astronauts lived aboard the space station for long-duration flights of 28, 59, and 84 days in 1973-1974. All their clothing was stored in Skylab before it was launched.NASA donated these trousers, issued to astronaut Joe Kerwin, to the Museum in 1977 for display in the backup Skylab orbital workshop.