My boyfriend wore a pair of “Oxford bags” in the 70s. He bought them in a shop near the westway flyover on Portobello road. They were made in a Prince of Wales check pattern and had a two inch turn up. I recognised the pattern on stallholder Nathalie’s tweed wool trousers last week. I associate them with soul music and 70s northern soul dancing.
Online research revealed that they originated in the 1920’s.
The full story of their origins possibly involving Oxford students is described in an article in The New Sheridan Club newsletter. A very interesting read. (Link)
I found some very cool vintage reproduction Oxford bags available online By Somelikeitholy” by Malou Mella.