Family's unique graduation tradition is to wear same pants

For four generations, a different member of one Texas family has literally worn the pants. What started as a simple hand-me-down turned into tradition.

In 1950, the Smith family's oldest brother needed some new pants for his high school graduation, but they couldn't afford it -- so their dad let his son wear his pants. He did the same with his two other sons, too. The rest is history.

WFAA reports that 15 members of the Smith family have now walked across their high school graduation stage wearing the same navy pinstripe pants.

"I've always known about the tradition. Dad would always tell me at the beginning of high school that I'll be wearing the same pants he's wearing when he graduated," said Travis Smith.

WFAA posted the story to its Facebook page, which seems to have spurred stories of similar traditions.

One commenter says a baptismal dress has been worn in their family for over 30 years.

Another says she's been using a graduation cake topper for her eight kids and will continue the tradition with her grandkids.

Some traditions are harder to keep than others -- and pants certainly aren't one-size-fits-all. How have the Smiths kept it going? Well, let's just say there's been some tailoring over time.

According to Star-Telegram, the pants can no longer be let out and they haven't fit everyone perfectly. One family member says, "It's astounding that they have lasted this long."

These 70-year-old pants have definitely had some wear and tear, but what's most important to the Smith family is the meaning behind them.

"Every time someone walks across that stage, there's not a doubt in my mind that my mom and dad are walking that stage with him," said Dan Smith.

The pants have been put back in a closet until the next family graduation, which will be in 2023.

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