With the spring and summer seasons come “new” styles. But area merchants say the swanky styles this season aren’t exactly new.

Shirts with three-quarter-length sleeves and capri pants seem to be paving the way back into the fashion industry this season.

Made popular during the ’60s and ’70s, capri pants, also known as pedal pushers, which extend to just below the knees, are quickly making their way into closets nationwide.

Paul Sharpencamp, store manager of JC Penney in North Grand Mall, 2801 Grand Avenue, agrees that styles from bygone decades are making a comeback.

“Capri pants are thought of as a thing of the past, but as we’ve been seeing the ’60s are evolving again,” he said.

Hawaiian shirts are resurging in popularity, especially among men and children, Sharpencamp said.

Area stores also are anticipating cargo pants and shorts, boat-neck shirts, knit tees with matching knit cardigans or twin sets, tube tops and plaid woven garments to be big sellers this season.

Darcy Mulvihill, store manager of Eddie Bauer located in North Grand Mall, said Eddie Bauer is making a big push toward golfwear, which has sold well lately.

Polo shirts and khaki shorts also are big sellers, she said.

Store managers also said this season’s hip clothing colors won’t strain the eyes. Neon is out.

“Pale colors especially light pinks, grays and yellows are probably going to be the most popular colors this season. Basically anything opposed to bright colors will be popular,” said Julie Peterson, store manager of Younkers located in North Grand Mall.

How do many of these fashions become popular in America? First, look overseas.

“Most American buying habits are influenced from the last fashion season in Europe,” Peterson said.

Store managers vary in their methods of promoting what’s chic at their stores.

Mulvihill said Eddie Bauer is testing out new ways of advertising their merchandise.

“Eddie Bauer has just set up its own Web site, which will be our biggest source of advertisement, and for the first time ever Eddie Bauer is going to put television ads on the Discovery Channel,” she said.

However, some stores aren’t keen on mass media advertising. Express, in North Grand Mall, is one such business.

“We mail coupons to our credit card holders, but other than that we don’t do any kind of advertising,” said Jennifer Nordhues, Express store manager.