Since You Asked: Pants

These days, I’m a bit of a pants aficionado.

Or at least I am to my friends.

I’m certainly no match for the fashion greats on here, including excellent recent write-ups from here and here.1 But I do love pants. And so much so, in fact, that I probably have more pants now than I do shirts to wear them with.

Recently, friends on here, on Instagram, and IRL have been asking me for my favorite pants of the moment. And with summer finally here (I think?!), I thought I’d do a quick download on my current most worn, non-denim pants. And yes, they all have elastic waistbands (AKA “pull-on pants.”)

I don’t feel that I have any pants to share with you that aren’t already on your radar (maybe one pair?). But alas, as you can see above, my DM’s are aglow with r/pants discussion and I could use a spot to house my current recommendations.

So in no particular order, my 5 most worn pants right now, warm weather edition:

1. Donni Linen Crop Stripe Pant

Unfortunately, I’m here to tell you that these $218 pants really are that good. Firstly, the colors are a-mazing (I’m in the pistachio, but like… gotta catch ‘em all, you know?). The linen is soft (which isn’t always a guarantee with linen), and the stripes down the sides give them a certain edge that just instantly make you feel cool in a low-lift way. The only downsides are that they don’t have pockets (this is unfortunate) and they are more expensive. But, they bring me joy and I truly wear them all. the. time. These pants tend to sell out so if you love them, snag them soon because they just recently restocked for the season. I’m wearing my normal size! (XS). And shoutout to because I think she was the one who originally influenced me on these!

2. Cadets Everyday Poplin Pant

This is the pair that I don’t know are as known to the masses (yet). I originally got into Cadets for my son, but more recently for myself too! With these pants (plus this cotton cardigan) as my gateway drugs. The pants are made out of a lightweight, yet durable cotton poplin and come in a variety of prints and stripes, plus you can get a matching pair for your littles. I’ve been wearing these in my everyday, but also will wear them as a coverup to the pool. They also have side pockets!! Women’s sizing is S/M/L and I’m in the S. (Code ARIANESHIP for free shipping)

3. J.Crew Linen Soleil Pant

Someone said it. Was it you, ? The linen Soleil pants seem like the pants of the season. And as they should be! They’re a lightweight, soft, and breathable linen that come in a bunch of cute colors, are priced right, and have side + back pockets. They’re extremely versatile and again for the price, you can have multiple, which I do! I have the French Blue shown above, as well as the Poppy, and took my normal XS sizing. As far as comparing them to the Donni ones, these ones are longer versus the Donni ones are more of a cropped style. These also have the aforementioned pockets and a drawstring waist. I’d say these have more of a “classic” factor to them, versus the Donni ones are more of a slightly edgey vibe. My only critique on these is that sizing seems to be a little inconsistent. The XS of the French Blue fit tighter in the waist (and therefore slightly higher) than the Poppy. Not sure if this a color thing or just a more mass market thing, but thought I’d note! Personally I wouldn’t size down in these despite what some reviews say online. (Ed note: so sorry, I’m realizing now that these pants are v low on sizes. Keep an eye out though, I bet more come soon!)

4. Ruti On The Loose Work Pants

Last I checked these were my all-time most popular link on ShopMy, which makes sense because I’m a big fan and I’ve been talking about them for almost a year now. Ruti’s viral On The Loose Pant is a slight barrel shape and comes in a variety of colors, though I prefer the classics like black, navy, and brown. They’re the perfect mix of “athleisure” and put together, and can be dressed up or down. I love the slight barrel leg, which adds dimension, and that I can easily wipe them clean with a damp cloth if my toddler puts her yogurt hands on them (98% chance). I never knew how much I needed these until I had them — now, I can never go back. My use cases include: school drop-off (as one friend said, “these have replaced my leggings!”), travel, coffee pit stop, work from home uniform, walk with a friend, and everything in between. I’m putting them in the summer / warm category because they’re very lightweight, but note that they’re nylon so they’re not as breathable as a linen or cotton. Also I size up once for more movement in the leg and a little bit of a looser fit in the waistband! (Code ARIANE15)

Also, fwiw, I cannot confirm this myself, but I have heard these are a good dupe. On first glance, the waistband looks different to me and therefore there’s more cinching at the top, but can’t deny they’re a much more palatable price!

5. Leset Kyoto Pant

These are the pants on my list that I have the most complicated relationship with. Do I love them? Yes, obviously, that’s why they’re on this list. But are they as temperamental as my toddler? Also yes. Firstly, the good stuff: Leset’s Kyoto pants are a crowd favorite for a reason. They feel effortless and with their crisp cotton feel, can easily be dressed up or down. They’re a cotton khaki type material, have a drawstring, and I’d say they’re mid-meets-low-rise. They also have side and back pockets. I feel like they’re the first of their kind, as many copycats have since arrived on the market.

Now for my hang-up: it might just be the color I got (Cypress), but be warned that I do find them to stain easily and you will not, I repeat, NOT!, want to use a spot cleaner (like my personal favorite) on these as it will essentially bleach them. I learned this the hard way, but luckily, the Leset customer experience team is the loveliest and sent me a new pair when I basically scream cried over email and begged like my life depended on it. (Thank you again, sweet sweet Rachel!!)

This of course, has not stopped me from wearing them (if anything, I am now that much more loyal to the brand thanks to Rachel), but I won’t be wearing them as readily to say, the playground or breakfast with my two-year-old. These are more of an adult-friendly pant, in my experience.

And with that, I now conclude my version of the best pull-on pants for the warm weather ahead!

One more tidbit for you though: my friend Jamie heard I was writing about pants today and very kindly let me know that these are “SO GOOD. The fabric is amazing. Wore them my whole Mexico trip.” Love it.

Okay, now it’s your turn! Please share your favorite pull-on pants right now. And thanks, as always, for being here.

xx Ariane

Ps. This post includes affiliate links, but I’d never promote anything I didn’t love! *denotes gifted product.

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