When faced with the task of building out your wardrobe, it’s almost daunting to consider how many types of pants are out there. Sure, you may think the differences between certain genres are so granular (though, as we’ve learned, the difference between bootcut and flare pants is enormous). But still, every type of pants has its place in the fashion ecosystem, from trendy low-slung trousers to the skinny jeans of yore.
Pants preferences are also deeply personal. Some people prefer to have something that clings to the body and gives them shape, while, for others, the baggier the better. Loyalty also runs deep in the high and low-waisted camps: Some pants-wearers will want a defined waist while others may prefer the room to breathe.
Maybe you’re looking to expand your pants repertoire, or perhaps you’re just curious about what’s out there. Worry not, the Vogue team has lots of opinions. Below, our editors make the case for their favorite types of pants, from ’70s-inspired flares to the controversial low-rise.
Flares
I love a high-rise flare. A real businesswoman of the 70s vibe is my favorite. A little length, a little grace around the ankle, a belly button button—what s not to love? —Chloe Malle, editor of vogue.com
God, I love a flare! I think part of this is my rebellious nature flare-ing up (haha?) because fat people are famously only supposed to wear those ugly dark navy straight-legged jeans they always put women in on What Not to Wear, but I love how a flared leg announces itself and makes it clear that I am absolutely not apologetic about being in whatever room I’m in. Also, I love looking like a chunky Penny Lane! —Emma Specter, culture writer
Bootcut
I’m happy that bootcut jeans are back on trend—I think there’s something really flattering about a great-fitting pair! I like the combination of a fitted waist, with a flared ankle, and they’re perfectly styled with any type of shoe, from kitten heels to ankle boots. —Alexandra Ditch, associate producer, Vogue Shopping
I wear a flared or bootcut jean pretty much seven days a week. (Big fan of the ’70s.) I often find that they are the only pants that look good with my shoe of choice—a heeled boot—and love that they can be dressed up or down with total ease. —Christian Allaire, senior fashion style writer
Baggy
Though I was a devout skinny jeans wearer in my tweens and early teens (I shudder to think about it now), I’ve done a complete 180 in adulthood. Now, the baggier the better. I love a pair of low-slung pants—be it jeans or trousers—that rest on my hip leave plenty of room to breathe. Not only are they chic, they make it easier to move around. Talk about a win-win! —Hannah Jackson, fashion writer
Straight-Leg
At first I thought I was an equal-opportunity pants lover but a quick look at my closet made me realize that’s totally incorrect. I love a men’s straight leg pant, sized up one or two sizes so that they are a little baggy and yes, they ride right at my hips just like they did when I was a teenager. Arrested development? Probably. —Laia Garcia-Furtado, senior fashion news editor
Capris
My transeasonal, trend-lambasting bet will always be on the capri pant. While cursed with what my family has long dubbed ‘Cafolla calves,’ the restrained expanse from hem to ankle still feels elegant and whimsy, and offers everything to sartorially play for. In the winter it’s Audrey Hepburn style in black cropped pants and a matching turtleneck. In the height of summer, it’s pastel pairs with a breton stripe or bikini top, and a ballet flat. My best are a pair of vintage floral Calvin Klein capris, but I also love my cropped Paloma Wool suit pants, and the endless pile of thrift store pedal pushers I’ve had tailored. The length of what caps a capri pant is debatable: burgeoning Copenhagen brand Birrot’s delightful, buildable sets feature an ankle-skimming type, with LVMH prize finalist alum and Moldovan designer Fidan Novruzova pruning her signature bow-adorned pedal pushers closer to the kneecap. But just know I’ll always brave breezy ankles for the look. —Anna Cafolla, news editor
Low-Rise
Low rise trousers all the way! —Madeline Fass, senior market editor
Leggings
I fear I’ve become a leggings apologist; growing up, and even into my early twenties, I would divert from wearing them as they felt too restrictive. Maybe it was the frontal lobe developing (or that I’ve become quite active through running and taking barre classes), but I now turn to them often—especially when I get to work from home. I love throwing on a worn-in sweatshirt and flare leggings (and fuzzy socks!) for the ultimate comfy outfit. —Kylee McGuigan, associate production manager
Barrel
As divisive as they are, the horseshoe pant has recently become my go-to trouser of choice. Now, I would like to point out that when I say horseshoe I’m referring to the subtly curved pant silhouette (I promise I’m not walking around in those crazy, balloon-like barrel pants.) However, I do find the funky shape to be both comfortable, due to its baggy nature, and weirdly flattering on my petite frame. I know in 10 years I will probably look back in disgust, but ignorance is bliss…So for now, I will continue to thrive in my man-repellent horseshoe pants until further notice. —Florence O’Connor, associate content manager
Sweatpants
There are aspirational pants, pants I want to be—skin-tight dark wash bellbottom jeans—and the pants I am: Skims Sweatpants. The moment I walk in the door, whatever I am wearing comes off and I slide into these, I own them in six colors. They are the most comfortable, most cuddly, warmest sweatpants ever. If you’re a matchy-matchy kind of person, there are sweatshirts for a full look. —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty wellness editor
