The holidays are upon us, and with them come feasts in many forms. Maybe you’re looking forward to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings, or can’t wait to eat so many latkes that you reach food coma status. When it comes to dressing for the end-of-the-year celebrations, many of us focus on looking festive when, perhaps, we should place just as much emphasis on comfort.
With so many food-centric holidays in the immediate future, the Vogue staff is preparing to enjoy many a meal without sacrificing fashion. Enter the “eating pants.” When planning an outfit around the activity of breaking bread, our team favors lots of styles, from ultra-high-waisted to the low-slung; wide-legged to bodycon.
So, whether your holiday and Thanksgiving dress codes lean formal or casual, Vogue has got you covered. Below, check out the staff’s picks for best eating pants, so that you can enjoy your meal and your outfit.
The Spanx Air Essentials wide-leg pant are the cozy cloud I never knew I wanted from a pair of lounge pants. Something about the light-as-air fabric and fit makes them the most comfortable pants I own and also the sleekest sweatpant alternative, elegant enough for entertaining at home...and eating of course. —Chloe Malle, editor, vogue.com
As someone who absolutely loathes waistbands squeezing my stomach when I’m trying to enjoy a meal, I’m partial to a pair of low-slung pants. I find that Levi’s 501s ’90s Jeans sit perfectly on my hips and leave plenty of room to eat. I recommend sizing up to exaggerate the baggy look. —Hannah Jackson, fashion writer
As comfy as the best sweatpants but far chicer: This wide-leg cashmere pair that I’ll be wearing to Friendsgiving with chunky black boots to make up for the ultra-long length. And for when at home, in lieu of never changing out of my pajamas, I’m thinking of getting this stripe lounge pant from Comme Si. It’s made from a lightweight cotton poplin that’ll (hopefully) offset all the heat emanating from the ovens and stoves! —Talia Abbas, senior market editor
My go-to comfy pants are my Wales Bonner x Adidas track pants, which have just the right amount of 1970s sporty flair. They’re pretty ideal as eating pants, too—who doesn’t love a stretchy waistband? —Christian Allaire, senior fashion and style writer
Baggy jeans are my go-to. I love EB Denim’s low-rise baggy, which are my daily uniform anyway. This year, though, I m leaning more even cozy with a pair of cashmere pants. As a non-American, I don t technically celebrate Thanksgiving, but it feels as good an excuse as any to pull out a pair of soft but chic trousers for a day spent lounging around. These ones from Noname is Needed look like a good option. (The brand is from the same team as Naked Cashmere, so it s a safe bet.) —Madeleine Schulz, reporter, Vogue Business
If one thing is certain about me, it’s that I’m unpretentious and love a baggy pant—and if not baggy, a sneaky comfortable waistband. My favorite sweatpants are Aritzia s Cozy Fleece Mega Cargo. Something in particular about the wide leg cargo silhouette makes me feel a bit more put together than I do when wearing a classic sweatpant. Speaking of cozy but elevated trousers, look no further than Leset. —Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty commerce writer
I always change into pajama pants at some point during my Thanksgiving dinner, so this year, I might as well wear pajama pants from the get-go. I love all the loungewear pieces from Comme Si (everyone is wearing it, including NewJeans, my favorite style icons). The green striped pair with a knit and some Uggs sounds extra cozy for Thanksgiving... although my parents might yell at me for dressing too comfortably. —Irene Kim, production and editorial coordinator, Vogue Runway
Whenever the occasion calls for unbridled eating and socializing, I reach for a trusty pair of tights. (Sheertex happens to make a nice pair, with a sturdy-yet-comfortable control top that feels like a hug for your lower abdomen.) I tend to wear them with an oxford and a short skirt, giving it a bit of an Elaine Stritch vibe—top hat optional! —Jessie Heyman, executive director, content planning development
UNIVERSAL STANDARD LEGGINGS. I’ve had mine for six years and they’re flawless and can accommodate a full Thanksgiving meal. —Emma Specter, culture writer
While I don t wear pants, comfort is always a priority on Thanksgiving. This drawstring skirt (with a double waistband) is perfect. I ll take one in navy and a second serving of mac and cheese. —Leah Faye Cooper, digital style director
I like to start out in something soft and baggy that still has a little bit of structure so the Alexa Chung for Madewell Corduroy Trousers are definitely in my rotation for the holiday season. However; before the end of the day (meal), I am sure to change into something with an elastic waistband and the Needles track pants are the perfect way to be cozy while still looking chic. —Florence O’Connor, associate content manager
If I’m going to wear pants during the holidays, they re going to be lounge pants, or a pant that feels like lounge pants. A wool lounge pant or baggy pleated trouser is perfect for the season—and for an expanding waist during holiday dinners. —Cortne Bonilla, senior shopping writer
This Suzie Kondi sweatsuit won’t only get me through my Thanksgiving meal, it will get me through my Netflix binging, my last-minute cranberry sauce shopping, and my Black Friday scrolling! Comfortable and who doesn t love a matching sweat suit that is chic enough to wear out on the town. —Sam Sussman, senior director, creative development and programming, social media
I was quick to hop on the low-rise jean trend so I could live out my middle school cool girl fantasies. Another plus is a pair of super low-rise True Religion jeans are fantastic for eating a big meal—the waist hits way below your belly button so you’ll never feel the need to unzip your pants after eating too much (mostly because the inch-long zipper is essentially a vanity design) and the jean material is just stretchy enough that there’s more than enough give for that second piece of pecan pie. —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty wellness editor
