Pants 101: A Guide to Our Best-Loved Pant Shapes
Looking for the perfect pair of pants? Read on for our guide to the five signature pant shapes that make getting dressed a breeze.
It’s a fact: A good pair of pants is essential to every wardrobe. Whether you’re looking for an office-ready trouser or a pant that rolls up in your suitcase, the right pair will go everywhere you need it to. Finding that pair, however, is not always the easiest feat.
So what should you look for when searching for the pants you’ll reach for again and again? Clean, simple shapes that dress up or down. Silhouettes with just enough ease—so you can move comfortably throughout the day. Thoughtful design details like subtle pleating or a sculpted hem that reflect personal style. The right fabric is essential, too—light, breathable knits like our flex ponte and Washable Stretch Crepe provide structure and polish with little upkeep. We believe that easy yet sophisticated shapes in well-made fabrics will allow you to get more mileage from your clothing.
Ready to find your forever pair? Read on for a guide to our iconic shapes—the pants that work with everything you already own, and with anything you might later incorporate into your wardrobe.
Perhaps the most versatile piece you could add to your rotation. One of our best-selling styles, our signature slim pant goes with everything—there’s a reason our customers come back for it year after year. Throw a long shirt or dress over it for more coverage, or an extra slouchy sweater for a playful take on proportions. This is the pant that will put in overtime.
Relaxed yet refined. This trouser is designed with a tapered leg, fly front closure and pleats for a touch of sophistication. Pair it with a box-top for an easy silhouette, or with a tucked silk shirt for a more polished look—this pant will take you from work to weekend with minimal effort.
Long, clean lines define this effortless style. We designed it with a high rise that defines the waist and a full length that elongates the legs. Reach for it in Washable Flex Ponte for a softly structured pant that defies seasons, or in Boiled Wool Jersey for a cozier version that’s equally relaxed.
Looking for another wide-leg option? This cropped style shows off your ankle and works equally well with sandals, sneakers or boots. One of four original shapes that Eileen designed when she started her line in 1984, it’s an everyday pant that’s easy to live in—and easy to wash.
This iconic shape is defined by a softly sculpted hem that hits at the ankle. The characteristic tapered leg helps balance boxier proportions, so wear it with cropped or oversized tops. Over the years, we’ve translated this shape into a variety of different seasonal fabrics, but our smooth and washable ponte is easily the most versatile option.
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