Shopping & Styling Elastic Waist Pants
I love weaving prints into my wardrobe especially through pants, dresses and skirts. When it comes to pants, I usually gravitate towards soft, flowy styles with an elastic waist- sometimes with a tie, sometimes without. During the spring and summer months, I love having a few great pairs of both solid and prints to grab for daytime wear. They’re especially great for days spent at the computer when you still want to feel put together but stay comfy too.
When I think about my dream closet from a pants perspective, the ideal number of elastic waist pants I want to own are about 12- 4 pairs of linen, 4 lightweight printed pairs for warm weather months and 4 great prints or fabrics- like velvets, sweater knits and sparkly lurex- for cold weather months. My goal is to pick up one or two new pairs a year but only if a print really speaks to my heart. I’m pretty stocked on neutrals unless there’s a new trending silhouette that I think will work well on my body shape, this year happens to be full length wide leg.
It’s such a joy to create a wardrobe one thoughtful piece at a time. I have a great pair of leopard printed pants that have been going strong for me for 5 years now! Pants is one of those categories where a few great pairs go a long way.
It’s also one area of your closet where you don’t have to spend a lot of money, and a print that grabs your attention can bring lasting meaning to your wardrobe for years to come. So if you see something you love, snag them! It’s not every season something will catch your eye. I’d much prefer to splurge on dresses and skirts because the pay off in fit is usually better. With elastic waist paints, it’s usually pretty easy to find something that looks and feels good- though there are a few things I’ve learned along the way that make the search even easier.
1. Where to Look
Like I mentioned, elastic waist pants aren’t an area where you necessarily need to invest. Unless you stumble on a great secondhand treasure, like Pucci or Missoni, on The Real Real or in a consignment shop. Then by all means, go for it! I myself would love to own a colorful pair of striped Missoni pants someday, I adore this pair here. I also love the idea of investing in a 100% silk pair someday, like this marbled Zimmerman pair. I don’t own much silk but lately I’ve been bookmarking pieces, there’s just something about so luxe and dreamy about them!
For more affordable elastic waist pants, I usually check Zara, H&M, Mango, J.Crew and Gap. They’re pretty much guaranteed to be under $100 a pop too!
When it comes to solid linen pants, J.Crew has truly nailed it. This pair of linen pants has such a good fit and the quality is beautiful, I ended up buying them in multiple colors. The lighter shades even come lined, which makes them feel so elevated. I have both the white and natural, those are easily my top color preferences when it comes to linen. For prints thought, Zara and Mango tend to have the most unique seasonal printed options that feel high-end.
2. Fit
Oh fit, this is where I run into the most challenges especially with my short, athletic frame. Elastic waist pants often ride up too high (and, well, you know where else), plus they’re usually way too long and baggy on me. I imagine they would be absolutely perfect for someone taller.
Finding the J.Crew linen pair really helped me define what a great fit looks like for me. A size small is those measures a 28″ inseam, 11″ rise and 9″ leg width, plus they have a thin elastic waistband and tie, which I think helps them sit more comfortably at the waist.
For comparison, I have a Gap pair of linen pants in extra small- the inseam is 31″, rise is 12″ and leg width is 11″- and those extra few inches make them feel much more relaxed and casual. I actually may try and shrink them up a bit in the wash! There’s a fine line between relaxed and messy.
Recently, I ordered this paisley linen pair from Mango and sadly, although I loved the print and quality, had to send them back because they are just way to big on me. My learning with Mango elastic waist printed pants is that extra smalls seem to be too snug in my thighs and then the smalls are way too long and too high waisted. They look best styled with an untucked top, which isn’t usually my go-to. I prefer something I can tuck in, like this one, that goes with everything!
The trend right now is definitely leaning into full length and oversized but if you’re petite like me, cropped styles are always a good option too. I actually have this Mango pair on the way to try next.
3. Color & Print
When it comes to neutral linen pants, having a natural and white pair covers just about everything I need. I can’t say it enough, this J.Crew pair is by far the best. Honestly I’d love to own them in all colors but I think that’s a bit obsessive.
In summer, I definitely find myself reaching for lighter shades more often than darker ones.
As for prints, I’ll always love a classic blue and white stripe but, I’m also drawn too funkier, eclectic prints, like the old Mango pair I’m wearing above. Paisley is a favorite and so are more abstract , oversized patterns that feel Pucci-esque. Geometrics and plaids are always an option too, although they’re not usually my first pick, unless the color and layout really speak to me. You never know when something a little unexpected will end becoming a favorite, I’m all for trying things out of your comfort zone sometimes.
When I’m styling printed pants, I usually start by thinking about what neutral top would balance them best- white, black, navy or grey are easy wins. Sometimes I like to pull a color from the print itself, or even experiment with print mixing, but if that means needing to buy something new just to match, I’ll pause and make sure I’m actually building around what I already have first.
4. Fabric
Lately, I’ve been on a big natural fibers kick, and I definitely prefer linen and cotton whenever I can. That said, for elastic waist paints specifically, I don’t mind viscose, it has a beautiful drape and moves to nicely.
I do find it’s much easier to wear synthetics like viscose on the bottom rather than the top, I’m super sensitive to anything that messes with my body temperature and cheap tops can trigger a hot flash situation fast.
One thing I’ve learned the hard way: always check fabric content before ordering. I once grabbed a cute tie-dye pair from Zara that turned out to be 100% polyester and they felt awful in person. It’s wild to be when high. Always make sure to check fabric content!
How funny, as I’m wrapping this up, I realized I don’t actually own any printed pants with a traditional button and zipper. Elastic waists rule my closet here. But now I’m kind of curious to try a more polished, structured pair for meetings or special outings.
Have you found any cute printed pants lately? Would love to hear what you’re loving! And don’t forget to check out the J.Crew linen pair I can’t stop raving about.
