I love my thick, fleece sweatpants. They are a dream woven into reality. And the stretchy waistband has shown me more emotional support than I ever could’ve expected over the past 18 months from a garment. But it’s time my wardrobe grew up. As the world opens up – sounds like the name of a pandemic soap opera – I’ve returned home with regrets (and a few indents) every time I’ve worn bottoms with a button and zipper. In a quest for style and comfort, I’ve put together this list of pants with an elastic waist that are more appropriate to wear in public than my faithful sweatpants and in many cases, more stylish than whatever I was wearing pre-2020.
This brand is new to Canada – and you do not want to miss out on this sports bra.
Elastic waist pants and jeans (and leather ones too!) –stretchy bottoms for every mood
Trendy wide-leg pants with a forgiving waist – yes, please. You know these are going to be comfy when you scan the product description and your eyes fall on the words “urban pajamas.” The shape will make you look supermodel tall, and the stretchy waistband will make you feel yogi cool. Made of viscous fabric, these trousers are sustainably made from wood pulp, so you can feel good about your purchase, too.
Aritzia, you had me at drawstring. This pair blends the best of office and at-home style: A rich pattern with a mid-rise, knotted-drawcord waistband. Made with polyester and a wood-based viscose, the cinching style would look great with chunky white sneaks, a strappy heel or those black ankle boots you haven’t worn in two years. Also… there‘s pockets!
Whenever I’m at a press event and compliment another editor on something they’re wearing, high chance it’s from Everlane. It’s the clean tailoring that reminds me of the original J.Crew catalogues. These pintuck front, elastic waist trousers have a flat finish that make anything you wear with it look polished (if someone wants to test this theory with a big, old concert t-shirt, we welcome it). Plus, the website says they’re “comfortable enough to nap in.” Sign me up.
Even from this still photo, you can imagine how these pants move with each step. Handmade in Canada, the drapey pants with elastic waist are made from a blend of Tencel and spandex. Plus, the Kelly-green colour is gorgeous.
Ever notice that leather pants are always in style? It’s just the silhouette that changes. I have a small edit in my closet, from five-pocket denim style, joggers, leggings, flares, you name it. But a faux zipper front with an elasticated waistband is missing from my collection. These are made from smooth leather to feature the straight-line silhouette. But it’s the pocket details – slit at the sides and welted at the back – that give these trousers their charm.
Business upfront; comfort in the back. These super soft recycled vegan leather pants offer a bodycon shape, thanks to the tapering. They are so flattering. But can we talk about this colour? I’ve never seen such a pretty luxury textile.
Jeans with an elastic waistband? I thought this was a fashion myth or a feature only regulated to maternity pants. No more button digging into your tummy when you sit! This pair is made of quality denim to hold you in, thanks to its four-way stretch. These are basically what all jeggings should be.
Why limit yourself to one pair of jeans with an elastic waistband? That’s like saying, you’re only going to eat one potato chip. Here’s another denim option from Instagram-friendly brand Sézane from France. They do have a zipper up the side, but the flat front with Italian front pockets, made from a cotton blend that includes a recycled polyester and elastane, give these jeans their forgiving stretch.
For those days when you want to feel fancy AF and relaxed AF, these decadent flowy pants with a slight flare have an elastic waist that sit high in the hips. But this elegant paisley pattern is just perfect. It’s not too much for the eye. But it’s the sand-wash silk that makes me wish I had them from the first day of the very first lockdown.
I’ve never been so joyful to see a style come back. The wide-leg pants from the skater days have grown up into these pull-on trousers. And the dramatic cinching of this stretchy waistband will make you want to show it off. And with that, here’s a video link to help you perfect the French tuck.
I know, I know. I said no sweatpants, but technically that means I’m allowed to show you one pair! And this lounge pant is worth the departure. The elastic waist and heather grey fabric may say sweats, but the cut of the leg gives me dress pant vibes. Plus, they’re made of moisture-wicking organic cotton, and have cigarette-leg cut that elevates them. Just add an oversized knit turtleneck and blazer, and no one will know how ridiculously comfy you are.