10 pull-on pants that look like you tried (but feel like you didn’t)

The elastic waistband—once fashion's dirty little secret—is now the feature we're actually looking for.
Can we talk about pull-on pants for a sec? You know, that category of clothing that walks a precarious tightrope between style triumph and fashion disaster? We’ve all seen the unfortunate versions: ballooning around the legs like you’re auditioning for the circus, or so wrinkled you look like you just rolled out of a week-long nap.
But here’s the thing—when done right, pull-on pants can be the actual jam. They spare you from determining whatever denim silhouette is trending this month (wide-leg? skinny? balloon? Who can keep up?), while offering that holy grail combination of comfort and put-together polish we’re all chasing.
This spring, it’s all about breathable fabrics that move with you. Linen, cotton, and that miracle textile lyocell are having a moment, creating pants that transition seamlessly from morning school drop-offs to work presentations to evening patio drinks. These aren’t your pandemic sweatpants in disguise—they’re legitimate fashion pieces that just happen to feel like you’re getting away with something.
The elastic waistband—once fashion’s dirty little secret—is now the feature we’re actually looking for. Because let’s be honest, after years of button closures digging into our midsections, don’t we deserve pants that just…understand us? And while there are certainly bigger issues demanding our attention these days (gestures broadly at the state of everything), finding small comforts while our collective nerves are frayed to bits feels like necessary self-care, not frivolity.
Whether you’re looking for something polished enough for the office or casual enough for weekend adventures, there’s a pull-on pant waiting to revolutionize your wardrobe this season. The best part? You’ll look like you tried, when really all you did was pull them on and walk out the door.