Last Updated on March 11, 2022
If you’re looking for a stylish but comfy alternative to sweatpants, paperbag pants could be the perfect choice.
I’m personally glad to see the back of loungewear. Not because it’s not great, but it’s nice to have a style refresh every once in a while. I certainly don’t want to ditch comfy clothes however, so I’m setting my sights on these.
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According to Lyst, I’m not the only one. Last year, searches for paperbag pants rose by 21% from March and we predict the interest in them will continue to grow.
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What are paperbag pants?
They’re called paperbag pants because of how they look — wide at the bottom and cinched at the top.
Think of them as an upgraded and sleek version of sweatpants. They still give you the comfort you’ve grown used to, but they can be dressed up with a pair of heels or down with boots or loafers.
They don’t just come in trouser form; you can get paperbag shorts and skirts too.
Are paperbag trousers flattering?
The key to pulling off anything is finding the right fit for you – so the quick answer is yes, but make sure you find a pair that works for your body and that you’re comfortable wearing.
The style is flattering on pretty much everyone due to the cinched waist and looser-fitting legs, which together give an hourglass shape. Kendall Jenner and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are fans too.
How to style paperbag pants
The only rules we follow around here is to ensure whatever you wear makes you feel comfortable and confident, so wear them however you choose.
A nice option is to wear something tight-fitting on top to balance out the wide shape of paperbag trousers.
Brie Larson seems to be a fan of this take. The actress recently posed on Instagram in a pair of paperbag-style jeans, teamed with a Bridgerton-style corset.
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You can also wear them with a simple tank top for a more casual look that looks effortless.
Want to pair your pants with something loose or flowy? Take some inspiration from fashion icon Tiffany Hsu, who paired her pink paperbag pants with an ethereal tulle top with extra, extra big sleeves.
The look gives the body shape and an exaggerated and impactful silhouette makes it look luxe.
Shop paperbag pants
Luxury brands 3.1 Philip Lim, Alice + Olivia and DKNY are just a handful of brands offering the tailored trousers and they’re popular on the high street too.
If you want to update your wardrobe with chic and practical pants, I’ve found some really good pairs.
COS have the best selection of chic pairs, while Zara and Massimo Dutti’s paperbag jeans are an easy way to wear the trend.
Here are 9 of the best pairs of paperbag pants you can buy now.
Belted paperbag waist trousers, £79, Cos – buy now
Beige tie waist wide leg trousers, £45, River Island – buy now
Z1975 baggy paperbag jeans, £27.99, Zara – buy now
Paperbag jeans, £59.95, Massimo Dutti – buy now
Belted paperbag waist trousers, £69, Cos – buy now
Cream pants, £95, Aggi at Wolf & Badger – buy now
Relaxed paperbag waist trousers, £75, & Other Stories – buy now
Margate pleated trouser, £88, Free People – buy now
Twill paper bag trousers, £17.99, H&M – buy now
Heavy crepe belt pants, £165, Ganni – buy now
