Welcome back! Last time we covered tops you can find in the men’s section that are cheaper and have a longer fit. Today, we are clothing our bottom half. (See Part 1 HERE)
My goal was to find several types of pants that fit my 34-inch inseam (I’m 6 feet tall). In order to convert women’s sizing into men’s, you generally add about 21 inches to the waist measurement. Using this logic, women’s size 10 would be men’s size 31 (Source: Reference.com).
After four hours of shopping (whew!), here’s what I found:
JOGGERS
Remember when they were called “sweatpants”? Joking. Don’t let this athleisure phase go—it’s so comfortable. These joggers are a bit baggy (read: low) in the crotch, but it suits the silhouette. I can party or sleep in them—or both. Target Men’s Mossimo Supply Co. Knit Jogger Pants, $22.99, size Medium.
RELAXED JEANS
It’s a fashion girl’s well-known secret to buy Levi’s jeans in the men’s section to make cheap DIY cut-off shorts. The relaxed style makes them fit better than most. The cut of these jeans remind me of women’s wide-leg jeans and they are long enough to pair with heels. Target Men’s Levi’s Denizen Relaxed Jean, $24.99, size 32X34.
STRAIGHT JEANS
I love the stretchy fit, but not the color. When I brought this pair home to my closet, I could not find a single top whose color complemented these jeans. So, I separated them by wearing a cropped sweater. Hello, belly button! Target Men’s Levi’s Denizen Straight Jean, $24.99, size 32×34.
RUNNING TIGHTS
Finding these pants felt like the biggest victory to me. The only type of exercise pants I previously owned were 3/4 length because I dislike spending $80+ for women’s specialty tall sizes. Don’t let the word “tights” fool you into thinking they’re flimsy. These running pants are made of sturdy, quick-drying, breathable material. And, they have a pocket for your keys should you actually run in them. H&M Men’s Running Tights, $29.99 USD, size Medium.
And finally:
SLIM FIT JEANS
Yes, these are men’s jeans. They are the most emotional jeans I have ever owned—“stress case” is written on them. Did Zara always have a men’s section? I have to admit that I sort of cheated with this style. They’re supposed to be ankle-fit, but they fall an inch or two shorter on me. Out of all of the denim I tried on, these jeans felt the most current and flattering. Yes, these are men’s jeans. Zara Men’s Slim Fit Jeans, $79.90 USD, size 32.
Final thoughts? In my experience, you’re more likely to find longer inseams in the men’s section, but that doesn’t mean every pair will be long enough for us tall women. Remember, most clothing is made for the average person in mind. The average height for a U.S. woman is 5’4”, but the average height for a U.S. man is still only 5’10”.
You might have noticed that pajama pants did not make the list. Why? I tried, but I could not find a single pair long enough to graze the tops of my feet. Do inexpensive ones exist? Please help!
Overall, though, I was pleasantly surprised by the pant offerings in the men’s section—how comfortable they fit and how fashion-forward their styles have become.
Outfit Recap
Target Men’s Mossimo Supply Co. Knit Jogger Pants, $22.99, size Medium
Target Men’s Levi’s Denizen Relaxed Jean, $24.99, size 32X34
Target Men’s Levi’s Denizen Straight Jean, $24.99, size 32×34
H&M Men’s Running Tights, $29.99 USD, size Medium
Zara Men’s Slim Fit Jeans, $79.90 USD, size 32
Photo Credit: Kyle Blair Photography
Until next time,
Katie
Do you recommend a pant style in the men’s section? Let us know in the comments!