I’m a Millennial and My Gen Z Cousin Told Me Leggings Are Out, so I'm Wearing These On-Sale Wide-Leg Pants

When my Gen Z cousin tells me something is “out” — I take her seriously. So, the day she told me that leggings, one of my favorite go-to clothing items, were no longer in style, my heart broke a little. 

As a yoga teacher and a work-from-home writer, leggings are a wardrobe staple that occupy at least an entire drawer in my dresser. I’m 32, so not only do I grab leggings for workouts, but I’ve also worn them with skirts, dresses, and, regrettably, gym shorts, since I was in elementary school. 

I puzzled over this new bit of fashion advice for a few weeks, until I got the opportunity to try the Soma Cotton Sweater Crop Pant, and I immediately understood what my cousin meant. The wide-leg pants look more polished while running errands and are comfortable enough to wear for teaching yoga and going on walks. The Soma pants gave me the upgrade I was searching for, so I can part with my leggings.  

Soma Cotton Sweater Crop Pant

The pants are made of 100 percent cotton that feels super soft against my skin, just like some of my favorite blankets. They keep me warm and cozy as I move through my day while remaining breathable. I received these in August when it was still hot, and they were an ideal weight for the transition from summer to fall. I threw them on with a thick sweater when I left my house at 6 a.m. to teach yoga on a crisp morning, and I found they were still lightweight enough to pair with a T-shirt during my afternoon walk, even as the temperature reached the 80s. Now that it’s fall, I’ll be wearing them with snuggly crewnecks and hoodies on repeat.

Although I love how leggings feel, I look much more put-together when wearing the sweater pants. They have a wide-leg that is popular right now, and the ribbed elastic waistband is comfortable while also adding a bit of texture. The two side pockets are deep enough to carry my phone and keys without looking too bulky, which is convenient for running into a store or workout class. 

While I was initially skeptical about working out in these loose-fitting pants, I found them easy to move in and great for yoga classes and walks. They don’t need to be relegated to the gym, though — they can be styled with a cardigan or worn as a set with the matching sweatshirt, which is also on sale right now.  

I’m 5-foot-3 and a size 16/18, which can be a tough combination for pants shopping, but the cropped fit on these worked well for me. I opted for a size XXL, but could’ve sized down for a more form-fitting look. Due to my petite stature, the pants hit the top of my foot rather than my ankle, but I like the way they look nonetheless. 

They come in a purply gray, sage, and deep purple color, which I opted for. Both the color and the fabric have held up well after several laundry cycles, where I put them in the machine with the rest of my clothing. 

If you’re searching for the next “in” pants to replace your leggings, consider the Soma Cotton Sweater Crop Pant while they’re on sale, and keep reading for more comfortable pants from Soma. 

Soma Modern Modal Straight Leg Pant

Soma Satin Relaxed Cargo Pant

Soma 24/7 High-Waist Joggers