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The One Thing Every Pair of Pants Must Do

I’m upping my pants game. Here are the 6 pairs that made the cut.

By Madeleine Kim

I’m not really into New Year’s resolutions. They feel forced, and I usually end up with unrealistic goals that I don’t stick to (this is my third year of failing to learn how to make a Swiss roll à la Great British Baking Show). But, birthday resolutions are a different story. No one asks you about your birthday resolutions (because they’re…not a thing), so if you decide to make them, you can get weird with it.

And since I’m writing this on my birthday, I thought I’d let you in on my resolution: I’ve decided that in this next year of life, I’m upping my pants game. No longer will I spend money on pants that look great but aren’t comfortable enough to sit in for more than 10 minutes. Also, goodbye to pants that don’t make me want to check myself out in the mirror multiple times a day. From now on, I’m only investing in pants that fit like a dream—which requires having a real understanding of which cuts and features work for me. And because every woman should have pants that make her feel amazing, I’m inviting you to come along for the ride, and learn everything there is to know about my favorite M.M. pants.


1. The Zhou Culottes

Before I tried the Zhou, I was a culotte skeptic. But once I put them on, I became a convert and never looked back. Not only are they incredibly comfortable, but they’re also ultra elegant (and not at all overwhelming, as I had feared). Fitted at the waist, and flowy through the leg, they feature a side pleat that creates extra movement when you walk. Their claim to fame? They look good on everyone. If you’re petite, they’ll look striking and elegant at full length. If you’re on the taller side, they’ll appear a bit cropped for a more fashion-forward look. Get the Zhou if you’re a fan of the purposefully oversized look, or just want to try something different from typical work pants.

2. The Tinsley Trousers

The Tinsley trousers weren’t really on my radar until I saw one of my most fashionable coworkers wearing them and immediately got it. Yes, the Tinsleys are trousers. But they also have just the right amount of slouchiness that, when worn with sneakers, gives off this relaxed, chic-without-trying vibe. They feature a fitted waist, wide-leg cut, and are full length. Personally, I like to wear them at home with cozy sweaters like the McKenzie, but you could also tuck in something fitted for a classic, office-ready look. Get the Tinsleys if you want trousers that make you feel cool.

3. The Oshima Pants

The Oshima was the first pair of M.M. pants I ever got (back in 2016!), and I’ve probably worn them over 400 times since then. Not that you’d be able to tell—they’re still in perfect shape, even though I’m much less careful with my clothes than I should be. The Oshimas have a side-zip closure; close fit through the hips, thighs, and knees; and a slight flare through the calf. They’re also a little bit cropped, which makes them more casual and—dare I say—more fun than something like the Foster, which is fitted throughout the leg. In our stretchy-yet-structured Everstretch fabric, they’re perfect for days when you feel like wearing yoga pants but still want to look professional.

4. The Colby Joggers

I’ve already written at length about how much I love my Colby joggers. But in case you’re in a rush, here’s the Sparknotes version: these are the pants I wear when I don’t know what to wear, because they always make me feel comfortable and confident. They’re cut like classic joggers (relaxed through the leg and tapered at the ankle) but made from our super sleek OrigamiTech material, which looks elevated thanks to its smooth finish and slight sheen. The elastic waistband is a game changer, and zipper pockets come in handy more than you’d expect. Get the Colby if you want to be deeply comfortable without resorting to sweatpants.

5. The Mejia Pants

The Mejia pants are your classic, dictionary-definition-of-business-casual work pants—but the best possible version of that. Tailored but not tight, flexible in length—meaning they look good both cropped and full-length, depending on your height—and machine-washable in most fabrics, the Mejias are the kind of pants you’ll want to have in multiple colors. When you wear them with a blazer and heels, you become the portrait of a room-commanding exec type. When you wear them with sneakers and a sweatshirt, you look effortlessly chic and ready for anything. Get the Mejia pants if you could use a pair of timeless trousers in your wardrobe.

6. The Foster Pants

You didn’t think I’d finish this list without talking about the Foster pants, did you? Since we released the Fosters over four years ago, they’ve been consistent bestsellers—and for good reason. They’re super stretchy, but they hold you in; they never wrinkle; they’re machine-washable; and they come in a ton of colors. They also have adjustable hems, so you can change the length depending on your height (or shoes!). You can dress them up for work, or down for a more elevated version of your go-to weekend look (I got my mom a pair of Fosters a few years ago, and I haven’t seen her in jeans since). Get the Foster pants if you haven’t already tried them (and if you have, get them in another color, because why not?).

Written By

Madeleine Kim

Madeleine Kim is the Director of Brand & Content Marketing at M.M.LaFleur, where she started out as a stylist. She loves developing styling-focused content and creating newsletters that bring the M.M. community together.

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