Zoomer-Friendly: Behold the Most Perfect Pants on the Planet

“Duchess Dons Pants!”

That was the shriek heard across social media platforms recently when Kate Middleton attended a charity event wearing trousers. The Duchess of Cambridge often opts for a lady-like frock for her public appearances, hence her high waisted pants paired with pussy-bow blouse caught royal watchers by surprise. It also garnered her the inevitable tabloid comparisons to another royal, Meghan Markle, who favours a well cut trouser.

But it should hardly be a case to start placing bets on who wears pants best in the palace.

Perhaps Kate just wanted to shake up her style that particular day with some trousers and it certainly wasn’t her first public foray in pants. Like most women today, the leggy royal is attuned to the numerous benefits which comes with even the simplest pair of pants. They provide coverage from the elements in chilly climates and are practical attire if your daily routines involves much activity.

But despite the assortment available today, trousers can be tricky when it comes to getting fit, comfort and style, all rolled into one practical pair of pants — particularly for the more mature woman.

Allow us to introduce two brands that pack those three elements into perfect pants.

Photo courtesy of Uniqlo, 19.90

Ezy Tucked Ankle Pants from Uniqlo

Uniqlo is renowned for their elevated basics globally. Fans of the Japanese retailer all have their coveted basics — items which they swear by and stock up on each season. Thankfully, the retailer restocks some of those cult items each season — like the Ezy pant.

The beauty — and genius — behind the design of the Ezy pant is you simply pull them on. That’s right, there are no buttons, zippers or fastenings. For anyone whose fingers have difficulty manipulating such notions, this is your dream pair of pants.

The back of the waist band features a discreet elastic panel and despite the appearance of a fly flap, there is no zipper. The faux fly flap and pleats gives the trouser a sleek tailored look — along with belt loops should you opt to wear a belt — all of which makes it polished and professional for a boardroom.

Other winning details include a fabric with stretch for comfort, wrinkle resistance and machine washable. Wear them on an airplane and go directly to a business meeting. It is the ultimate dress pant with all the comfort and practicality of sweat pants.

(There are other colours available for both women and men and the fabrication changes along with the seasons.)

 

The Ezy Ankle Pant, $29.90, Uniqlo.com

Up! Pants 

 

Photo courtesy of Up! Pants. Gingham pant, $98. For a retailer nearest you, please consult uppants.com/findastore

Up! Pants is a brand from Montreal which produces trousers with all the comfort and ease of leggings, but with the stylish look of a dress pant.  In an array of prints and colours, these pull-on trousers are stylish enough to dress up for the office or dress down for vacation.

The secret is in the fabric — a material with the right amount of stretch to contour and hold in all the right places. The design also plays an important part in the equation. A wide waistband and a built-in front panel helps to flatten and smooth out your middle section comfortably.

Up! Pants have been around since 2014 and have already garner fans such as Kathie Lee Gifford, who raved about the pants on television. The company has announced Niki Taylor — the 1990s supermodel, now in her 40s — after fronting their campaign last year, will be returning as the face of the spring campaign.

 

Blue Toile pant, $85. For a retailer nearest you, please consult uppants.com/findastore.

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