Comfortable and cool, harem pants are one of the most versatile, comfy pants you can pick. While these boho pants are synonymous in the modern world as a beloved garment for bohemians, hippies, and travelers, these baggy pants have roots in traditional clothing spanning various cultures. Harem pants are known for their loose fit, their low drop crotch, elastic waistband, and the material being cinched in at the ankles. This billowy style gifts them maximum comfort.
Harem pants can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia and were often worn by both men and women as a practical clothing choice in places with high temperatures. Harem pants in various styles also made it to Persia, India, and parts of Africa - with these loose pants being worn as everyday attire and as ceremonial dress.
Harem pants have had a resurgence in modern fashion. Their relaxed fit and unique silhouette made them a popular choice for those seeking comfort and style. We look closer at how to choose the most awesome harem pants to suit your style.
The Appeal of Harem Pants
Of all the casual trousers in the fashion world, none share such a unique silhouette as harem pants. With their loose fit around the hips and thighs and the snug fit thanks to the ankle cuffs, these trousers are the epitome of comfort. They allow for a range of movement thanks to their fit, making them a good choice for laid-back days (thanks to their elasticated waist). They also work well for yoga sessions when you need comfortable pants to travel in, and they can even be dressed up for the office or nights out on the town.
Harem pants come in a wide range of materials, colors, and patterns, which means that they can be worn in every style—from hippy and yoga pants to dress pants (depending on how you style them). You can pick from traditional ethnic prints to modern minimalist designs, solid colors, or loud color designs with stripes and patterns - there is an endless choice when choosing your favorite drop crotch pants.
Choosing the Right Material
Harem pants come in a range of styles and materials, but remember that comfort is truly king with these types of pants. You can choose harem pants made from cotton, silk, and bamboo—all of which add breathability and offer soft material against the skin. If you are looking for a dressier version of these pants, silk or linen can be a good choice, as they can be dressed up with a shift top and strappy sandals and will have a well-polished and elegant appeal. Wearing bamboo high-waist harem pants with a cute crop offers timeless style for those looking to keep it casual, and bamboo clothing also has the added benefit of being moisture-wicking and not easily wrinkled, which makes it a good choice for chic travel. Of course, cotton boho harem pants are always a good choice for those who want to embrace the classic hippy look while staying cool in the summer months.
Style Considerations
One of the best things about harem pants is their ability to fit into different settings—whether you are headed on a casual outing or planning a dressy date night, these classic pants can fit into any scene. One of the choices that will most impact style is the color and pattern of your pants. Those wanting a more chic vibe or harem pants that can be worn to work or formal events can opt for black pants. Those wanting to make a splash and wear more bohemian pants can choose color variants or play with tie dye. There are endless choices of harem pants out there.
Cool harem pants can be paired with t-shirts, cute crops, a tucked-in shirt, and tanks. Choosing the right top for a more sophisticated occasion can mean creating a balanced look, so if you have high-waist harem pants, you may want to pick a crop top to create space in the upper body. If you want a relaxed, playful look, pair your colored harem pants with a tunic or French tuck a t-shirt.
Footwear will also matter when styling your classic harem pants. You can dress them up easily by choosing low heels or strappy sandals, wedges, and heels for a night out or a formal occasion. Comfortable daytime wear can mean ballet flats, sneakers, or flip-flops for casual beach days. Your cosy pants can also be worn in the winter - paired with brown or black ankle boots and chunky knits; they lend a stylish, rebellious, bohemian air.
Best Harem Pants for Travel
With their stretchy waistband, quality materials, and comfortable fit, harem pants truly excel when it comes to travel. Often made from lightweight fabric, with breathability and lots of room, they are super comfortable to wear on long journeys. When picking the best harem pants for travel, you may want to consider fabric, color, and fit. Choosing a wrinkle-resistant fabric is important if you don't want to go looking for an iron when on the road. Harem casual pants made from bamboo can hold their shape in comparison to silk and cotton. You also want to consider quick-drying fabrics and, if traveling to hot climates, moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics.
You may also want to pick black harem pants or harem pants in a neutral color that can match just about anything in your wardrobe. That way, you can pack a pair of pants that can work as casual trousers but also be elevated for more elegant events, saving space in your suitcase thanks to their versatility.
Harem Pants for Yoga and Exercise
These drop-crotch pants come with comfy waistbands and cinched ankle cuffs, giving them a great range of motion and making them a perfect choice for yogis and other forms of exercise. Flexible, comfortable, and breathable - this is the holy trinity when picking pants that work well for getting fit. If you want to choose harem yoga pants, look for styles with a high comfort factor. The first thing to consider is a stretchable fabric that moves with you and doesn't restrict the body. You can look for bamboo viscose, spandex, or something with elastane to encourage mobility and maximum comfort.
You also want to check that these pants have a secure elastic waist that won't slip or slide during your downward-facing dog. Tight ankle cuffs ensure you don't trip over any excess fabric. If you want a more traditional fit, you can also find tight-workout-style harem pants.
Harem Pants for Men and Women
For centuries, harem pants have been worn by men and women as these unisex-style pants transcend boundaries. Their relaxed fit, amazing quality, and the fact that they can be styled a thousand ways make them a wardrobe staple. More masculine ways to wear these pants include a casual look with a fitted tank top, slinging on a leather or denim jacket, or throwing on sunglasses or a hoodie for a more urban approach. More feminine angles can include adding heels and a tighter-fitting top to create contrast and elongate the silhouette. Layering up for a bohemian look can also mean adding gemstone jewelry. When it comes to these pair of pants, there really are no limits.
Caring for Your Harem Pants
Harem pants tend to be easy to care for as long as you have chosen high-quality materials. Always check the label for specific care instructions; depending on the material, this will impact how you wash and dry your pants. Some general care tips include not using harsh chemicals and washing your chic harem pants on a gentle cycle, using mild detergent, and using a cold setting to preserve their shape and especially their color if you have a bold and bright print. Delicate fabrics like silk will probably need to be hand-washed. Air drying may be best, and you should reshape your pants before hanging them to dry. Keep your Buddha pants out of direct sunlight to avoid fading, and instead, store them in a cool, dry place when you aren't wearing them.
Conclusion
Harem pants are here to change your life. Super comfortable, easy to care for, and with a million different styles, it's no wonder these pants have been a fashion choice for centuries. If you are sick of feeling hemmed in by your skinny jeans, if you are seeking a truly comfortable and versatile travel trouser, or if you want to add versatile, timeless pieces to your capsule wardrobe, everyone needs a pair of harem pants. Explore different styles and materials and find the perfect pair (or many pairs) that match your look and unique needs.
FAQs
What brands have harem pants
Many brands have harem pants - whether you want to look for specific brands like Sivana or more generic marketplaces like Amazon, you will find harem pants everywhere. Be sure to check for quality material type and return policies when online shopping for your harem pants.
What body type can wear harem pants
Harem pants are versatile because they are suitable for any body shape. They have a relaxed and unique silhouette, an elasticated waist, and cinched ankles, which make them flattering for everyone.
What top looks good with harem pants
Harem pants look good with many wardrobe staples - you can keep your look casual by wearing your harem pants with t-shirts and tanks. They also look good when worn with crop tops and tunics. You can wear them in winter with fitted long-sleeve tops and chunky knits.
What is the point of harem pants
The point of harem pants is to offer a versatile wardrobe staple that seamlessly blends comfort and style. Harem pants are famous for their comfortable fit and their unique silhouette. They work well in hot climates because they are so breathable.
