1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW & HOW I’M STYLING THEM

04.25.19

As you know I love digging into the nitty gritty details that make an item special and today we’ll be doing just that! The item up for discussion is the Wide Leg Chino from Everlane. I know a lot of folks are talking about their new Tread sneakers but over here we’re chatting chinos!

These particular pants were part of my spring wish list and a number of you expressed an interest in hearing my thoughts on them. So that’s what I’ll be sharing in this post, which includes:

  • Why I bought the wide leg chino
  • Quick facts about them
  • My thoughts on fit & fabric
  • Details that make them special
  • + 6 ways to style the wide leg chino

Let’s dive right in!


DISCLOSURE: I’ll be sharing my honest thoughts about these pants but before I get into that I felt it best to note that this post wasn’t sponsored and I bought the pants myself. When you shop via an affiliate link below I may make commission on a sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Style Bee!


1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

WHY I BOUGHT THE WIDE LEG CHINO


1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

After doing my spring closet prep I noticed an opening in my closet in the light coloured bottoms department. I love my white denim (styled here) and my linen Florence pants (revisited here) but had been hoping to find something closer to a trouser that could be dressed up or down and feel a bit more tailored/professional.


1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

I’d been considering this particular pair of Kamm Pants but at $425 USD they were far from feasible for my spring budget this year. I was really intrigued by the Wide Leg Chino being a similar shape, available in a soft neutral (‘stone’) and at $68 USD the price point made them a much more viable option. So I decided to give them a try!


I had tried another style, the Wide Leg Crop (a cult favourite), back when they were first released but found the inseam was too short, the material stretched out a ton and the pockets bulged unflatteringly. The Wide Leg Chino, however, has a longer inseam, deep hem, welt pockets and was made of 98% cotton. Those differences were enough to persuade my purchase and resulted in what I think is a really well designed pant that’s a lot of fun to wear!


1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

WIDE LEG CHINO – QUICK FACTS


  • PRICE: $68 USD – International orders over $100 ship free and all duties/customs are pre-paid so there are no surprises at the door.
  • FIT: Runs true to size. I wear a 26/27 in Everlane Denim and a 4 in pants and I got a size 4 in these. (more fit details below)
  • SIZE RANGE: 00 – 16
  • MADE IN: Jiangmen, China | See the factory
  • FABRIC: 98% Cotton, 2% Elastane (more fabric details below)
  • CARE: Machine wash cold with like colours, tumble dry low
  • COLOURS: These pants are available in 5 colours, which are some of my favourite options Everlane has ever done!

STONE | PALE BLUE | LIGHT SAGE | WASHED BLACK | OCHRE


Looking for a slimmer leg silhouette? Try the Relaxed Chino or Straight Leg Crop instead.



FIT & FABRIC


1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

I tried to move around a lot while shooting this review so you could get a better sense of how the fit and fabric look in reality. I didn’t iron or steam the chinos before shooting these images so you can see how they look after a day of wear. I also didn’t edit out any creases or wrinkles and I think these shots give a very accurate representation.


THOUGHTS ON THE FIT


For reference I am wearing a size 4 and I am 5’7 and about 125 lbs. My measurements are 26.5 in natural waist and 37 in low hip.

I’m slightly pear shaped with an ample butt so most pants that fit my hips need to be tailored slightly to fit my waist. This was indeed the case with these pants. My tailor brought the waist in about 1.5 inches and was able to use the existing darts at the back so no extra seams were needed. Now they fit like they were made for me!

Other than the waist needing tailoring, which I’d expected, I was really pleased with the fit of these pants right out of the box. They slipped on easily and fit perfectly through the hip and lower waist but not too tightly!

I’ve worn these pants several times now and they are really comfortable to sit in, walk around in and generally feel great on. They’re a good all-day pant for sure, not just a work or special occasion option.

If you’re between sizes and worried about fabric stretch out, I’d suggest going with the lower size. I could have possibly worn a size 2 after breaking them in for a day but they would have been really tight through the hip at first. More on the fabric and stretch below.



THOUGHTS ON THE FABRIC


I wasn’t sure what to expect with this 98% cotton and 2% elastane blend but was pleasantly surprised. The fabric is very soft and smooth but still has a nice bit of structure without feeling stiff. I can see wearing these through the spring and even into the summer since they’re quite light and breathable. They’ll be great going into the fall.

Does it stretch out? Yes. This fabric will relax with wear throughout the day, however, they didn’t stretch out an outrageous amount like the wide leg crop I tried in the past. I think it depends what you’re doing and how you’re sitting and moving in them. For instance, they didn’t relax much when I was just working at my desk or walking Dobby but after biking and sitting cross-legged on the couch visiting friends I found they’d warmed up more and stretched a bit further.

I hung them up overnight and they regained their original shape for the most part. If I really want them to fit snug again I’ll give them a wash.


1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

Do they wrinkle? You’ll find some creases develop throughout the day as you sit and such. That said, they’re not nearly as wrinkle prone as a linen and the crotch creasing is not very noticeable in the stone colour. They smooth out easily overnight too.


How do they compare to a Kamm Pant in canvas? This material is much lighter and softer than the Kamm canvas. This makes them feel more practical for sitting and moving around in and more versatile for warmer temperatures. The fit is pretty close but these are a little more relaxed through the leg, which helps with comfort and breathability too. That said, they still hug the right places, fall in a straight line from the hip and do great things for the caboose!


1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

DETAILS


As usual it’s the details and a bit of careful design that make all the difference when it comes to a classic like chinos. These are the key ones that make the Wide Leg Chino a great pant in my opinion:

WELT POCKETS: These pants have a set of welt pockets on the front. They’re almost invisible but if you look closely you can see the opening just below the waist band. This means they sit flat and don’t flare open the way the slanted pockets on the wide leg crop do. The designers could have foregone front pockets however, I think that the extra layers help give the front of the pant some structure and they hold their shape through the hip better. Not to mention having a handy spot to stow small things throughout the day.

BACK POCKETS: There are no pockets on the back and I personally love this design choice. It gives a traditionally utilitarian pant a sleek and refined update.

DEEP HEM: I love the super deep, 3.75″ hem on these. It gives them the authentic sailor pant shape and a very clean line at the bottom. This extra material makes them a good option for taller folks who might need a little more length. For shorter individuals, these would be an easy hem for a tailor. Just make sure they keep the deep hem.

TRUE HIGH RISE: These pants sit right at my natural waist and this high rise creates a leg lengthening visual effect. The rise on a size 4 is 11 3/8″.


1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

BACK DARTS: This is a similar design to Jesse Kamm’s Sailor Pant and a key reason that these pants fit so well. Most form fitting, high rise pants will have some variation of back darts to help the pant contour to the shape of the wearer. The designers were also smart to line the darts up with the belt loops.


7 BELT LOOPS: I’ve been wearing a belt much more regularly this year and find that it tends to slip over the waistband on some pants with fewer belt loops (most have 5). These have 7 loops, which helps the belt stay in place.

STONE GREY: I really love all the colours these pants come in but this soft grey tone was the most versatile for my closet and exactly what I’d been looking for. It’s dark enough to contrast white but it’s also fresh and light for the spring and summer seasons.


That’s it for my Wide Leg Chino review! Feel free to ask any additional questions in the comments.

Now, onto the styling!


1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

1 BASE – 6 LOOKS


I thought it would be fun to share how I’ve been playing around with the styling of these pants. I really love them paired with a micro rib scoop neck tee for spring so I’ve put together a series of 6 outfits using this simple base that can work for so many looks!


1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

LOOK 1

ADD: Bright red lip + Scarf Tied Ponytail + Beaded Bag + Block Heel Mule + Gold Bangle


MICRO RIB TEE + WIDE LEG CHINO | EVELANE || BAG | ABACÁ || MULE*| gifted NISOLO || SCARF* | n/a A PEACE TREATY || *Linked to similar


1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

LOOK 2

ADD: Leather jacket + Long Necklace + Canvas Tote + Brown Ankle Boot


MICRO RIB TEE + WIDE LEG CHINO | EVELANE || TOTE* || MARS BOOT | RACHEL COMEY || LEATHER JACKET* | MADEWELL || LONG NECKLACE | gifted CLAUS || *Linked to similar


1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

LOOK 3

ADD: Brown Belt + Woven Mule + Light Duster Vest + Tonal Cross-body Bag + Hoop Earring


MICRO RIB TEE + WIDE LEG CHINO | EVELANE || DUSTER VEST| gifted ONLY CHILD n/a|| THIRAS BAG | gifted ABLE || PARIS MULE | ST. AGNI || KATE HOOPS | MACHETE | *Linked to similar


1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

LOOK 4

ADD: Brown Belt + Woven Mule + Denim Jacket + Woven Circle Tote


MICRO RIB TEE + WIDE LEG CHINO + DENIM JACKET | EVELANE || BELT | ATELIER B || CIRCULO BAG | gifted ARTISAN & FOX || PARIS MULE | ST. AGNI


1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

LOOK 5

ADD: Hair Barrette + Gold Necklace + White Blazer + Cognac Tote + Suede Pump


MICRO RIB TEE + WIDE LEG CHINO + WHITE BLAZER | EVELANE || CIRCLE NECKLACE* | YOUNG FRANKK || BROWN TOTE* | gifted OPELLE || SUEDE PUMP* | n/a L’INTERVALLE || *Linked to similar


1 BASE - 6 LOOKS + WIDE LEG CHINO REVIEW

LOOK 6

ADD: Denim Duster Jacket + White Flat + Cognac Cross-Body Bag + Fun Statement Earring


MICRO RIB TEE + WIDE LEG CHINO + DAY GLOVE | EVELANE || ARC + LINE EARRINGS | gifted NATALIE JOY || HANA BAG |gifted ABLE || DENIM DUSTER* | n/a ALI GOLDEN || *Linked to similar


C’EST TOUT!

Thanks for reading today’s review and outfit post!

Let me know if you have a favourite look or any questions about these pants.


This post is not sponsored but contains affiliate links. When you shop via the links above I may make commission on a sale at no additional cost to you. I always strive to give information that is as honest and accurate as possible to help you add pieces you’ll love wearing long-term. Thanks for supporting Style Bee! All opinions are always my own.

Leave me a comment here!

  1. Nikki Anne says:

    Great review- thank you for all the details! I’m so sad that these are no longer available. ☹️

    What’s a “deep hem”?

    Thanks!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks for reading Nikki, I know, I wish they were still available but perhaps a new and improved version is in the works. A “deep hem” is how I describe hems that are 1.5 – 2 in thick or more. It creates a thick band at the bottom of the leg and can help the pant maintain it’s shape. xo

  2. Sam says:

    Lovely outfits!

    I’m wondering…Do you find this white Everlane tee to be see through? What type of bra do you wear with it?

  3. Lucretia Roletta says:

    This one of the most comprehensive review I have read on a garment. I like your style and choice of venders you use.
    Good job!

  4. Stephanie says:

    What a great post! Thank you for the phrase “slightly pear shaped with an ample butt”– this is my body shape as well. I had never considered having the waist taken in on a pair of pants but it sound like it’s well worth it and would solve many of my fit problems. Thanks again!

  5. Martine says:

    Thanks so much for this post!
    I knew Everlane released the wide leg chino and I was really waiting for your opinion abouth these pants.
    Last fall I ordered the wide leg cropped pants but I find them very heavy (the fabric) and they don’t really fit me the way I want them to.
    Choosing a size was the most difficult part but with the lessons I learned I think I will order the chino.
    A lighter fabric is what I’m looking for and I will order one size down.
    Who knows, maybe this one will become my go-to wide leg 🙂

    • Lee the Bee says:

      I’m so glad this post was helpful Martine! The wide leg crop is definitely a heavier material and a different fit than these, which I think are an improvement for sure. I hope that they work out and you love them as much as I do 🙂 Have a great weekend. xo

  6. Melissa Eubanks says:

    Great review! I sent back a pair of the Wide Leg Chinos because I didn’t want to take the risk of not being able to return if they stretched too much, but your review is convincing me to repurchase and sell my Wide Leg Crops. On another topic, did you have your Everlane linen blazer altered? We are about the same size and I have a size 0 in the blazer and it looks so much more oversized and less chic on me. Thanks!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks for reading Melissa! Ah, it’s so tough to know when it comes to fabric stretch.

      I didn’t have the blazer altered and I have a size 2. It’s quite oversize (maybe less obvious in the front-on photos) but I like the exaggerated fit for what I’ll be wearing it for. I find it has movement to it being partially lyocell. Can you exchange for the size down maybe? Hope that helps!

  7. Leigh says:

    I loved this post! I was blown away by how much change you could bring to each look through your styling of the base. I have been a reader for a couple of years now (and have always considered myself ignorant about clothes and fashion) and I continue to learn from you. I don’t buy clothes often, but I recently went shopping and found myself looking at fit, colours, and fabric in a more informed and opinionated way that I recognized as your positive influence. Thank you!

    P.S. I think my favorite was Look 2 with the leather jacket!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      That is so kind of you to say Leigh, thanks for such a lovely note! I’m so glad this blog has been helpful for you. Really appreciate your readership and time spent here 🙂 xo

  8. Krystal says:

    Loved the thorough review! And I may just have to bring in one of these photos to my tailor, who seems to struggle a bit with taking in waists. She doesn’t seem to make the effort to adjust the waist band; she just brings the darts all the way through the top of the band and leaves the extra fabric to bunch underneath. You are lucky to have a tailor with such an eye for detail and fit!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Krystal! Ah, that’s happened to me before and it’s uncomfortable. I’m lucky that my current tailor pays closer attention to details but I did have to specify that she use the existing darts on these. In the past she has added new darts and it can get a bit messy.

      If you ask your tailor to keep darts within the yoke (if your pants have one) and then to add a seam in the waist under the back centre belt loop, that might help. Then she can feed the additional waist material through the band without needing to cut it above the yoke. It means detaching the waistband so it might cost a little more but it means you can let it out at a later time if you need to. Hope that makes sense!

  9. Cathy says:

    Great review. Thorough as always. I’m not sure I like the look of the deep hem , but the fabric and the rise are perfect.

  10. Danielle says:

    Hi Lee! I was curious about these pants so I was excited to read this post. As a local Guelphite, I’m wondering if you would please share your tailor? Loving the new Style Bee branding!!

  11. DeE says:

    So do you prefer this pant to the wide leg crops then?

  12. Kate says:

    This is one of my favorite posts in a long time! Every one of those outfits is lovely!

  13. Raeanne Yeh says:

    Love your review/post! Also love the 6 different looks you styled 🙂
    If one wore non-seamless underwear, do you think the outline would show?

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thank you Raeanne! I think it might. Since these don’t have back pockets and the cotton isn’t thick there may be some visibility. Something like a boy short or hipster would be better than a brief or style that cuts the butt cheek off midway, if that makes sense. xo

    • Raeanne Yeh says:

      Yes, that makes total sense. I totally forgot there are styles like boyshorts.. haha

  14. Mary Spears says:

    So so glad you did this review! I just sold my Kamm pants because I had outgrown the waist size and was thinking about re-trying the Everlane original pair. I too didn’t love the Wide Leg Crop on me, mostly because it didn’t feel high waisted enough. Do you feel like these come up a bit higher? It looks like they do based on these photos — these are fantastic on you! Xoxo

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Yay! Thanks Mary 🙂 Yes! These sit more comfortably on my natural waist than the wide leg crop, which I found I had to kind of hike up to sit where I wanted, thus causing the ever chic camel toe haha. The wide leg crop has an 11 in rise and these have a 11.75 in rise which makes that key difference. Hope that helps! Ps. I can totally see you rocking these! xoxo

  15. Sally says:

    Hi Lee! I loved this review, and love the formatting too (question/answer). Do you find these pants see through at all?

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Sally, that feedback is so helpful! I don’t find them see-through at all, which I was relieved to discover. Hope that helps! xo

  16. Jennifer young says:

    Lee, this is so great. I’ve been waiting for your review before ordering 🙂
    Love the styling of the stone chinos too.

    Cheers,
    Jennifer
    P.S. I got my St. Agni Bunto loafers two weeks ago and am in deep, deep love.

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Ah, that’s so great Jennifer! The Bunto loafers look so comfy and classic. Thanks for checking out this review, I’m glad it was helpful! xo

  17. Gillian says:

    I love how you kept the same base but changed up all of the other elements! It really shows how you can do many different looks with fewer items.

    I think these pants look great on you! I remember having chinos back when they were cool before and I’m not sure that I can do them again, but I’ll never say never lol!

    • Lee the Bee says:

      Thanks Gillian! Haha! I had the same hesitation after wearing a pair from the Gap a couple decades back. Lucky these are not the same ill-fitting low-rise style that still haunts me 😛

  18. Sarah winton says:

    I’ve been wanting to add a pair of wide leg pants to my wardrobe this summer and this pair sounds like it would fit the bill perfectly. Thank you for giving such a thoughtful review!

  19. RyaL says:

    The wide leg chino looks super cute on you, but would be too short on me. You mentioned the hem – do you think there would be a crease mark if I took the hem out a bit? I’d have a seamstress do the alteration.
    Thank you for a great review!