Are High Sport Pants Worth It?
Plus: a gift guide for the globetrotter.
This week's hot topic in our subscriber chat has been whether High Sport’s increasingly ubiquitous, cult-favorite kick pants (or, as Magasin cleverly called them, “newsletter pants”) are worth their $860 price tag. Designer Alissa Zachary cut her teeth at the Row and Khaite before she launched the brand, taking notes on the elevated basics that would eventually become her signature. She knew she had a hit as soon as her pants sold out at a few discerningly-selected retailers.
So, are they worth it? Here’s why I say yes.
Pragmatism: one of the reasons the pants are so popular is because of how sensible they are. They’re easy to care for and require very little thought when styling. And they can be worn just as well with a sneaker at carpool as a heel to dinner.
Comfort: they move with you like a legging does — with some stretch and give. These pants you can bend over in, chase kids around in, and sit for long periods without a waist pinch — but they stand up to life far better.
Fit: The material is sturdy and thick, smoothing any lumps and bumps and holding you in the way your favorite legging might. They’re fashioned from a French lycra and soft Italian cotton-blend knit that flatters almost everybody — one that only needs to be felt and tried to understand why “dupes” in similar silhouettes don’t hold up. I recommend sizing down one size. The little “kick” at the hem flares out, balancing out the leg with the torso. Oh, and they make your butt look killer.
The “fashion” element: uncompromisingly luxe, editors, rich bitch West Coast Moms, and NYC cool girls all quickly adopted the style, making the pant an “if you know, you know” brand almost immediately. The wide array of colors makes the pants a nearly formulaic element you can build a wardrobe around. They’re polished enough to wear to a runway show but not too precious for the everyday schlep — a true revival of great American Sportswear.
Cost per wear: if “girl math” applies, the cost-per-wear on these is indisputably low. They can replace (and improve upon) nearly every pair of pants in your wardrobe, so perhaps the only other things you need are a trouser and jeans. The quality is nearly obstinate in commitment, so you can be assured they will last you many years.
How to Style:
High Sport kick pants in red with Malene Birger leather jacket, Savette “Symmetry” pochette bag, Sherman-Field bracelet, and Emme Parsons pumps.
High Sport kick pants in black with The Row “Ophelia” sweater, Dorsey “Crawford” baguette earrings, Underwater Weaving bag, and The Row loafers.
High Sport kick pants in lavender with Gigi Burris hair bow, Chava Studio tuxedo shirt, Mas Garden Tote, and Prada “Bouquet” flats.
I would LOVEEEEEEEE to see some pics of mid size girlies in the high sport pant. I’m a 10/12 in US sizing and haven’t seen anyone around my size in them but am curious!!
Do these work for those of us with short legs (5'2 over here)?