Okay, so, I’ve been seeing these “paper bag pants” all over the place lately, and I finally decided to figure out what the heck they are. First, I jumped on the internet to do some digging.

What I Found Out
- Basically, they’re pants that are high-waisted.
- They’ve got these pleats at the top.
- You cinch them in with a belt or a tie.
- They come in different styles.
After reading a bunch of stuff online, I got the gist: they’re supposed to be super comfy but might not be for everyone. They’re apparently great if you’ve got a defined waist, like an hourglass or pear shape. I’m kinda more of an apple, but I figured I’d give them a shot anyway.
So, I went to a few stores to try some on. Man, there are a lot of different kinds! Some have really wide legs, some are more fitted, and they even had some that looked like skinny jeans. I grabbed a few different styles and headed to the fitting room.
The first pair I tried was a wide-leg version in a light blue color. When I put them on and cinched the belt, I could see why they call them “paper bag” pants – the fabric at the top does bunch up like a paper bag! They were definitely comfy, but I wasn’t sure about the look on me. Maybe a bit too much fabric for my frame.
Next, I tried on a pair that was more fitted through the hips and thighs, with a slightly tapered leg. These felt a lot better. They still had that cool paper bag waist, but the overall shape was more flattering. I also tried on a pair of black paper bag jeans. They were surprisingly cute and looked great, but not very comfortable.
After trying on a bunch of different pairs, I ended up buying the fitted ones with the tapered leg. I figured I could dress them up or down. And you know what? I’ve been wearing them a lot! I usually just throw on a simple white t-shirt with them, and it looks pretty good. I even wore them to a casual dinner with friends, and I got a couple of compliments.

So, that’s my experience with paper bag pants. They’re definitely not for everyone, but if you find the right style, they can be a comfy and stylish addition to your wardrobe. I’m glad I gave them a try! Just be prepared to try on a few different pairs before you find the perfect ones for you. I learned that some websites mentioned that high-rise and paper bag pants are out of style in 2024, but I don’t really care. I found them to be a nice change of pace, and they fit my casual style.