I posted recently about my search for an eventual replacement for my favorite old wide-leg Athleta black pants, which are my go-to travel pants and also get worn for lots of days when I’m active but also want to look a bit polished.

All of the ones I have tried so far have been good, but they are all a bit heavier in weight than my old ones, which are a similar fabrication to the Athleta Brooklyn pants. Athleta’s current offerings in that fabric do not fit me properly so I ruled them out.

I did however try these and wanted to see if anything jumps out at you all. I know, they’re black pants so not terribly exciting. But I thought I’d share.

Pics 1-2 Athleta Venice pants with white side stripe. I also ordered the plain black ones to try but they are taking a while to come in. I quite like them. The side stripes may be a little limiting but I’m a sucker for a good side stripe and I’m sure I’d still find plenty of wears for them. Elastic waist but it’s a smooth flat waistband which is really nice and doesn’t roll.

Pics 3-4 Vuori Meta pants - Angie alerted me to these, and they are really nice. Trouser styling with zip and closure so more polished than most athleisure. They fit well, with some extra room at the waist, but that can be altered easily enough.

Pics 5-6 Inexpensive but pretty darn good, these Old Navy PowerSoft Trouser pants are super comfy, and I would not feel like I need them o be precious at all with them. Elastic waist but nice simple styling that would make them wearable with a lot. I needed a tall size which actually makes them a little long, but it’s an easy fix to take a little off the length.

And… no, not black pants but I decided to order to try:

Pics 7-8 Rag & Bone Miramar wide leg sweatpant jeans. I still have my jogger style ones from years ago (actually purchased secondhand from former forum member Alaskagirl!), and I’ve worn them to death but they’re still useful. These fit looser and are quite baggy, and probably not flattering, but I kind of love them. Feel free to try to talk me out of them. LOL

Please pardon my general appearance in these photos. No makeup. Messy hair. Threw on the pants with the first top I reached for and some sneakers. And a bloaty day too, haha. So actual styling will help!