Is it just me, or is everyone and their mother wearing poplin drawstring pants right now? I’m not surprised, though, given that we’re in the trenches of summer, craving lightweight, versatile, elevated-yet-comfortable items. With this demand, designers are churning out myriad styles; however, none are as classic or as coveted by stylish celebrities as Leset’s Kyoto Pants.
From Kaia Gerber to Jennifer Lawrence and Katie Holmes, the chicest A-listers whose style balances being trend-forward with timelessness own these pants. These fashion icons are often spotted pairing Leset’s effortlessly chic design with everything from open-weave sweaters and ballet flats to simple tees and elevated flip-flops for trips to the farmers market or the airport.
The Kyoto style features a baggy-leg silhouette that hits at the ankle, with topstitched utility panels at the front, an adjustable waistband, and patch pockets at the back. They come in seven classic hues, such as dark brown and white, and 11 seasonal shades, such as coral and cobalt blue. I tried on the Kyoto pants once and immediately knew why they were a best seller and understood how no other brand could replicate them. It’s hard to explain, but they’re in their own category. That said, other brands are trying to re-create them in their own ways—think the wait-listed J.Crew Luna Pants and Gap’s Poplin Easy Double-Knee Barrel Pants.
The Gap version is what I want to talk about today because it’s a recent addition to the market, meaning not everyone knows about it yet. These pants are identical to the Kyoto pants in terms of appearance. They too feature an elasticized waist, side welt pockets, back patch pockets, and exposed utilitarian-inspired stitching at the front. In terms of colors, they don’t come in as many shades as the Kyoto, but it seems like Gap is slowly adding more to its range because this week, it just dropped white and navy on top of the original brown, tan, and red options. The best part about the pants, especially for someone like me who’s 5’1″, is that they come in a range of fits from regular to tall and petite.
One Gap shopper shared on the brand’s site, “I love these pants. The fabric is not stiff but lightweight. They are roomy without looking baggy.” Another noted, “They’re flattering and made from a great fabric.” If that doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will. Without further ado, keep scrolling to shop Gap’s Poplin Easy Double-Knee Barrel Pants. If they’re anything like J.Crew’s Leset-like pants, they’ll be sold out in less than a week. You know what to do.
Shop Gap Easy Double-Knee Barrel Pants
Shop Leset Kyoto Pants
