Elena They’ve both been sitting in my cart for a week now. One tab open to Zara’s High-Waist Pleated Wide-Leg Pants, the other to Abercrombie’s Sloane Tailored Wide-Leg Pants — just waiting. And honestly, I’ve hovered over the checkout button on each more times than I want to admit. So instead of rushing it, I did what any indecisive fashion girl with a coffee in hand and twenty browser tabs open would do: I compared them side by side.
This isn’t a review. I haven’t bought either of them yet. But if you’ve ever paused mid-scroll and thought, “Wait, do I actually want these or do I just like how they look on someone else?” — welcome. Let’s break down what’s in the cart and why I still haven’t hit ‘purchase.’
Let’s Talk Fabric — First Clue in the Cart
When I’m torn between two options, I almost always start with fabric. It’s the thing you feel first and what usually decides whether something becomes a staple or a regret. The texture, the weight, the way it hangs — that can tell you everything about how it’ll play with the rest of your closet.
Zara – Airy and Drapey, but Is It Too Thin?
Zara describes these trousers as “soft-touch” with a flowy drape and subtle pleats — which sounds promising, especially for warmer weather. I zoomed in on the product photos (a full-time hobby at this point), and you can tell they’re designed to move with you. Not stiff or overly tailored, more of that soft-swinging, laid-back feel.
The thing is, that easy breezy look usually comes with a tradeoff. Lightweight can also mean flimsy. A few reviewers mentioned that they wrinkle easily and the material feels almost sheer in brighter lighting. One even said they felt like “office pajamas” — which honestly could go either way depending on your mood. For me, I’m wondering if they’ll look luxe or lazy in real life.
Abercrombie – Structured and Substantial
Abercrombie’s Sloane pants lean in the opposite direction. The fabric is described as a “structured blend” with stretch and lining, which already sounds more substantial. There’s no hint of see-through here. These are the pants you wear when you want to feel like the put-together version of yourself — even if you’re just heading to a 3 p.m. oat milk run.
I’ve had great luck with Abercrombie’s trousers in the past, especially anything labeled “Sloane.” The fabric usually has that right-in-between weight: not stiff, but holds its shape. The kind you can wear on a commute, sit through a meeting, and still not look like you pulled them from the bottom of your laundry chair. And the lining? Always a win.
Fit Expectations — What Reviewers Are Saying
I’m 5’6”, slightly curvy in the hips, and live for a high waist. So naturally, I spent too long reading every review I could find to figure out which pair might actually work for my shape. You’d be surprised how much you can piece together from strangers on the internet once you start collecting clues.
Zara – Chic but Tricky Sizing
If there’s one thing consistent with Zara sizing, it’s that it’s… inconsistent. I always expect to order two sizes because their trousers can run unexpectedly tight or loose depending on the cut. These wide-leg ones reportedly sit high on the waist, which I love, but a few people mentioned a weird gaping issue in the back if you have curves.
Some reviews also pointed out that while they look elongated on the models, the fit IRL can feel a little droopy unless you pair them with a heel or platform sneaker. I’ve definitely been there before — those pants that seem perfect until you realize they puddle just a little too much unless you’re standing on your tiptoes.
Craving That Breezy Look? 🌿
If your summer mood board screams effortless chic, these are basically calling your name.
Abercrombie – Petite-Friendly and Predictable
Abercrombie really stepped up their sizing game the past few years. These Sloane pants come in short, regular, and long inseams, which is a game-changer when you want something to actually hit at your ankle bone or cover your shoes just right. Reviewers say they’re curve-friendly without being clingy — and if you’ve ever struggled to find trousers that don’t flatten you out, you know that matters.
From what I’ve read (and from trying similar pairs), these are cut to sit higher on the waist but skim through the hips instead of hugging them. That means you get structure without stiffness. Honestly, that’s what’s making me lean toward them right now. They just sound easier to wear day-to-day without needing constant adjusting.
Style Potential — Can They Flex With My Closet?
One of my favorite tricks before buying anything new is imagining five outfits I could build around it. If I can’t do that in under two minutes, it usually goes back. These trousers are both neutral enough to wear often, but I needed to figure out which one would actually pull more weight in my closet.
Zara – Summer Picnic Energy
I can picture the Zara trousers with a boxy white tee tucked in and a woven bag in hand — very “weekend at the farmer’s market” energy. They have that casual slouch that’s cute with a tank and flat sandals. Honestly, if I were packing for a beach town trip, I’d probably bring these over anything more tailored.
The only problem is, that same breeziness makes them a little tricky to dress up. I’m not sure I could wear them with a button-down or blazer without it looking mismatched. They lean heavily into a relaxed aesthetic, which works for specific moments but maybe not my Monday-to-Thursday routine.
Abercrombie – Coffee to Cocktails
Now the Abercrombie pair? I could style those five ways before I finish my espresso. I’m thinking sleek knit top, a chunky loafer, and my black structured tote for an everyday look. Or swap in a satin blouse and heeled boots and you’ve got a dinner outfit that doesn’t try too hard but still looks polished.
They seem like the kind of pants that shape-shift depending on what you pair them with — which is honestly the highest compliment I can give to a trouser. That kind of versatility makes the price feel more justifiable too. If I can wear it three times in one week without anyone noticing? Sold.
The “Do I Really Need These?” Factor
Okay, real talk. Do I need another pair of wide-leg trousers? Not really. But do I keep reaching for the same two in my closet and thinking “I wish these draped a little better”? Absolutely. So I started weighing not just cost, but cost per wear — the mental math of fashion.
Zara – Tempting for the Price
At under $60, the Zara trousers are kind of the no-brainer option. They’re trendy, photogenic, and feel like the kind of purchase you make at 11:45 p.m. after a long scroll session. And sometimes, that’s fine! Not every piece has to last a decade.
But here’s where I pause: if I only wear them three times before realizing they wrinkle too easily or don’t pair with my blazers, then was it really worth the price? Trendy doesn’t always mean timeless, and I’ve donated more than a few Zara pants for exactly that reason.
Abercrombie – Higher Price, Higher Promise
The Abercrombie Sloane pair is closer to $90, which makes me hesitate just a little longer before checking out. But everything about them — the structure, the lining, the versatility — suggests they’d actually earn their keep. And if I wear them twice a week for a season? That cost per wear ends up pretty low.
They also feel like a grown-up trouser. The kind that makes you feel slightly more competent the moment you put them on. And for someone who often works from coffee shops or runs from meetings to errands, having that kind of piece in rotation is priceless.
Polished Meets Practical ☕✨
From weekday errands to dinner dates, these trousers do the most without trying too hard.
Still Sitting in My Cart — For Now
I haven’t ordered either pair yet. But after all this side-by-side comparison, one is definitely pulling ahead. I always tell myself not to rush these things — the pieces I regret the most are the ones I bought just to fill a gap for a specific moment instead of thinking about how they’d fit into the rhythm of my week.
Which One Am I Closer to Buying?
Right now, the Abercrombie Sloane Tailored Wide-Leg Pants are winning. They tick more boxes. Structure, fit options, versatility — they just feel like a smarter purchase. Zara’s pair is still tempting, especially for a more casual summer look, but it might be better suited for a trip-specific buy than a daily staple.
I could still change my mind (trust me, it’s happened), but if I were to place an order today, it would be for the Abercrombie pair in oat heather — short length, size small. I already have the outfits in mind.
My Style Gut Check
This whole comparison reminded me of one of my personal shopping rules: if something only fits one version of me — vacation me, aspirational me, influencer-on-a-Tuesday me — it usually ends up unworn. But when something works with all the versions of my day-to-day style? That’s when it becomes a favorite.
So for now, they both sit in my cart. But I have a feeling there’s only one that’s actually making it to checkout.
