At 5’2”, I Thought I Couldn’t Pull Off Wide-Leg Pants—Until I Tried This Spanx Style

They’re so comfy too

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Spanx/Original Photo by Natalie LaBarbera
  • Value: 19/20
  • Fit: 19/20
  • Quality of Construction: 20/20
  • Aesthetic: 20/20
  • Comfort: 18/20

Total: 96/100

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As we ease into August, I’m fully ready to start shifting into fall mode when it comes to my wardrobe. This year, I wanted to focus on finding a few pants that would be comfortable, versatile, easy to care for and not too long for my 5-foot-2 height—not asking much, right?

Despite the fact that this is actually quite a lot to ask from a single pair of pants, Spanx delivered with their popular Wide-Leg Supersmooth Stretch Twill design. Keep scrolling for all of my honest thoughts on them.

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Original Photo by Natalie LaBarbera

What’s so Special About the Spanx Wide-Leg Supersmooth Stretch Twill Pants?

Before I get into my feelings about the pants, there are some basic details you should know. As I mentioned above, they’re a wide-leg cut that fits more tightly at the waist and flows out from there. They’re available in three inseams: petite (recommended for heights of 5’4’’ and under), regula, and tall (recommended for heights of 5’11’’ and above). They come in a wide range of sizes, XS through 3XL, and are made from a stretchy twill fabric that’s a blend of cotton, Lenzing Ecovero viscose, polyester and Lycra elastane.

My Review of the Pants

The variety of sizes was encouraging, but how do they fit? Let me get right to it: I loved the shape of these pants from the second I pulled them out of the bag. While they are definitely a wide cut, they’re not so wide that they overwhelm my short frame or are so trendy that I wouldn’t be able to wear them for seasons to come.

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Spanx

Additionally, when I first felt them, I thought the twill fabric might be a bit too thick to wear during these late summer days, but I was pleasantly surprised when I wore them out. They felt breathable enough that I wasn’t too hot, even when I took my dog on a short walk while wearing them, and the wide cut also provided some airflow. The pants held up well after being washed, too. I put them through both the washer and dryer a few times, and didn’t notice any pilling, shrinking or fading.

The length is also perfect for my height—I wore them with sneakers, and they didn’t drag on the ground. My only slight issue with their fit was that they were a bit tight in the waistband, though I do have a relatively straight body type, so if you have a more defined waist, I wouldn’t expect it to be an issue. If you do have a straighter body type like me, though, you might want to consider going up a size or trying two different ones to find your best fit.

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Original Photo by Natalie LaBarbera

I also adore the totally versatile look of these pants. I could see myself wearing them for a day of shopping on the weekends, for casual work events, for a dinner with friends—practically anything that doesn’t require me to be too dressed up. And to top it off, they’re designed with zippered pockets at the front that kept my phone and keys secure while I wore them.

The Bottom Line: They’re My New Fall Staple

If you can’t already tell, I’m so happy I added these pants to my wardrobe ahead of fall, and I can already tell I’ll appreciate them even more as cooler weather hits. And with five colors to choose from, I may pick up a second pair.


natalie bio photo

Natalie LaBarbera

Contributing Editor, Commerce

  • Writes commerce stories and features that span multiple topics, including fashion, beauty, travel, home and sales/deals
  • Has contributed to reports on ethical fashion and continues to stay up-to-date on sustainablility developments
  • Completed a bachelor's degree in psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and a master's degree in fashion studies at Parsons The New School