Best capris pants for pairing comfort with style

We've found the best capris for a flattering fit.

Capris pants

by Eleanor Weaver |
Published on

Capris pants are comfortable and a must-have for the summer months. And even when the seasons get colder, there are plenty of options that can easily be dressed up or down making it a versatile pick for your wardrobe.

Longer than shorts but shorter than a pair of trousers, they’re like the midi skirt of the trouser world. As a result, they’re incredibly popular and can help you stay cool – something we’d recommend for anyone experiencing hot flushes. Whilst some websites will tell you capris can be unflattering; we’ve picked out stylish options and shared how to wear capris to avoid falling into that trap.

What are capris pants?

Capris pants, also known as three-quarter legs, are typically slim-fit trousers that end about calf-length. They’re not to be confused with cropped trousers that end just above the ankle. However, you’ll likely find a lot of retailers, especially in the UK, might use both terms in their description of capri pants. They are cropped after all, but the shorter length is the tell-tale sign of a capris pant.

First introduced in the late 1940s, capris have stood the test of time. They were famously worn by Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe – the epitome of chic - and more recently have been worn by the likes of Kate Middleton, Jane Mcdonald, and Ruth Langsford.

Best capris pants

Best for autumn

Crafted from chunky corduroy and available in natural or navy, we think these cropped trousers from Seasalt Cornwall are perfect for those chillier days. They're warming with wide legs and sit mid-rise for a flattering feel. Pair with trainers, or boots and thick socks in winter.
Sizes: UK 8-28
Material: Organic cotton with 2 per cent elastane
Customer review: "Just bought these trousers and wanted to review them. They fit really well (bought in size 16 and I'm 5'7") and are a great length. Can be worn with boots or trainers or pumps. Love the soft, corduroy fabric - warm, but not overheating. Looking forward to wearing them when the weather turns cooler. Thank you M&S and Seasalt!"

Best capris with stretch
Wallis Stretch Crop Trouser
Price: $20 (was £45)

www.wallis.co.uk

These capris are designed to be stretchy so you can find the right form-fitting pair. Available in stone, navy, black, white or grey, the legs have a formal, tapered design. These are super versatile and can be worn as daywear, evening wear or workwear - pair with fashion trainers or a pair of heeled sandals.
Sizes: UK 8-20
Material: 97 per cent cotton, 3 per cent elastane

Best capris chinos

These mid-rise capris are lightweight yet durable with a baggy fit and low crotch. Neatly tapered towards the ankle, they have a comfy elasticated waistband and come in this trendy, dark green shade. A loose and comfortable choice of everyday wear in the cooler seasons.
Sizes: UK 6-18
Material: 68 per cent polyester, 28 per cent viscose, 4 per cent elastane

Best cotton capris
Crew Clothing Capri Trousers
Price: $44.25 (was £59)

www.crewclothing.co.uk

Cotton is a great choice for breathable clothing, and this navy pair of capris from Crew Clothing will ensure you look effortlessly stylish whilst remaining comfortable. These trousers feature two pockets and a neatly turned-up hem. Crew recommend pairing with deck shoes and boxy shirt.
Sizes: UK 6-18
Material: 97 per cent cotton, 3 per cent elastane

Recommended

Available in white or black, these capris are made from a comfortable stretch fabric with a beautiful sateen finish. You can wear them with a t-shirt and sandals for a stylish summer look, or pair them with a blouse and heels to dress them up.
Sizes: UK 10-22
Material: 97 per cent cotton, 3 per cent elastane

Best denim capris
Hamble Capri Denim Jeans
Price: $20 (was £46)

www.fatface.com

If denim is a staple in your wardrobe, get yourself a capris pair from FatFace. Available in two denim tones, these fitted jeans are flattering and sculpting with a hint of stretch. Not only does it come with a decent size range, but also short, regular, and long leg fits. Perfect to wear sunny days and warm nights.
Sizes: UK 6-24, Short, Regular, and Long
Material: 89 per cent cotton, 6 per cent polyester, 5 per cent elastane
Customer review: "Lovely comfortable jeans. I am a curvy size 14 and sometimes struggle with jeans being loose at the waist but too tight accross hips and thighs but these fit perfectly and very comfortable."

Best patterned capris pants
Orla Kiely Slim Fit Coolweave Capri Pants
Price: $29.95 (was £60)

www.regatta.com

These fun yet stylish patterned capris pants from Orla Kiely have a timeless, slimline leg. Made from soft Coolweave cotton, they're comfortable to wear in warm weather and make a trendy choice for both day and night. If this print is a little bold for you, there's a subtle navy version as well.
Sizes: UK 8-20
Material: Sustainable Coolweave cotton

Best for summer
Albert Quay Crops
Price: $39.95 (was £52.95)

www.seasaltcornwall.com

Cut in a flattering slim fit, these capris come in five block colours; 'salt', 'maritime', 'mooring', 'studio green', and 'sardine' (pictured). With regular and tall fits, each pair is made from quality cotton with a little stretch for comfort. The lighter colours are great for summer while the darker shades can happily be worn all year round.
Sizes: 8-28, Regular and Tall
Material: 98 per cent cotton, 2 per cent elastane
Customer review: "Albert Quay cropped trousers met every expectation! Excellent quality & fit. Easy ordering and delivered on time. Will definitely order again!"

Best smart capris pants

For an effortlessly smart look, try these capris on for size. With a slim leg and a high-rise waist, they'll create a flattering silhouette with tall and short lengths available too. Great for work or smart occasions, there's an elasticated back for extra stretch and comfort - much appreciated if you're sat at a desk most of the day! Available in black, navy, and fern green.
Sizes: UK 8-22, Short, Regular, and Long
Material: 50 per cent cotton, 47 per cent polyamide, 3 per cent elastane
Customer review: "Gorgeous trousers. They are super smart looking and so comfortable to wear!"

Best capris walking trousers
Women's Chaska II Capri Walking Trousers
Price: $17.95 (was £45)

www.regatta.com

For fans of the outdoors and going on long walks, these capris will keep you comfy. They're soft, lightweight, showerproof, and come in an array of colour options. With 40+ UPF sun protection, they're fab for warm weather hiking and are made to move and stretch with you.
Sizes: UK 8-20
Material: Polyamide
Customer review: "The trousers fit perfectly, good guidance in the description given. Well positioned pockets. Lightweight fabric which dries quickly. Good walking trousers at a good price."

Best capris gym leggings

Cropped gym leggings are great for giving you better coverage than shorts without needing to squeeze on full-length leggings. These multi-sport leggings from Sweaty Betty are sweat-wicking, squat-proof, stretchy, and have a flattering seam to sculpt. Not to mention, they even have pockets! Choose from a range of colours and patterns.
Sizes: XXS-XXXL
Material: 62 per cent polyamide, 38 per cent elastane
Customer review: "I bought these leggings for running and they are the best I’ve ever had! Great side leg pocket and roomy back zipped pocket beautifully soft and wonderful to wear. Absolutely love them."

Best linen capris pants
Lunar Light Linen Crops
Price: $37.50 (was £57.95)

www.seasaltcornwall.com

Perfect for lounging around at home, trips to the beach, or for the heat come summer, these linen capris are all about being cool and comfy. They have a loose fit, pull-on jersey ribbed waistband, and are woven from soft, pure linen - lovely and light. They come in five colours and options for petite and tall.
Sizes: 8-16, Petite, Regular, and Tall
Material: 100 per cent linen
Customer review: "Love the bright, happy, colour. Great weight. Waist is great, very comfy. They wash well. I bought the tall so they are more trouser like on me. Wash well but do need ironing. Arrived environmentally packaged and within time scale. Great quality especially at sale price."

How to style capris pants

Wear with a blazer for smart casual

Capris pants aren't just for keeping casual! Pair with a blazer to make your outfit immediately smarter. You can just wear them with fashion trainers or pair with some heels. An easy way to dress up an outfit and elongate your legs.

Coordinate colours

We love how Jane has coordinated colours across her outfit to make it a complete ensemble. Pairing her capris with a patterned shirt in a matching colour scheme makes her look effortlessly stylish.

Keep cool with a pretty blouse

Perfect for keeping cool and stylish in the summer, twin your capris with a pretty flowing blouse. If your capris are a single colour, pair them with a patterned shirt. However, for patterned capris, we'd recommend sticking to a blouse in one colour.

Wear with a jumper in autumn

Blogger Suzie Grant AKA Alternative Ageing proves that you can wear capris even in the cooler months. She's paired her capris jeans with a gorgeous fluffy jumper and trainers. Great for transitional dressing in spring and autumn.

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