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The Best Pants For Teen Girls

Last updated on April 4, 2022

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For teens, clothing is an important part of self-expression — even if parents are often confused by their children’s fashion choices. The truth is, once kids reach a certain age, peers play an important role in the clothing they choose. They are likely to make clothing choices that help them fit in, and those fashion choices can be influenced at a higher level by celebrities and social media influencers.

But teens don’t just want to look good. They also want to feel good. Luckily, it’s easy to find clothing that builds in plenty of comfort while also looking stylish and flattering.

When choosing pants and jeans, teens today typically look for a higher waistline that looks good with the crop tops that are currently popular. Even with sweatpants and leggings, that high rise is important. In fact, teens might see parents and other adults wearing lower-rise pants and deliberately steer clear of that look. It’s all part of establishing their own identity within their peer group.

Although leggings are great for younger children, as teens get older, they might move away from that look, particularly for pairing with their shorter tops. That’s where joggers and sweatpants come in. Today, baggier sweatpants are back in style, many with elastic waistbands and cuffs that make them bulk out a little in the legs. When paired with a shorter top, this look is a dramatic shift from the long tunics and tight leggings and skinny jeans that were in style in the previous decade.

When looking for teen clothing, it’s important to keep sizing in mind. Younger teens might still fit in children’s sizes, so it can be tough to decide whether to go with an extra-small adult size or the largest children’s size available. Shopping juniors’ clothing sections can help, but you may also have luck going with an XX-small adult size.

Our Picks For The Top Pants For Teen Girls

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Top Pick

Spotted Zebra Elastic Waistband Pants For Teen Girls, 5-Pack

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Spotted Zebra

Elastic Waistband Pants For Teen Girls, 5-Pack

Available in sizes ranging from 3T all the way up to a children's XX-Large, this set of five pairs of leggings is a great way to stock up for the season. You can choose from a variety of designs, with most sets mixing solids and patterns in various designs. The leggings feature an elastic waistband for a comfortable fit.

Overall Take

Grow Your WardrobeGive your closet a boost with this set of five pairs of leggings in a variety of designs and colors.

 Runner Up

Fulbelle Drawstring Waist Cotton Blend Pants For Teen Girls

Fulbelle

Drawstring Waist Cotton Blend Pants For Teen Girls

A drawstring waist and stretchy material make this the perfect pair of sweatpants when you want to be comfortable. The pants are 95% cotton with 5% spandex for durability and comfort. You'll also get a drawstring to customize the fit and side pockets for storing a smartphone or other items.

Overall Take

Designed for ComfortWhether you're lounging around the house or running errands, this pair of sweatpants is handy to have.

 We Also Like

SANGTREE Elastic Ankle Cuffs Cargo Pants For Teen Girls

SANGTREE

Elastic Ankle Cuffs Cargo Pants For Teen Girls

Made from 100% cotton, this pair of jogger pants is lightweight enough to keep you cool while also providing maximum comfort. The waist is elastic with a drawstring to help you find the perfect fit. Both children's and adult sizes are available, and you can choose from a wide range of colors and patterns.

Overall Take

Unique and ComfortableThis pair of jogger pants comes in a variety of patterns to give you a unique and casual look.

 Strong Contender

Kyerivs High Waist Jogger Pants For Teen Girls

Kyerivs

High Waist Jogger Pants For Teen Girls

Choose the fit that works for you with this pair of sweatpants, which is available either with or without a drawstring. You can choose from a variety of colors and sizes from X-Small to XX-Large. The build is lightweight but baggy, making it perfect for wearing with either crop tops or longer shirts.

Overall Take

Classic and SimpleThe classic design of these sweatpants makes them a fun alternative to leggings and jeans.

What to Look For

  • A multipack of leggings can be handy for pairing with longer T-shirts for sleep time or lounging around the house, particularly for tweens and younger teens.
  • Most teen pants are sold in a wide range of patterns and colors. Be sure to cycle through all of them before choosing one. If you find a well-fitting pair that’s comfortable,  you may want to to purchase them in multiple colors and patterns.
  • Drawstring waists can be great for customizing the fit of your pants. Whether you choose sweatpants or joggers, this is often an option.
  • If you like a little stretch with your pants, look for a pair that includes spandex, even in a small amount.
  • Pockets can come in handy, even in pants that you wear around the house. They provide a convenient place for storing a smartphone or other items.
  • Sweatpants can vary dramatically in weight. Lighter-weight versions can be great for the warmer months of the year, but they might not be as cozy as a thicker pair, especially on chilly nights.
  • If your teen has a closet full of crop tops or tops that land at the waist, consider high-waisted sweatpants and joggers. For longer T-shirts and sweatshirts, jeans that fall at the hip level might be a better fit. Of course, your teen might have a preference, so it’s important to ask before buying clothing for a teen.
  • Cotton can be a softer, more comfortable material, but it isn’t as easy to care for. You might find polyester holds up longer, is less likely to wrinkle and doesn’t shrink during laundering.

More to Explore

It’s probably no surprise that sweatpants were initially created for athletes, but you might be surprised to learn that sweatpants made their debut in the 1920s. The French company responsible for this always-popular closet staple was founded in 1882, and by the 1920s, they saw a demand for a product that would absorb sweat.

Sweatpants have undergone many iterations over the years. The 1980s brought tracksuits that were popularized by rap stars of the time, while the Juicy Couture trend of the 2000s had people wearing form-fitting, low-rise velour pants. In the 2010s, yoga pants pushed sweatpants out of the mainstream for a short time, but teens have brought them back around in this decade, reintroducing the cuffed, elastic-waistband sweatpants of the 1970s and 1980s.

More to explore