Years ago I was on the hunt for an alternative to denim that felt a little more elevated without sacrificing comfort, which is what initially led me to purchase Aritzia’s Effortless Pant. I bought my first pair in 2021, and over the years I’ve added several colors and fabrics to my closet.
These Aritzia pants are one of my favorite things in my closet, and without a doubt my favorite wide leg trousers. In some sense, they’ve even become a regular uniform for me and part of my personal style. My black pair in particular is one of my most-worn staples, an excellent capsule wardrobe item, and a non-negotiable whenever I pack for a trip. These wide leg pants are comfortable, versatile, and easy to dress up or down.
This Aritzia Effortless Pants review covers my experience with sizing, different lengths and fabrics, plus how they compare to Aritzia’s other cult-favorite style, the Lodge Pant.
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Aritzia Effortless Pants Review
Fabrics, Colors, and Prints
The Aritzia Effortless Pant comes in several fabrics, and the differences are worth considering before you buy. I own them in Crepette and Eversential, but these pants also come in a linen version; a heavier, twill-like linen; and satin. Each serves a slightly different purpose.
Aritzia’s original crepe fabric is probably the most versatile, with a wide variety of solid colors available. It has a fluid drape and medium weight that feels neither too dressy nor too casual, making it a great option for year-round wear. The Eversential fabric has a bit more structure to it, which I prefer for fall and winter. This fabric offers solid color as well as some really great houndstooth and plaid options. Naturally, CruiseLinen and PowerLinen are the obvious choices for warmer weather.
Style Details
The Aritzia Effortless Pant has a waistband with a zip fly and hook closure, belt loops, slanted pockets, and front pleats that create a relaxed, wide-leg silhouette. The pleating adds a tailored touch while allowing the fabric to drape away from the hips, giving the pants a polished look without feeling overly formal. The original and cult-favorite Effortless Pants are a high-rise fit, but more recently Aritzia introduced a low-rise version as well.
Lengths: Short, Regular & Tall
If you’re a tall or petite girlie, you’ll be happy to know that many of the Effortless Pant fabrics come in multiple length options: short, regular, and tall. Here are the inseams for and Aritzia’s recommended height ranges for each:
- Short: 30 inches (recommended for those under 5’3″)
- Regular: 31.5 inches (between 5’3″ and 5’7″)
- Tall: 33 inches (above 5’7″)
At 5’4″, this technically puts me into the regular length category. However, here’s the caveat: my inseam is just shy of 30 inches and so I have to hem even the short version.
Since I have to get these pants hemmed regardless of purchasing the short or regular length, I don’t rule out either. The fit on the waist and throughout the legs feels the same to me, and often the regular length comes in a wider selection of colors and prints. Therefore, I prioritize finding the color or fabric in the size I want, and adjust the length afterward. Keep in mind that just because you’re a certain height, inseam lengths vary between every individual.
Do Aritzia Effortless Pants Run True to Size?
A common question is whether the Aritzia Effortless Pants run true to size. Aritzia recommends ordering your true size, but I personally size up for a more relaxed fit.
I prefer a little extra room through my hips and seat, and I like my trousers to have a slightly slouchier silhouette. If you prefer a similar fit, you may want to consider sizing up, too. For me, that extra room also makes the pants more comfortable for everyday wear and travel.
I’ve tried on nearly all of the fabrics mentioned above, and most have felt consistent with my usual sizing preference, except CruiseLinen. I’ve struggled to find the right fit in this fabric because one size felt too small and the next too large. Ultimately, I’ve decided this isn’t the right fabric in this fit for me. This dilemma led me to their Lodge Pants, more on that later!
Aritzia Effortless Pants vs. Lodge Pants
I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about another pair of wildly popular wide leg pants from Aritzia, the Lodge Pant. The biggest difference between the Effortless Pants and Lodge Pants comes down to the waistband and overall silhouette. The Effortless Pants have a more tailored look, with belt loops and front pleats. The Lodge Pants have an elastic waistband and drawstring, and with no front pleating, have a slightly more relaxed feel.
Both styles have pockets, and both strike a balance between looking elevated and feeling comfortable. As far as versatility goes, you can potentially wear the Lodge Pant to work depending on styling and office dress code, but the Effortless Pant is the clear winner for the workplace if you’re on the fence due to its more traditional styling.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how they compare:
| Feature | Effortless Pant | Lodge Pant |
| Overall look | Tailored, polished, modern | Relaxed and laid-back |
| Waistband | Waistband with zip fly and hook closure | Elastic waistband with drawstring |
| Front details | Belt loops and front pleats | No belt loops or front pleats |
| Pockets | Slanted pockets | In-seam pockets |
| Silhouette | Traditional wide-leg trouser | Relaxed wide-leg silhouette |
| Best for | Work, dressing up, everyday wear | Casual outings, travel, everyday wear |
| Workplace versatility | The more traditional, tailored option | Depends on styling and office dress code |
I own the Lodge Pant in both Crepette and linen, and wear a size medium in both. Unlike my Effortless Pants, which I size up in for a more relaxed fit, I find that the Lodge Pants run comfortably true to size.
If you’re looking to choose between the two styles, it really comes down to personal preference. Are you looking for a more tailored option like the Effortless Pant, or do you want something with an elastic waistband like the Lodge Pant?
How I Style the Aritzia Effortless Pants
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For Everyday Casual Outfits
One of my favorite ways to style these pants for everyday wear is with a t-shirt and sneakers. Throw on a sweater over your shoulders with a baseball cap or add an oversized leather jacket. Either way, both are examples of how to dress down these pants outside of the office while also elevating otherwise casual outfits.
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Business Casual to the Office
The tailored waist and pleats makes these the perfect pants for office wear. Try a fitted vest or a cashmere polo and pointed toe flats for easy, yet work-friendly style.
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A Modern Suit
To make the traditional suit more of the moment and casual, try a monochromatic look with a matching oversized blazer and a pair of sneakers in a bright, bold color.
Are the Aritzia Effortless Pants Worth It?
Yes. The Aritzia Effortless Pants are one of those wardrobe staples that can easily transition between occasions. Treat them as chic work pants with a blazer or simple knit, or dress them down for the weekend with a T-shirt and sneakers. Either way, they do a lot of the heavy lifting in a wardrobe, striking that balance between polished, casual, and modern, all in one.
Versatility also makes a difference when it comes to cost per wear. The price point sits somewhere in the middle: they’re more of an investment than a pair from Abercrombie & Fitch, but less expensive than Reformation’s Mason Pant or Favorite Daughter’s best-selling wide-leg trousers. You can wear Aritzia Effortless Pants to the office, out to dinner, while running errands, or even when traveling. They’re not limited to one occasion or season.
Ever since I tried on my first pair of Effortless Pants in 2021, I was hooked. My black pants are one of the most-worn pieces in my closet and something I always pack when I travel. For me, that kind of repeat wear is what makes a pair of trousers (or anything!) worth the money. If you’re looking for a polished alternative to denim that you’ll reach for again and again, the Aritzia Effortless Pant is absolutely worth considering.
