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One of the hottest fashion trends of recent years is the emergence of paper bag waist pants. Named after their baggy design, these pants are super flattering, with a unique ruffled waistline and an elongating effect provided by the long legs.
These kinds of pants are regularly spotted on stars, celebrities, and supermodels, and many women want to add a pair to their collection. But with so many paper bag waist pants for sale, finding the right pair isn’t always easy. Thankfully, this guide is here to help! Here, we take a look at the top paper bag waist pants for 2024 from trusted, top-quality brands. We’ll also answer some questions you might have, so you can make an informed decision before you make a purchase.
Here is the Highest-Rated Paper Bag Waist Pants of 2024
GRACE KARIN Paper Bag Waist Pants — Best Overall
Let's start with these GRACE KARIN Women's Paper Bag Waist Pants. Available in dozens of colors to suit every style, these high waist paper bag pants feature a self-tie belt and cozy elastic waistband. They're made of a mixture of polyester and spandex, which offers just the right blend of comfort and stretchiness and makes them wonderfully flattering for various heights and body types.
You can easily wear these paper bag waist pants in both formal and informal settings, from office parties to walks around town. There are even cute little bows to adorn your ankles for an extra little touch of class. Because it’s so comfortable, stylish, and versatile, this pair of paper bag waist pants is easily the best on the list.
Pros
- Lots of colors to choose from
- Easy to slip on and off
- Simple design for formal and informal settings
Cons
- Design isn’t for everyone
TwiinSisters Paper Bag Waist Pants — Best Casual Pants
If you're looking for a pair of casual paper bag pants to wear around town or at home, choose the TwiinSisters Women's Casual Paper Bag Waist Pants. These top-quality pants feature a blend of rayon, nylon, spandex, and other fibers, making them super comfortable, stretchy in the right places, and really breathable. They'll keep you warm on cool days and cool on warm days and come with front hand pockets for your convenience, along with simple zipper closure. Best of all, they're fully machine washable, so cleaning won’t be a hassle.
Pros
- Great for casual wear
- Comfortable and stretchy
- Useful hand pockets at the front
Cons
- Only a few color options
WDIRARA Paper Bag Waist Pants — Most Options
What we love the most about the WDIRARA Stretchy Paper Bag Waist Pants is that they're available in literally dozens of different colors and styles. Pick from plain colors like black, gray, and red for a more serious look, or patterns like black and white tartan and khaki plaid prints to be visually striking. These skinny paper bag waist pants also feature a polyester and spandex blend for comfort and elasticity. They work well in casual, everyday settings like weekend trips, days out with your friends and family, or vacations.
Pros
- Many colors and patterns to choose
- Good value for money
- Stretchy waistband for maximum comfort
Cons
- Too slim and tight for some people
SySea Paper Bag Waist Pants — Best Design
Last but not least, we have the SySea Women's Paper Bag Waist Pants. These paper bag waist pants are available in over a dozen different styles, from luxury leopard print to leaf print, and plain colors like red, green, and blue. They're made entirely of polyester for the smoothest and softest feel on your skin, with a fun bow tie knot at the front and flowy material around the ankles. They're a good choice for warm and sunny days, perfect for drawing attention to your waistline without restricting your movement or causing discomfort.
Pros
- Several great designs to choose from
- Super smooth and soft feel
- Very flattering for most wearers
Cons
- Not very stretchy
Buying Guide: Paper Bag Waist Pants
Now that we’ve seen some of the finest paper bag waist pants you can buy, let’s look more closely at what these pants are, how to wear them, and how you can find the right pair to add to your wardrobe.
What Are Paper Bag Waist Pants?
Paper bag waist pants are a kind of pants that feature more fabric than usual above the waistline. This gives them a ruffled waist look, almost like a paper bag that has been grabbed tightly near the top. They're designed to be worn high up the body, producing an elongating effect on the legs, which can be quite flattering.
Who Should Wear Paper Bag Waist Pants?
There are no rules about who should or shouldn't wear paper bag waist pants. Younger people are often seen in these pants, but middle-aged people can get plenty of use out of them, too. They work well on women of different body types, but may not be the best choice for very petite women due to their extra length.
How to Wear Paper Bag Waist Pants
Many people want to wear paper bag waist pants, but don't know what to pair them with. Because the best feature of paper bag pants is the ruffled waist, you’ll want to show off the waist, rather than hide it.
A great thing to do is to pair these pants with tops that are short and fitted, like a crop top or form-fitting T-shirt. The top’s tightness will contrast with the bagginess of the pants, creating a balanced, beautiful look while also revealing the ruffles. That said, always tuck your top into the paper bag pants to show off the waist. An untucked top could make you look bigger and ruin the whole outfit.
You can wear belts with paper bag waist pants, but it's best to opt for thin belts if possible because thicker ones may interfere with the ruffled look of the waist. Many paper bag waist pants also come with built-in belts or ties you can use to secure them in place.
What To Look For in Paper Bag Waist Pants
Size
Size always matters when shopping for clothes, and it’s particularly important when you’re looking for a good pair of paper bag waist pants. If you pick a pair that is too big, the baggy look will be too much, while a pair that is too small may feel tight and uncomfortable. Check the manufacturer’s sizing charts to find the right size for your body.
Material
Cotton, polyester, spandex, and nylon are some of the most common materials used in paper bag pants. Everyone has their preferences when it comes to material, so think about what you like and look for pants made of your favorite materials. It’s best to have a little bit of spandex in paper bag pants to provide a stretchy and comfy waistband.
Color
Paper bag pants are available in countless colors and styles. You can opt for plain colored pants to create simple, timeless outfits or choose something with a little more detail, such as one with an animal or camo print.
