How to Style Drawstring Pants (And Why I Finally Tried Them)
Drawstring pants have moved fast over the last couple of years. No longer just for loungewear, the detail now shows up on everything from jeans (mine included) to dressy evening pants. If you’ve been drawstring-curious but not sure how to style them, here are a few outfit ideas to get you started.
First, a Word on Trying Something New
But before I get to the outfits, I want to talk about why saying yes to something new, even a detail as small as a drawstring waistband, is worth doing at any stage of style evolution.
Personal style is a melding of many elements: self-expression, taste, values, budget, suitability for a lifestyle. And any, or all, of these can shift over time. It may be a seismic shift, such as retirement or moving to a totally different climate. Or it might be something more subtle, like a favorite piece feeling “off,” or being drawn to a color, style, or silhouette we might have dismissed before.
While we might crave the simplicity of a “timeless capsule” or signature style, I’ve come to believe that those don’t work for everyone, at least not without periodic tweaks here and there. Yes, I believe in building a cohesive wardrobe around foundational pieces with longevity. But keeping it feeling fresh and feeling like ourselves means honoring those “shifts” when they happen. That might mean giving certain pieces a rest, or trying something new. Case in point: drawstring pants.
They’re not to everyone’s taste, but drawstring pants can add a relaxed and nonchalant vibe to an outfit. When I first shared a pair of knit, straight-leg jeans a couple of weeks ago in my subscriber newsletter, several of you asked me for tips on how to style them.
In addition to the EF knit drawstring jeans, I’ve recently added a cotton pair to my rotation, and have been playing with styling options. The bottom line: don’t overthink it. This style is meant to be a bit laid-back, so I avoid anything that feels too precise or fussy.
My Favorite Ways to Wear Them
Go Shorter Up Top
The first option is to go with a shorter or cropped top. You want to avoid anything that’s snug over the knot, which will result in an obvious bump. I’ve unfastened the bottom two buttons of the cardigan for ease over the knot. A cropped shirt like this one will also work.
These are the new knit denim jeans from Eileen Fisher, which I really like. They have a bit more structure than my rag & bone Miramar jeans, but are still lightweight. And that dark, even wash looks like real denim!
Try a Tuck
Another option is to do a half or full tuck with a longer top or tee. This creates some structure and definition with two slightly oversized pieces. I LOVE these cotton poplin pants, and have been wearing them almost daily during our recent heat waves. The fabric is light and crisp and doesn’t cling. The brown color is slightly darker and deeper than it looks in this photo, also available in ivory and dark chocolate brown.
Keep It Relaxed and Untucked
My sizes: Shirt – XS (had hemmed about 2″), Jeans – Petite Small
If you prefer not to tuck, a relaxed fit shirt works well, especially with straight, full-length drawstring pants. You can even leave the bottom couple of buttons undone and let the tie peek through.
Tuck the Tie Away
My sizes: Jacket – 4, Top – Small, Jeans – Petite Small
If you want to pair with a more fitted top that hits below the waistband, tuck the drawstring ends (untied) inside the pants (this works best if the drawstring isn’t doing the work of holding the pants up, like when there’s also an elastic waistband). 😉
More Drawstring Pants
👉Scroll right to see more options.
These are my favorite stylings so far, but I’ll keep experimenting. Have you added a pair of drawstring pants to your wardrobe? If so, how do you style them?
👉 Have a style question? Let me know in comments below.
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Hi Susan! I’m so glad you did a posting on drawstring pants. I got the EF ‘trouser’ jeans and the pull-on drawstring style in denim jersey also. I agree that they have a slightly better structure than the R&B. I usually tuck the drawstrings in since I don’t want to draw attention to my tummy. I leave the last 1-2 buttons on shirts or cardigans open as well or wear cropped tops because I find the ‘French Tuck’ annoying. I’m wondering: did you have your F&E shirt tailored? (The hem looks different. ) I also just got some R&B jeans that are part Tencel and I’m liking the softness of those as well. At 79 (almost 80) I’m finding that comfort is more important than ever–my skin has become more sensitive. Great outfits for us to try!
Hi Sally, thanks and yes, I had the F&E shirt hemmed up a couple of inches. I’m with you on the sensitivity thing, have noticed this more over the last year or so.
Fantastic post! More on this would be great.
I love them, and multiple pairs of the J Crew soleil pants hae entered the chat. Other options: matching button up inn same fabric for a “set,” tank tucked in with third piece open (shirt/jacket/cardi, a regular sweater that hits below the waist band. So much more comfortable than jeans!
They DO look so cute and I love the relaxed vibe on everyone else. I – personally – cannot abide the extra step of tying the string, and I just cut it off and remove it! Trust me, they won’t fall down if they also have an elastic waist. Come to think of it, I can’t tolerate the tab on the inside of a long-sleeved shirt…I cut those off, as well. It’s definitely a sensory issue I’ve developed over the decades. Add it to the list of quirks I’m honoring now that I’m in my 60’s! 🙂 Vive la différence!
Decades ago I had what was called Cottage Jeans, and they had a drawstring. I don’t like big knots but typically let tie them and let ends hang. I, too, have gotten sensitive skin. I have to cut inside labels off almost everything or they itch my skin. SO annoying that some clothes have a soft label and a scratchy one!
Love this post. I’ve always done better with pants that have some elastic in the waistband. I find as a pear-shaped, with a waist that is a couple of sizes different, they just fit better. The all-elastic waistbands now are a true gift for overall fit, and I don’t mind the ties. No more waistband tailoring. I’ve worn them with cropped shirts and tees, loosely tucked tees, and with a fitted tee under an open shirt. Depends on my mood if I want the ties visible or tucked inside the waistband. So many choices. 😉
Neurotic person, here. I love drawstring waist pants but immediately pull out the drawstring and throw it away. (My kitchen junk drawer is filled with little balls of rolled up drawstrings. Hey, I might need them some day! LOL). Ditto with any tags or labels that touch my skin. If the pockets gape, I get rid of those, too.
I agree we need to step outside of our fashion box occasionally. This summer I’ve added three pairs of linen, wide-leg drawstring pants to my wardrobe…a huge departure for me, style-wise. I’m definitely a late-adopter but some health issues forced my hand and comfort became my priority. Bonus: I finally feel more trendy than classic! I style them in the same ways you’ve suggested.
Super helpful post! I recently came around to drawstring pants and have been wearing my EF washable silk (divine!) and Tommy Bahama linen pants on repeat. They have been great for dealing with the heat, which has been significant even for Vegas. I have been (very) slowly getting the menopause weight to budge, so the drawstring has been a great way to accommodate the fluctuations and avoid costly tailoring. So many great ideas to try with pieces I already have in my closet!
Hi Susan,
I read that with drawstring pants it is best to size up. What is your experience?
Hi Mariolina, I think it depends on the brand and the style. I stayed with my usual size in the Eileen Fisher, which are roomy enough without swamping me (I tried the Mediums too, which were just too large). I sized up in the Banana Republic pants, as my experience has been that their Petites sometimes run small. I’d say overall, with this style it’s better to err on the side of a little large rather than a little small.
I have pale beige linen wide/straight drawstring pants and a top that nearly matches. I’ve used cropped tops so that the tie does show, but I’m not sure I like that.
The Aritzia Lodge pant in a fabric they call crepette is fabulously comfortable and cool even in desert weather. They have a flowing, languid quality that looks great with a slim-fit tee or tank, never wrinkle, and always look neat. I’ve accumulated five pairs and really don’t want to wear anything else. Aritzia also offers this same style in several other fabrics, too. Regarding the tie — I tie it and then never think about it.
I thought I was the only one who’s begun experiencing the skin sensitivity as I get older. Although I wish none of us were dealing with it, I’m glad to know I have company. 🙂 I love the ease of my drawstring pants. I have the knit denim pair from the Gap that I wear with a tucked top of some kind and a couple of pairs of the Aritzia lodge pants that I wear with cropped cardigans- an especially great combo for traveling. I’ve also purchased the Pistola Sabrina curved utility pants but haven’t worn them yet. I do find that I prefer a high waist with drawstring pants as the tie seems to accentuate my waist rather than my widest part where a mid rise falls. Susan, your color combinations are fantastic!
Thanks so much, Debbie!
I’ve found that I’m happiest with drawstring pants that (a) also have elastic waistbands and (b) put the drawstring on the *inside*, so I ever have to fuss with the knot and the strings. My new “volume easy” pants from Uniqlo meet those criteria and cost only $40 — pretty good for 100% cotton!
As a Natural Classic I am not an early adopted but I’ve also learned never to say “never.” I wear drawstring shorts but am wary of the full length pants as many I have seen look baggy through the legs. I see the EF are not but at this point I’m not willing to make that kind of investment in a style that may be iffy on me. I thought I’d never wear barrel leg pants but have since found some that are quite moderately barrel shape and fit wonderfully so I will keep an open mind and open eyes as well. Thanks for encouraging us to try something new to stay modern.
I really appreciate this discussion of drawstring pants. I have 4 pairs of the J. Crew Soleil pants now that started out three years ago in only basic colors but have expanded the color ways. They are so comfortable in the heat which lasts longer and longer now due to Global Warming. We will need to alter our wardrobes to adjust to this reality. I am wearing linen tops with these and agree that tops need to be somewhat cropped for the entire look to work. You are so helpful!!
Love the EF jeans. Do they come in petite or did you have them hemmed?
Thanks! Yes, I’m wearing a Petite Small. They are full length, so I had them hemmed about an inch to hit at the bottom of my ankle.
Hi Susan, Love this post. Did you get the EF knit jeans in petite? I’m 5′ 4″, but find I’m buying petite pants now, with about a 29″ inseam. Wearing mostly flats now, or a low wedge. Prefer not to hem things, especially with the perfect jean hem. Love these but Petites all sold out at EF site. Thanks!
Thanks! Yes, I’m wearing a Petite Small. They are full length, so I had them hemmed about an inch to hit at the bottom of my ankle.
Do the Eileen Fisher jeans have an elastic waist also, or just the drawstring. I can’t tell from their online description.
Yes, they have an elastic waist.
I find that I can also tie them in a with a long loose noose which leaves the knot more flat and then tuck the whole thing in divided over the width of the waistband. Hard to explain.
I like all your outfits. Relaxed but polished. So you.
Greetje
Looking at the Banana Republic website for the clay-colored pants I see that the model leaves the drawstrings flopping around her crotch. Maybe they’re trying to show that the pants have the drawstring, but when wearing them I never leave the strings dangling like that. If my top can’t handle a bowtie I tuck the ends into the pants.
I have some hiking shorts with a drawstring waist, and belt loops. They need a belt if you’re putting stuff into the cargo pockets. In that case, which is quite casual I put the belt on over the tied drawstring.
Ok I’m in love with your rust/brown sweater in the first picture. What brand is it ? When & where did you purchase it from?
Hi Andi, thanks! I purchased the cardigan at Sézane in Paris in April, and unfortunately it was already sold out by the time I returned home.
This is a great topic and super-helpful tips. Your styling of the EF pants is inspiring! I love the easy-breezy summer vibe of a drawstring pant, and find the style more flattering on my late-life belly (movement and vertical effect of the string deflects better than a plain flat front IMO). My go-to is the boyfriend pant by Ragabond Studio: soft yet structured fabric, and the cut works for my short frame and figure 8 hips.
Love the BR barrel style on you! xo
Thanks to you I bought the EF drawstring sweatpant jeans. I love them! Soft and comfy, and the dark wash looks great. I ordered the regular medium and it’s a good fit though long. I’m sure they’ll shrink a bit in the dryer and be perfect. I appreciate you styling these jeans so that I’ll know how to wear them.