The Best Pants For Teen Girls

Buying Guide

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.

• 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.