Nike Sportswear

I absolutely love these pants.

You’ll never sneak up on anyone while wearing these pants! The swishing noise brings me back to a similar, but more colorful outfit that I wore in middle school in the early 90s. Maybe because of that, I appreciate the asymmetrical design on the front and back of these pants. I’d love to see other, brighter colorways— you could really have fun with some neon pastels or vivid summer colors. I followed the size chart and ordered an XL, which I am in most leggings and jeans. I’m 5’6” and 185 lbs, with a slight apron belly from having 4 babies. These fit at least half a size large, and it’s possible I could have gotten away with a L. The inseam is around 30”. The unstretched waist is 19” flat, and stretched is 25”. The hip measures 28” flat, and the inseam is around 13”. They advertise these as a midrise , and I’d have to agree. The waist goes up only to my bellybutton. When uncinched, the pant legs are quite large, and reminiscent of a popular brand of wide legged skater jeans in the later 90s that have recently made a pricey comeback. While I appreciate the drawstring at the hem of the pant legs, I wish there was a plastic toggle or something to help cinch it tighter instead of tying a bow. I may add one myself later. As a style I’d not necessarily pick for myself, I find I’m having fun wearing these and plan to wear them over my staple leggings when lifting weights or hiking. The weave of this fabric is very tight, and I have hopes it can stand up to some brush and brambles when walking the dogs in our Michigan woods.

I usually love Nike products, especially their sneakers and activewear, but these pants don’t live up to the brand’s usual standards. The main issue is the fabric—it feels like thin, rustling parachute material, which makes the pants uncomfortable to wear. I’m not sure when or where to wear them: they’re too hot for warm weather and too cold for cooler temperatures, since they have no lining. Plus, they make an unpleasant noise when you walk. I think this model might appeal to fashion-forward people who want to channel ‘90s style, but it’s not suitable for everyone.