Let's talk about the history of the back-in-trend kick flare pant, the enduring appeal of this silhouette and "dupe" vs capitalizing on popular silhouette.
Loved reading this and learning about the history of that pant silhouette! I had a pair of black kick flare jeans in black I wore a lot in 2017 to which my dad said "why don't you buy pants that fit you?" (I'm tall so he thought they were regular pants that fit me poorly, dads)
I want to second the recommendation for the Ann Mashburn Kick Flares. They are miracle pants and easier on the budget than High Sport. I love mine- they've been on a weekly rotation for a year now and they look brand new. I tried on the J Crew sweater kick flares and they did not work for me. They show everything the Ann Mashburn pants hide.
Great article! I can't wait to read all the other articles you recommended! Thank you!!! (I read Susan Orlean's Wordy Bird substack article on Monday and bought SPANX one in red so while I wait them to arrive I can read!)
So informative! I like this anti carbon copy perspective on a classic. I love my High Sport version; they are decadent without being showy. But I’m waiting for school pickup and dribbling coffee down my right side while wearing the red Old Navy flares. I also had no qualms about petting a random slobbery dog earlier today. Win/win. PS I generally advise against petting random dogs but this one was too cute, and willing.
I love this piece — between the historical perspective and the retail data, it feels analytical whereas I have found other dupe stories come across judgmental. I loved The Cut's article and the writer is phenomenal ("microinfluencers who fall somewhere in the middle of the Odeon-Erewhon Venn diagram" is brilliant!). Thank you, Sarah.
I purposely held this Substack when I saw The Cut article. I knew I wanted to read and include. It was really well done. I think what so many people are drawn to is the silhouette. Yes, some brands are really nailing it with quality and innovative fabric or branding and marketing in influential circles and that is amazing. But we can also love the silhouette and appreciate other versions without them having to be dupes, knockoffs or copies.
What a piece! I love all the historic knowledge you bring to the table. Thank you for including me. I’m starting to put together a follow up story and can’t wait to share his expertise!
I’m so confused by the popularity of these pants. My grandma used to wear polyester pants that looked just like this. I’m a short, curvy girl and kick flare flood pants made of a synthetic fabric are my nightmare. And for $1000? Count me out.
This article is amazing! You are really hitting this topic from all angles that I love to read about. Thank you for mentioning my article. Let's see how many months til capris take over 😂 I'll be waiting for your spiral with bated breath!
Apparently launching at the end of February. In Black (which will be replenished) and will expand colors based on demand. I feel like they need to launch with at least 1-2 fun colors or 1 color and an additional neutral (a tan/brown and navy) since they have become known for the color assortment and not just black pants. I believe they are launching exclusively on their own site which must mean they are launching ecom too since their site currently isn't shoppable.
Loved reading this and learning about the history of that pant silhouette! I had a pair of black kick flare jeans in black I wore a lot in 2017 to which my dad said "why don't you buy pants that fit you?" (I'm tall so he thought they were regular pants that fit me poorly, dads)
😆 at 5ft 2 that is never an issue I’ve had.
I want to second the recommendation for the Ann Mashburn Kick Flares. They are miracle pants and easier on the budget than High Sport. I love mine- they've been on a weekly rotation for a year now and they look brand new. I tried on the J Crew sweater kick flares and they did not work for me. They show everything the Ann Mashburn pants hide.
Ahh! Thanks for the insights. The Ann Mashburn are fantastic and love that they are easily cared for (wash and hang dry!)
Great article! I can't wait to read all the other articles you recommended! Thank you!!! (I read Susan Orlean's Wordy Bird substack article on Monday and bought SPANX one in red so while I wait them to arrive I can read!)
I saw Wordy Bird and can't wait to read! Love that she launched a Substack.
This such a great deep history on the kick flare!
It’s a silhouette I really love. The 1960s crops look so great
So informative! I like this anti carbon copy perspective on a classic. I love my High Sport version; they are decadent without being showy. But I’m waiting for school pickup and dribbling coffee down my right side while wearing the red Old Navy flares. I also had no qualms about petting a random slobbery dog earlier today. Win/win. PS I generally advise against petting random dogs but this one was too cute, and willing.
A pant for every moment! Love it.
Does this mean Bell Bottoms are coming back??
Great question!! We are seeing lots of flares now (not just cropped) which is likely the latest iteration of Bell Bottoms. ✌️
I love this piece — between the historical perspective and the retail data, it feels analytical whereas I have found other dupe stories come across judgmental. I loved The Cut's article and the writer is phenomenal ("microinfluencers who fall somewhere in the middle of the Odeon-Erewhon Venn diagram" is brilliant!). Thank you, Sarah.
I purposely held this Substack when I saw The Cut article. I knew I wanted to read and include. It was really well done. I think what so many people are drawn to is the silhouette. Yes, some brands are really nailing it with quality and innovative fabric or branding and marketing in influential circles and that is amazing. But we can also love the silhouette and appreciate other versions without them having to be dupes, knockoffs or copies.
What a piece! I love all the historic knowledge you bring to the table. Thank you for including me. I’m starting to put together a follow up story and can’t wait to share his expertise!
Looking forward to the follow-up. I saw your article and connected with the message.
I’m so confused by the popularity of these pants. My grandma used to wear polyester pants that looked just like this. I’m a short, curvy girl and kick flare flood pants made of a synthetic fabric are my nightmare. And for $1000? Count me out.
Loved reading your deep dive! You brought such a unique & multi-faceted POV to the conversation around this trend!
Also the Spanx versions are amazing!
This article is amazing! You are really hitting this topic from all angles that I love to read about. Thank you for mentioning my article. Let's see how many months til capris take over 😂 I'll be waiting for your spiral with bated breath!
Apparently launching at the end of February. In Black (which will be replenished) and will expand colors based on demand. I feel like they need to launch with at least 1-2 fun colors or 1 color and an additional neutral (a tan/brown and navy) since they have become known for the color assortment and not just black pants. I believe they are launching exclusively on their own site which must mean they are launching ecom too since their site currently isn't shoppable.