Are Capri Pants Out Of Style For 2024
Happy Monday, ladies! Today’s post may ruffle a few feathers, but let’s dive right in. Capri pants for 2024 are gaining popularity, and I’ve had several emails about them, so I wanted to weigh in. I’ve made my feelings about Capri pants crystal clear here, but I’ve had a few comments from readers expressing interest, so I want to share the how and why of their latest iteration and discuss if Capri pants are out of style this year.
Capri Pants
German fashion designer Sonja de Lenhart first introduced Capri pants in 1948 and named them after her favorite holiday destination, Capri, Italy. They’ve been in and out of popularity for 75 years in one shape or another. Who can forget how chic Audrey Hepburn looked in hers? I have vivid memories of my Mom wearing hers, à la Laura Petrie style, back when we called them pedal pushers. They were worn close to the body and in a below-calf length, which highlighted the ankles and looked slimming.
Lots of designers sent Capri pants down the runway this spring, so the trend is being embraced by lots of young actresses and fashionistas. Technically…Capri pants are back in style for 2024, but they have a very different vibe, so let’s look at their latest iteration.
Several years ago, brands aimed at women over 50 started selling Capri pants in styles that end mid-calf length. They often have a drawstring or button details at the hem which draws more attention to the widest part of your calf. As time went on, Capris began getting called out as unflattering, so the brands renamed them crops, skimmers, clam diggers and on and on… See also: Are Capri Pants Still in Style This Year?
Younger women are wearing this ‘trend” with tighter legs and barely-there heels or sandals.
Most of the women our age wear capri pants because they’re hoping to stay cool in hot weather. They no longer feel confident wearing shorts, and they see these capris as a way to stay cooler than when wearing full-length pants. But here’s the thing: if you wear these with the heavy athletic sneakers you’d wear to the gym, you’re going to look out of touch and unstylish.
A Capri pant needs to bypass the widest part of your calf… unless they’re a wider leg, and then they’re called crops. BTW, if you type Capri pants into the search box at most retailers, you get page after page of crops. The inseam of a crop on one woman may be full length on another woman. Expect to alter your pants to get the most flattering length.
Many of us struggle with painful, tricky feet and need the support of a solid athletic shoe. If that’s you, I encourage you to opt for a pant with more length and width to balance the shoe.
I believe you should wear what makes you feel happy and confident. There are plenty of trending looks that have a non-traditional, ‘ugly’ appeal that begins to look attractive the more often you see them. Quirky and unique, has its own charm. The unexpected is chic and fashion-forward, with creative pairings and unusual shapes. Personal style is as individual as a snowflake, but if your goal is to look current and modern, you may need to adjust how you wear your capri pants in 2024.
I’d love to hear your take on capri pants.
CAPRI PANTS AT NORDSTROM
I have always loved wearing capris, but I prefer a slim fit and the key to to always ensure that they don’t end at the widest part of the calf.
My mom used to call them pedal pushers. One time I asked her why they were called that and she told me because they were modeled after the shorter pants bicyclists wore to keep their pants from getting caught up in the bicycle chains. Sounds logical to me!
I am 5’4″ with thin shapely legs for a 76 yr old. I am drawn to skorts that look good anywhere. It is just easier than all of the fit problems with shorter pants.
Every year I dread June through August. Why? Because of the searing heat and humidity and the lack of comfortable clothing options. If I were younger, I would live in shorts. But, at post 65 I not only have pale skin, but it’s lost its firmness and while I’m not overweight at 115 pounds, my knees look chubbier. Thank goodness I have a very casual lifestyle, as I have found the nylon/spandex capris shown for camping as my go to outfit to survive comfortably – or if miserably hot, a longer knee length Bermuda short. I would LOVE for Talbots to offer a crop pant in the same lightweight fabric! At our age we need to allow ourselves and others some grace to be comfortable on a typical day, even though the style, length, etc. is not the most flattering. We do the best we can and look forward to fall, winter, and spring with all our hearts!
I agree!
I gave up on capris years ago. I am short and they cut me in half.
Love a good ankle crop, if it is in the 90’s like we will have for the next 7 days give me a dress or shorts. My legs are not the prettiest but it is HOT.
Wear a respectable length and a cute top, and you are good to go!
Do feel the more fitted capri style does have its merits as IMHO can be paired with something as casual as an oversized boyfriend shirt or for a more elevated look a blazer with a tank top for example, however do agree with you Jennifer that they can present more of a problem in choosing footwear. Also Deb B. (below) makes a very good point about having to adjust them after seating due to their cut. On that note; as I personally prefer cropped or full length bottoms for myself I do plan though, to recycle ‘a’ pair of my (full length) light blue denim skinny jeans into capris (that have a touch of stretch) as have tops and footwear that will work with them which will also be good for the planet since will likely be worn only on occasion as not that big of fan of them. -Brenda-
I’m comfortable in skimmers cut just below my knees and slim cut. I got 3 pairs on sale at JCP early this spring. They are Liz Claiborne and fit me at 5’ 1 1/2” and 143 lbs. I’m 79 and wear what is comfortable but I do like to look reasonably stylish. I wear athletic shoes for safety with balance issues. Otherwise, I wear full length light weight pants kissing the top of my feet. I also wear Bermuda shorts. Thanks to my Swedish mother for giving me nice legs!
I remember a former post about capris, and I thought you seemed unusually hostile to them. Since you encourage women to wear what makes them feel confident, that felt odd to me. Anyway, I don’t have a feeling one way or another about them, but if someone wants to sport the camping look, more power to her.
Yes, I dislike capri pants. If a woman loves them, she should wear them.
I think the right capri looks nice on mature women. As you said, they need to be below the thickest part of your calf, definitely no cargo pockets and slim fitting. Also, be careful which footwear you wear – no chunky athletic shoes, nor chunky sandals. I may be bias because I wear them and think at 5’8” with long legs they suit me. I agree some capris are not attractive but why so much judgement?
People make assumptions and decisions about us based on our appearance. It’s human nature. Women who want to look modern are interested in dressing in a modern style. We each make fashion choices based on what’s important for us.
I love the capris with the roses but no link?
Sorry, that was just an image I found.
The most flattering length of a pant varies for every person. Capri is just another length thrown into the mix and is not the most flattering length for many. We don’t all look like Audrey Hepburn! I’m skipping this length.
We all have unique bodies and should wear what we’re comfortable in and looks best on our bodies!
Some look better in wide leg crops; some look better in skinny crops; some prefer dresses/skirts; some only wear long pants. The list goes on. I think of fashion as an adventure to figure out my own look.
Hi, Jennifer: Thank you so much for your tips on “pedal pushers.” I remember mine well as a kid in the early 60s. Still love them and use my trusty sewing machine to alter many of my pants that shrunk from washing – and – voila – a rehabbed, repurposed wardrobe. On another note, Jennifer, would you mind taking up an issue that may well ring loudly for your readers: varicose veins, edema, venous insufficiency and some home treatments for them, other than visiting a physician. “Pedal pushers” aka capris – can accentuate these problems as well as open-toed sandals that “showcase” blown up ankles and feet. Just a suggestion for a new column. Thanks for your wonderful suggestions every week to look forward to. You’re doing a whole section of us out here great favors. Cheers, Nan B
Have a great week!
I am 5’ 5” and I prefer bermuda shorts that end just above the knee (10” inseam) or cropped pants with either a slim, straight or wide leg that hit above the ankle (24 or 25” work best for me). For hot weather, I prefer dresses, particularly linen, that hit either just at the knee or midi length at the bottom of my calf. Nothing mid-calf. Thanks for the update!l
Here’s my observation – when you’re younger you can get away with more. Take those ugly Dad athletic shoes. I believe that’s what they’re called. Evidently, they are in style. A 20 -something is making a fashion statement. A 60 – something risks looking like they’re stuck in the past.
I agree, Lily
This was such an interesting and informative blog and I really enjoyed the comments, too, which were pretty insightful. I absolutely cannot buy capris online because I’m never sure how the length will be, no matter the description, so it’s off to the store, because I find returning items annoying. Thanks for all the info and hints!
The look you showed of crops plus athletic sneakers is my daily uniform which I wear for running errands and taking my dog to the dog park. I’m in my 70’s and tend to fall a lot so my walking shoes are a must. Of course I get dressed up occasionally and wear nicer pants and sandals but it’s not my everyday look.
Athletic tivities are a different category, and you need to wear what’s best for your safety and comfort.
I ditched all my Capri type pants except for a white pair that I have had for 10+ years from Talbots. They are white with white embroidered dragon flies. I also have a capri flared black athletic pair that I wear to the pool. I do like the narrow floral print you pictured and would wear with sandals or ballet shoes. I much prefer ankle length pants. I have quit shorts due to two knee replacements and much prefer a below knee linen skirt or a casual linen dress in hot weather.
I like the pants you showed from Nordstrom. I wear that type because since I’m short they are closer to the ankle on me. I also wear crops but never the pedal pusher type capri. You’re right about how bad they look with bulky athletic shoes. What do you think about the Capri type workout pants?
I think capri workout pants are very comfy and super popular. Work out attire needs to be comfortable.
Jennifer, the debate about crops, capris, etc. continues every summer! I enjoy and learn from reading your post and comments from others. I am 5’6″ and have decent legs (from the knee down mostly) and have loved cropped pants for a long time. I still wear a couple of slim pairs from Banana Republic that I bought over 10 years ago. I haven’t seen anyone wearing the tight just below the knee ones as on your site, but they don’t look comfortable. As it’s already in the 90’s here, I mostly wear cool cotton sundresses now. Thanks for keeping me updated on style.
I’m 5’4″ but am lucky enough to have long legs for my height so you’d think crops would work for me, right? Nope, they don’t. I have wide hips (thank you, Mid-European peasant ancestry) and crops that fit my hips are usually wider at the hems than looks “right”. However, I think I might go and try on a pair of the current style and see what I think of the narrower fit.
Thanks also for the recommendation to adjust the length to what looks best. I have no idea why I never thought of that (especially since I do that for skirts pretty much automatically).
I hope you have a lovely day.
Christine Arquilla
Have a great week, Christine
In my case, it’s not age but height that keeps me away from short pants. My legs are reasonably long for a 5’2″ person, but I don’t feel good with them chopped up . I can wear shorts, up to 2-3″ above the knee and feel good, and full length pants, but nothing in between. This from years of seeing every flavor of short pants in dressing room mirrors. :)I have a friend who is about my size and wears capris with panache, so it’s just the difference in people, as my dear dad used to say.
Excellent point, Sharon!
Thank you for pointing out what makes capris vs crops an issue for us. As for me, I am petite (5’0” and 105 lbs) and wide leg pants of any length can overwhelm me. And, my legs are thin…….crops (and full skirts) make my legs look like toothpicks. I prefer capris, narrow cut but not skin tight. Or the J Crew Demi boot cut jean: fitted through the knee but a slight flare on the calf (and they come in petite sizes). I completely agree as to the clunky look of capris with sneakers, so I wear mine with ballet flats. You can get ballet flats with arch supports, cushiony footbeds, etc.
It took a while for demi bootcuts to grow on me and now I love them. Great option
I like above ankle crops with no blousy fit at waist, but at waist. They go well with ECCO sneakers and 3/4 sleeve boatneck t’s. Best overall look for me 4’11” 85 lbs. nothing balances the figure any better for me. 🥰
Sandra
I wear Bermuda shorts or wide-leg linen pants to stay cool! I’m thin and the one pair I tried on (capris) looked eh.. Okay, but I did not buy them. I just didn’t feel “wow”!”
That’s a great criteria for choosing styles you buy and wear. Way to go Paulette
The new styles I don’t care for. I’m 5’7 and I really like the athletic style Capri from labds end. They are a but fuller on the width and hut just below calf lin̈e. On me very flattering. They maynot be available a more.
I am a new reader and this is my first venture into a blog! You are opening my eyes to so many subtle points about what to wear and how to wear what’s best for your body shape and size. At 81, it’s not too late to teach an ol’ gal a few new tricks….especially now that my body shape has changed (3″ shorter and I need to loose 30 pounds!)
Welcome, Leonore. I’m glad you’ve joined us. I agree it’s never too late to care about our style!
Jennifer, so glad to hear your opinion on capri pants, I think that most things stay in fashion but are always better with a more modern look.
Capris, crops, and in our mother’s day peDal (for bicycle pedalling ease) pushers will always be a comfortable reach for warm weather wearing so why not keep your look fresh, current and modern looking.
Always makes me feel good to choose my wardrobe with those things in mind.😁
I agree. I prefer to choose a modern version. Classic is fabulous, but even it changes.
I wear dresses when it’s hot, I have never bought capris or crops, i feel my legs look too short in them. I do associate them with another generation, so they lack the modern look I strive for.
Many things contribute to what you wear: age, climate, your body and of course lifestyle. I have always cared about fashion but now that I’m older, live in AZ and have balance issues from a stroke, I can’t be as fussy as I once was. I can’t wear sandals anymore. Please don’t judge older people too harshly as to fashion. We also want to be comfortable and love our crops/ capris and anything comfortable!
Yes Suzie, I agree! It’s a slippery slope when we start critiquing a particular style on anyone. When I think of questionable fashion choices, wearing capri pants does not make the list.
You think of questionbable fashion choices based on your personal taste and other women do the same.
Agree, Suzie. As a stroke survivor, I have balance issues, so must wear flat, supportive shoes at all times (usually Skechers). I am petite and elderly, and I wear capris in public in the hot weather (my shorts are only for home, gardening, etc.). Sometimes our health concerns dictate & overrule our fashion wishes!
I’m so in agreement. I’m 66. Live in Arizona and need comfier shoes for daily wear. I also have had numerous skin cancers on my shins so they’re as bit ugly. It’s tough to stay stylish in heat sometimes.
My length preference is either quite short, right at mid knee, before the calf begins to round out OR quite long, at the sweet spot where the calf ends, leaving the ankle and slim leg above bare. If you’re tall and buy ankle length pants they often magically become this style! I grew up calling these styles Pedal Pushers because they allowed you to ride a bike without getting your pant leg tangled in a bike chain. When it’s warm I prefer to wear a skort with attached shorts or Bermuda length shorts. Do you know a source for knee length skorts? Too many of them are mid-thigh, quite a bit too short for a tall person.
Chico’s makes longer skorts, and you can find some on Amazon here. Just type knee length skort into Google and you should get a slew of them.
I still wear my JJill capri pants with low sneakers to run to stores in place of shorts mostly because of getting older. They are comfortable and cover my knees. I have linen crop pants that are longer and better for going out to lunch or dinner with sandals.
Same here. I don’t have issue with the shape of my calf or legs, but do have unsightly veins, I choose to cover.
thank you for mentioning feet as I have foot issues and capris look off with my heavy duty sneakers
Hi. It’s “pedal” pushers as in shorter pants for pedaling bikes.
❤️ this. I’m a petite woman, 5’3″ in her early 60s. I think petite women that capris or crops, depending on how the brand labels them, make a petite woman look shorter. And, depending on body shape, possibly stumpy. I think that an ankle length on a petite figure is more flattering. Often I purchase a Misses capri length/crop that hits at the ankle for me, and still fits nicely for my rise length.
I do the same. It’s a benefit of being f on the shorter side.
Nope. Would never wear capri pants that end at the widest part of my leg with any shoe. I’m tall so each pair of pants must be tried on. Pants that are marketed as cropped, for instance Chicos, are usually capri length on me. I opt for ankle length pants in a wide or straight leg. If I am going to wear shorts, they are Bermudas which end just above my knees, at least a 10 inch rise. I also wear what Macys called skimmers, which end just below the knee and are slim to the leg. And there are always summer dresses, which check all the boxes for me! No shade if you want to wear them, but at 72 I have finally learned what silhouettes will never look good on my particular body.
It still amazes me that just because a particular piece of clothing doesn’t look good on a person, it is deemed awful, awful (the word hate sometimes used…really, about some pants?). I have always had thin legs and crops make my legs look like toothpicks so I simply don’t wear them. Not everything looks the same on everyone, you wear what you think looks good on you and makes you feel comfortable.
I have never worn capris because I think they are ugly and unflattering. I don’t love this year’s version either, and I doubt I’ll be wearing them. I prefer a 9 ” inseam short (Lilly Pulitzer’s, for example) or a lightweight pant that is ankle length. For reference, I am 72 years old and I consider myself fashion forward. Love your blog!
Interesting post today. A discussion about Capri pants always sparks a lively debate. I prefer a cropped length over Capri length, but I do like the current style of this summers capris.
I do prefer more of a crop length but will wear a capri. But what I dislike about a tighter leg on a capri is when you sit and then stand, the leg usually has risen up and you need to pull it back down. At least with my calves, LOL. Also, I think the term you meant was “pedal pushers” not petal pushers. Hope you are finally feeling better!
That’s one of the things I dislike about very skinny leg jeans…the ride up and need for adjusting
Good morning Jennifer. This subject always gets women excited. It seems they either love or hate capri pants.
For myself I can’t wear them. They are not flattering on my shape at all. I will wear “crop” or ankle pants. The minimum length for me is 24”. That length hits me at the thinnest part of my lower leg.
That length is hard to find so mostly I wear cooler fabric slacks or my older “crops”.
Dresses and skirts are an option for me that I really like and wear often.
Skirts and dresses are the coolest!
Could not agree more with you. I won’t be wearing this year’s interation because I’m very short so anything cutting me right below the knee is also a bad length. Some of what you showed would honestly be shorts with an 11 inch inseeam on me lol. I do have some crops but I am very very careful about what shoes I wear. Nothing ages women more than cropped pants plus athletic shoes (or even worse sandals plus socks!).
I agree about socks with sandals! Although…ankle socks are popular with skirts these days. I’m not that fashion forward.
I never understood why I disliked capris, crops, etc. on some of my friends and not on others and mostly not on me and then I started following your blog posts and “got” it completely. I agree totally with your advice and do like them when the length is just as you describe. Thank you for tips, tricks (I tie my blouses successfully using your technique) teachings and try-ons! My clothing budget is not unlimited and your blog is so helpful.
I’m so glad it’s helpful Terry
Hi Jennifer, this article reminded me yet again that manufacturers just don’t listen. My friends and I would like to wear pants that just cover the kneecap. They hide our no longer attractive knees but show the whole calf so we don’t look lopped off. Perfect, right? And darn near impossible to find. The closest I’ve come is the Tommy Bahama 15” shorts, but they have cut down from many colors to four. It makes me suspect they are going to phase them out. If you have a source for this style of pant, Please Share!! Glad you’re feeling better. Jo
I like them right below the knee too. It’s a hard thing to find. Sort of like sleeves on summer dresses. That one always frustrates me.
I so agree on ‘it’s hard to find sleeves on summer dress’. Not everyone likes their upper arms!
I personally prefer sleeves!
Because we are short, I don’t think they are flattering on us. They cut us in half. And I agree with you – no clunky athletic shoe. Wear longer shorts or an ankle pant.
Jennifer, great post! Thank you for the thoughtful update on capris. Although, “… à la Laura Petrie style, back when we called them petal pushers”, I believe it’s spelled pedal pushers!
You are right! My proof reader (husband) didn’t catch that because he has no clue what they are 😂. Thanks