Review: Athleta Brooklyn Heights High Rise Pleated Wide Leg Pant

I have been gradually replacing more well-worn work pants in my closet with the Athleta Brooklyn Heights High Rise Pleated Wide Leg Pant. This Athleta bestseller is so comfortable to wear, easy to care for, and (very importantly) has useful zip pockets.

The lightweight, stretchy fabric–86% Recycled Polyester and 14% Spandex–is silky, dries quickly, allows ease of movement, and feels cool to the touch, which is perfect in the sweltering heat. On a recent work trip I was able to travel in these and head directly to meetings without having to change–the material hides and resists wrinkles well.

It’s also available in three size types: regular, tall, and petite; most people should be able to find a good fit without needing alterations. But these pants are meant to fit relaxed and are cut fuller through the hip and thighs; if you have a smaller frame or an inverted triangle body type, try a size down. In size 0P, the Brooklyn Heights High Rise Pleated Wide Leg Pant measures 13.25″ at the waist, 16.25″ at the hip, with a 27.5″ inseam. I am 5’2 and can wear these pants in petite with flats.

If you don’t care for zippered pockets, the Tronjori High Waist Wide Leg Trousers (reviewed here) is another one of my closet staples and only 1/3 the price of the Athleta option.

Living through a surge in right-wing nationalism makes feeling patriotic weirdly uncomfortable, but I have been really enjoying (parts of) the Paris Olympics–some shows of sportsmanship perfectly embody the Olympic creed of “The important thing in life is not the triumph, but the fight; the essential thing is not to have won, but to have fought well” and make cheering for your home team a gratifying experience.

I’ve also been inspired by the stunning competition apparel worn by American athletes, and find myself repeatedly wearing a red-white-and-blue color palette in the last week.