The last time we all wore capri pants was probably over 10 years ago. However, like all controversial trends (low-rise bottoms, skinny jeans), capri pants have made a bold resurgence in 2026 because of their versatile styling and tailored silhouette.
Stylist Liz Teich says it’s no surprise capris are back, as more and more nostalgic trends are becoming the forefront of fashion trends. “While capris felt dated for a bit, we’re seeing a lot of the styles from the late ‘90s to early 2000s pop up again, so it’s only natural that they’re making a comeback as well,” she explains. That’s because, regardless of body type, capri pants can be flattering on everyone, especially when styled correctly. For instance, a wide-leg capri pant can be worn for everyday, but when paired with a small kitten heel, the style is instantly evening-ready. Utility styles are optimal for casual days, whereas “pedal pusher” styles are best for a true throwback look.
Whether you’re searching for modern styles or welcoming the old (and out with the new), we asked stylists and the Shop TODAY team for their favorite capri pants of the season. Plus, read on to discover how to style and what to look for when shopping.
How to style capri pants
When it comes to styling capri pants, Charline Zeroual, a French personal stylist based in Los Angeles, suggests this styling tip for all figures. “To create this long leg, put some visual distance between the hem of your capris and the tips of your toes,” she says. That can include where the hem of the pants hits on your calf (right in the middle, just below, for instance) and the shoes you wear, which, we’d argue, is the most important.
Teich recommends opting for “sleek silhouettes and shoes like ballet flats, mules [and] kitten heels [that are] reminiscent of the feminine 1950s styles (think Audrey Hepburn) to make it look more elongated, elegant and elevated,” the stylist recommends. Chunky platforms or sneakers can mix proportions or cut off the lower half of the body.
Best capri pants, according to stylists and editors
Best pull-on capri pants:
Gaucho pants are all about flare — literally. For those who prefer a baggier silhouette, gaucho pants are wide-leg and flow-y compared to the straight leg of a standard capri pant. This pair has been in my [San Miguel] cart for a while, mainly for its slip-on design that I can imagine wearing at home and out and about.
Best capri pants for yoga and outdoors:
With a four-way stretch, flexible fabric, and wide-leg design, these seen-on-the-show capri pants are built for movement. The pull-on design and wide waistband are two of TODAY contributor Chassie Post’s favorite features. With the right accessories, the capris can easily transition from the gym to brunch.
Best capri pants with stretch:
“The pants’ secret sauce lies in the elastic waistband,” emphasizes freelance writer Colleen Sullivan in her review. “The elastic has been strategically placed on the sides and the back of the pants, making it pretty much invisible. And while you may not see it on the outside, you will feel it on the inside — there’s no squeezing, pinching, or gapping at the waistline, whether you’re sitting or in motion. These pants move with your body — it’s no surprise Lee calls this technology ‘flex-to-go.’”
Best denim capri pants:
When it comes to capris, Teich recommends these skinny jeans from Levi’s as she says even denim can be breathable in the summer heat. These classic capris are designed to contour curves and lengthen legs, according to the brand. Featuring a five-pocket style, these denim pants have plenty of room to safely store all your everyday essentials so you can leave the crossbody at home.
Best black capri pants:
Superdown Chaya Capri
According to SEO writer Jannely Espinal, Superdown’s apparel often “fits like a glove.” Their classic black capri pants are what she calls “an easy staple” for work, travel and beyond, regardless of what you pair them with.
Best high-rise capri pants:
Outdoor Voices Puddle Capri
For an elevated take on a classic capri pant, the Puddle Capri from Outdoor Voices has an underrated detail at the hem — adjustable ties — for a dainty contrast to the structured fit. Other details, such as the high waistband and soft fabric, make it a favorite of production associate Audrey Ekman, too.
“These capris are the most stylish and flattering leggings I have ever tried from the brand, with medium compression that doesn’t ride down yet supports in all the right places,” she wrote in our best leggings coverage. “...I’m hooked on this pair for workouts, coffee runs and casual weekend days alike.”
Best wide-leg capri pants:
FP Movement Canyon Crop Hike Pants
If you’re looking to ditch the leggings, associate editor Annie Shigo recommends these utility-inspired baggy capris from Free People. They’re naturally large in fit, so choose your usual size for a wide fit or size down for a closer fit. However, the multiple pockets and adjustable ankle cuffs tell us this pair is comfortable and functional.
Best capri pants for work:
Capri pants don’t just have to be for casual attire. With the right styling, a pair of capri pants can easily become business-appropriate. Case in point: Free People’s Bette Super Slim Capris. “I love these capris by Free People because they have the structure and detailing of a pair of slacks — flattering seams and shaping, as well as belt loops — so you can accessorize them (and avoid the athleisure look of a cropped legging,” recommends celebrity stylist Samantha Brown. Pair with a button-up or blouse, and they’ll fit the bill.
Best capri pants for petites:
The length and hem of a capri pant are the most important details to look for when shopping for those on the shorter side. One to consider: Vince’s Slim-Fit Capri, which is recommended by Teich to her petite clients. “...It looks like it’s cut for women with shorter legs, and could be quite flattering, especially with a low heel,” she explains.
Best mid-rise capri pants:
“This is a very minimalist pair from Reformation, which looks great styled with a blazer, white button-down, or even dressed down with a polo and sneakers,” suggests Brown. And with it being a mid-rise fit (a universally flattering rise), these capri pants should suit a variety of body types.
Best capri pants for curvy figures:
According to Rue Sophie, tapered capri pants are the best option for those with curves, as these hit right at the slimmest part of the leg, helping to balance proportions, such as the pick above from the brand. More cropped with a split hem, Teich says this adds “a bit of elegance and balance” to the overall look of the pants.
What to look for in capri pants
Overall fit
When it comes to finding the right capris, you’ll want to first consider what style looks best on your body type. “The most important thing to look for when shopping for capris is to find a shape and fit that suits you,” recommends Teich.
Because they cut off the leg line, capri pants can make some body types look shorter and wider, claims Zeroual. “They’re not ideal if you have heavy legs, and you need to be sure they don’t end at the thickest part of your calves,” she says. “They are most flattering when they end just above or below the calf. That sweet spot is the key to looking good in capris.”
Fabric
Because of their cropped length, capri pants are best worn in warmer climates. Thus, “look for something that is mostly natural materials like cotton, even if it’s denim, so they’re breathable in the summer heat,” suggests Teich. “Too much stretch and too thin may actually show more and be less flattering, so look for a material that either has texture or is more substantial to conceal,” she says.
Brown also recommends avoiding materials that are too tight, as they aren’t as figure-flattering. “A fabric with some stretch will highlight the natural shape of your legs. They’ll be available in fabrics from Ponte to denim, so depending on how you want to style them, there will be many fabric options to choose from,” she explains.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re wondering what the difference between capri pants and cropped pants is, Zeroual claims that capris are essentially the summer version of cropped pants.
“Capris are lightweight, casual summer pants that are shorter versions of cropped pants," she says. "Cropped pants usually end a few inches above the ankle, capris typically end around the mid-calf. They can be skinny, wide, tapered, straight or flared."
Capri pants flatter all body types. A general rule for finding a capri pant that suits your body type is checking where the hem falls, such as a length that hits right at the muscular part of your calf. Other tips for shopping, as provided by our experts, include fabrics, a tapered leg, darker washes and more.
How we chose the best capri pants
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best capri pants for women using a few methods: Enlisting the recommendations of three renowned fashion stylists and including editor favorites as well.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Samantha Brown is a New York-based celebrity stylist and author of Dressing Up: Pip’s Truly Fashionable Tale”
- Liz Teich is the fashion stylist behind The New York Stylist.
- Charline Zeroual is a French personal stylist based in Los Angeles, dedicated to helping women look and feel their best.
