It’s that time of year again – as the weather warms up, capri pants start popping up everywhere. And every year, I cringe a little inside when I see women reaching for this unflattering style. I know, I know – capris are comfortable, they keep you cooler than pants, and they cover more than shorts. I get the appeal, I really do. 

But as a fashion blogger, I just can’t get behind this trend that does nothing for a woman’s figure, no matter her age or size.

In this post, I’m going to break down exactly why I hate capris so much, and give you my best tips and alternatives for what to wear instead of looking chic and feeling confident all spring and summer long. Trust me ladies, we can do so much better than capris! Let’s dive in.

Why I Hate Capris?

Okay, so what’s my beef with capris? Well, it mainly comes down to one simple fact – they are incredibly unflattering on every body type. I don’t care if you’re tall or short, curvy or slim, young or old. Capris make everyone look stumpy, frumpy, and disproportionate.

The main issue is where they hit on your leg. That mid-calf length chops your body at its widest part, making your legs look thick and your whole silhouette bottom-heavy. They also make your legs look shorter overall by breaking up the line of your leg at an awkward spot.

Capris also tend to be ill-fitting in general, either clinging to the thighs and knees or billowing out unattractively. And don’t even get me started on all the embellishments – cargo pockets, drawstrings, cuffs, zippers, etc. All this extra bulk and detail just makes matters worse.

Why Capris Are Not Flattering?

So we’ve established that capris make your legs look stumpy and heavy. But the problems don’t end there. Capris also throws off your whole body’s proportions in an unflattering way.

Ideally, you want your legs to look about one and a half times as long as your torso for the most balanced silhouette. 

Capris totally destroys this ratio by chopping your bottom half into smaller segments. This is especially problematic if you have a long torso and shorter legs to begin with.

Capris also tend to make your hips and rear look larger and draw attention to problem areas like full thighs or thick calves. They’re just not a great choice if you’re trying to create a streamlined, proportional look.

Why Capris Are Ill-Fitting?

Another major issue with capris is that they are notoriously hard to fit well. The cropped length means there is less fabric to work with, so they often end up being too tight through the thighs and knees.

This causes them to ride up, bunch, and create an unattractive “collapsed” look at the back of the leg. Even if you size up, capris are usually still too narrow at the hem, leading them to taper in at the calves.

Very few brands seem to be able to get the fit of capris right, which is why you see so many women walking around in pairs that are puckering, sagging, or straining at the seams. It’s just not a great look.

Why Do Retailers Still Make Capris?

With all their fit and proportion issues, you’d think retailers would have abandoned capris long ago. But unfortunately, they continue to churn them out season after season.

I think this mainly comes down to cost and convenience. Capris are cheap to manufacture since they use less fabric than full-length pants. This means higher profit margins for brands and stores.

Capris are also an easy sell for spring and summer. Many women are self-conscious about their legs and are looking for an alternative to shorts that still feels cool and breezy. Brands know capris have a built-in audience, so they keep making them despite the style issues.

The Difference Between Capri, Cropped and Ankle Pants

I know what some of you are thinking – aren’t cropped pants and ankle pants the same thing as capris? Not quite. While these styles are all shorter than traditional trousers, they have some key differences:

• Capris: These typically have an inseam of 21-24 inches and hit at mid calf. They are the most problematic length.
• Cropped Pants: A little bit longer than capris, with an inseam of 24-27 inches. Hit a couple inches above the ankle. More flattering than capris.
• Ankle Pants: Inseam of 28 inches or longer, ending right around the ankle bone. Most elongating short pants style.

So while cropped pants and ankle pants are not technically full-length, they are much easier to wear than true capris. The longer length creates a leaner line and avoids that dreaded calf-width chop effect.

What To Wear Instead Of Capris?

Okay, so we’ve spent a lot of time bashing capris. But I’m not going to leave you hanging without some alternatives! Here are my favorite pant styles to reach for instead of capris:

Ankle Pants

As I mentioned, ankle pants are going to be your best bet if you want a shorter pant that still elongates your legs. Look for slim, streamlined styles that skim your ankle bone. You can go with a skinny ankle pant, a straight leg, or even a slight flare or bootcut. Just avoid anything that tapers in at the hem.

Ankle pants look great with all kinds of shoes, from flats to low heels to sneakers. They’re super versatile and perfect for work, weekend, or anything in between. Dress them up with a blazer and pumps, or go casual with a tee and sandals.

Wide Leg Crops

If ankle pants feel a little too slim for your taste, try a wide leg cropped pant instead. The voluminous cut balances out the shorter length and is super on-trend right now. Just make sure to keep your top fitted to balance out the proportions.

Wide leg crops look amazing with a simple tank or tee tucked in and some block heel sandals or espadrilles. Add a denim jacket on top and you’ve got an effortlessly chic summer outfit. This silhouette is also great for the office with a crisp button-down and heeled mules.

Bermuda Shorts

I know, I know, shorts can be just as scary as capris for a lot of women. But hear me out – a longer Bermuda short is actually really flattering and much easier to wear than you might think. The key is to find a pair that hits right around the knee and has a slim, tailored fit.

Bermuda shorts look great with a breezy blouse or button-down half-tucked in front. Add some low wedges or block heel sandals to elongate your leg line. For a more casual vibe, pair them with a striped tee and canvas sneakers. So chic!

Midi Skirts

If you really want to keep your legs covered but just can’t do pants, try a midi skirt instead. This universally flattering length hits anywhere from right below the knee to a few inches above the ankle. It’s long enough to be comfortable but short enough to still be cool for summer.

There are so many cute midi skirt options out there, from flowy pleated styles to sleek pencil silhouettes. Pair them with a simple tank or tee and some strappy sandals for an easy, polished look. Throw on a denim jacket or linen blazer if you need a light layer.

Styling Tips for Capri Alternatives

Now that you have some capri alternatives in mind, here are a few styling tips to keep in mind to really make these pieces work for you:

• Elongate your leg line. With cropped pants and midi skirts, you want to create the illusion of longer legs. Nude shoes are your best friend here – they blend in with your skin tone and create an unbroken vertical line. Heels or wedges can also help add some height.
• Define your waist. To avoid looking stumpy or frumpy, make sure to define your waist when wearing shorter bottoms. Tuck in your top, add a belt, or choose high-waisted styles to create shape.
• Keep your top proportional. Balance is key with cropped silhouettes. If you’re wearing wide leg crops, keep your top fitted. With slimmer ankle pants, you can go with a looser, flowy blouse. Just avoid anything too oversized or long that will overwhelm your frame.
• Show some skin. A little bit of skin helps break up your silhouette and keeps cropped pants from looking dowdy. Try a sleeveless top, off-the-shoulder neckline, or slightly sheer fabric to add some lightness. Just keep it tasteful and appropriate for the occasion.

How to Choose Flattering Capri Alternatives?

If you’re not used to wearing shorter pants or skirts, it can be intimidating to know where to start. Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for capri alternatives:

• Know your body type. Different silhouettes flatter different figures. If you’re pear-shaped, look for A-line skirts or wide leg crops to balance your hips. If you’re petite, go for slim ankle pants or midi skirts to elongate your frame. Apple shapes look great in high-waisted styles that define the waist.
• Consider your height. Cropped pants can be tricky if you’re on the shorter side, as they can make your legs look even shorter. Look for options with a longer inseam (27 inches or more) and pair them with heels to add length. Petites may have better luck with ankle pants or midi skirts.

• Fabric matters. For summer, look for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or rayon blends. Avoid anything too clingy or heavy that will weigh you down in the heat. Make sure the fabric has some structure and isn’t too thin or flimsy, as this can make cropped pants look cheap.
• Fit is key. As with any pants, fit is everything when it comes to cropped styles. Make sure they aren’t too tight or too loose, and that the hem hits at a flattering spot on your leg (usually right above the ankle or below the knee). Don’t be afraid to try on multiple sizes and styles to find your perfect pair.

Conclusion

I hope this post has convinced you to ditch the capris this summer in favor of more flattering alternatives. Trust me, your legs will thank you! Ankle pants, wide leg crops, Bermuda shorts and midi skirts are all such chic, easy options that will keep you cool and confident all season long.

Remember, the key to pulling off these styles is all in the fit and proportions. Look for options that elongate your frame, define your waist, and show a little skin. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different silhouettes to find what works best for your unique body type.

At the end of the day, fashion should be fun and make you feel like your best self. So if you’re really attached to your capris, by all means wear what makes you happy! But if you’re ready to try something new this summer, give these capri alternatives a shot. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how great they make you look and feel.

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