The Comfy Pants BA Editors Are Wearing to Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, not an uncommon feeling around the BA offices. I love the planning, the days (yes: days plural) spent preparing the feast in the kitchen alongside my mom, the gathering of loved ones around a table to reflect, savor, and enjoy. There is one thing, however, that I don’t love: The moment after dinner and before dessert in which I become so full that I must excuse myself and retire to the couch, where I clutch a pillow to my stomach until I’ve digested enough to reemerge.As somewhat of an expert in feeling Too Full and Bloated™, I can attest that this feeling is made infinitely worse when I’m wearing rigid, tight-waisted pants. Perhaps you can relate? While stretchy sweatpants are an obvious solution here, there are only so many meal scenarios in which it’s socially acceptable to wear them. For those other occasions—the holiday feasts, celebratory meals out, and thousand-course tasting menu dinners—I’ve made it my mission to fill my wardrobe with pants that look polished and feel comfortable, no matter how many helpings of stuffing or “fries for the table” I’ve had. Here are my tried and true favorite pairs for eating big meals in, along with my fellow food-loving colleagues’ go-tos.Jump straight to some of our favorite pairs:The only jeans I can comfortably eat a holiday dinner in: Still Here Everyday JeansDenim-look pants with a sweatpant feel: Rag and Bone Miramar Sport Stripe Track PantA chic (yes, chic!) pair of sweats: Quince Mongolian Cashmere Straight-Leg PantsThe versatile slacks our restaurant editor swears by: Uniqlo Pleated Wide PantsRestaurant scouter-approved linen pants: Reformation Olina Linen PantThe only jeans I can comfortably eat a holiday dinner inI was a die-hard, high-waisted pants gal for the majority of my life. Then I tried Still Here’s Everyday Jeans. A true mid-rise, they hit just above my hip bones and about an inch below my belly button, hugging my body without digging in, even after a holiday dinner or multi-course restaurant meal. The non-stretch denim is soft but sturdy, and the relaxed leg is structured without feeling at all rigid. I own them in Washed Black and Classic Blue and wear them constantly, to everything from casual weeknight dinners (paired with sneakers and a white tee) to weekend date nights (with kitten heels and a silk top). They’ve even become my go-to Friendsgiving uniform in recent years because of how comfortable they are to cook, eat, and host in.Denim-look pants with a sweatpant feelRag & Bonerb Miramar Sport Stripe Track PantRag & Bonerb Miramar Sofie Wide-Leg PantIf you haven’t already heard of Rag & Bone’s Miramar line, let me put you on: these pants look like real denim, but are actually made from soft cotton terry. It’s all thanks to the brand’s printing technique, which allows them to digitally print details like weave, stitching, buttons, and pockets onto any fabric. Ever since I got my first pair, I’ve been delighted every time I receive a compliment on my jeans and can reveal that they’re actually—gasp—sweatpants! I’ve owned the Sofie style for a few years now, which have real pockets and a true button fly that give them a more polished look; but my recent obsession are the Sport Stripe Track Pants, which have a flattering wide leg cut and a fully elastic waistband that makes them ideal for multi-course meals.Breezy drawstring poplinJ.CrewLuna Pant in Cotton PoplinI invested in a pair of poplin pants from Suzie Kondi this summer and they’ve quickly become my go-to attire whenever I want the comfort of an elastic waistband while still looking put-together. The low-rise waist sits comfortably on my hips and ensures that nothing squeezes my midsection, and the straight leg cut is incredibly flattering. The cotton poplin fabric is breathable and feels quite luxe, and I’ve even noticed that stains come out surprisingly easily (which I learned the hard way by spilling green juice all over myself testing personal blenders). Forever a fan of a monochrome fit, I love pairing mine with the matching Vella shirt.If you’re looking for a more affordable option, J.Crew’s Luna Pants have gained a well-deserved following on social media this year. They’re just as stylish as the pricier brands, available in several colors, and ring in at under $100.Alaina ChouA chic (yes, chic!) pair of sweatsQuinceMongolian Cashmere Straight Leg PantsGuest in ResidenceEverywear PantMany of the above pants feel like sweatpants, but if you’re enjoying a casual dinner, there’s nothing stopping you from wearing actual sweatpants—particularly if you opt for an elevated pair that ditches the typical brushed fleece for cashmere or velour in a straight leg cut. Senior reviews editor Olivia Tarantino and I are both fans of Quince’s Mongolian Cashmere Straight Leg Pants for their ultra-soft feel and flattering cut. If you’re looking to upgrade to something more luxe, Hendricks vouches for the cashmere Everywhere Pant from Guest in Residence: “They’re THE pants for when you can't fathom wearing actual pants. They're comfortable but structured for sweatpants, and they're super warm. I've had these pants for years and they still feel and look good as new.” I’m also partial to Suzie Kondi’s Lito Pants, which are cut from cozy velour and have a slightly flared leg that looks good on everyone. While I don’t own these myself, I steal my mom’s pair every time I’m home to visit (sorry, Mom!).Sleek satinQuince100% Washable Silk Drawstring Wide Leg PantsFor dressier dinners, I like to opt for a pair of slinky satin pants. The elastic waistband and flowy fabric ensures they stay comfy even after the meal is said and done, while the shine and elegant drape make them easy to dress up. Executive audience development director Casey Hendricks calls La Ligne’s Colby Pants her “everything pants.” She says she wears them for “work, errands, eating, airport, and everything in between. They're so comfortable but also so chic—they make me feel effortlessly put together.” I also love Quince’s 100% Washable Silk Drawstring Wide Leg Pants, which have an impressive sub-$100 price tag and are (as the name suggests) magically machine-washable.Restaurant scouter-approved linen pantsReformationOlina Linen PantLong gone are the days where I've been an athleisure-on-the-plane kind of girl. In this job (and in life in general), I've started to prefer clothes that are both comfortable and acceptable to wear to a restaurant meal straight from the plane. Enter the Reformation Olina Linen Pants. They're perhaps the only pants that I'd wear on an 11-hour travel day straight into a few-hour-long dinner, and in fact, I have. The linen gives them an elevated look, but the drawstring waist and just-soft-enough fabric make them easy to sit in for a long while. I'm tempted to order them in every color, but my singular pair has lasted many trips, many meals, and many washes thus far. —Kate Kassin, editorial operations managerThe versatile slacks our restaurant editor swears byAs an adult man approaching 40, I want a pair of pants just wide enough to convey I’m in the know without going full MC Hammer. Enter the Uniqlo pleated, relaxed wide pants. With an elastic, drawstring waistband and beltloops, I get to dine out free from navel constrictions and still wear a smart belt. I can go from the office to the bistro to the couch without sacrificing comfort or functionality. To you the casual observer though, I look like I’m wearing slacks. With the loose, high-waisted fit, these pants drape beautifully with a pair of black leather penny loafers. They’re made of 67 percent recycled polyester, which feels virtuous and breezy. —Gabe Hiatt, senior restaurants editorThe stretch selvedge jeans our food director practically lives inNaked & FamousWeird Guy Stretch SelvedgeI am content with my daily uniform of selvedge jeans, leather shoes, and a dark t-shirt or sweater depending on the weather. It's not too formal for working in a kitchen, but acceptable should I find myself in an elevator with someone from Vogue. But running around town all day, with the occasional epic dinner out, means a constant trade-off between style and comfort. Whoever designed 100% cotton jeans for railroad workers and miners just didn't consider the rigors of a 3-hour meal followed by a long train ride home. So lately I have been quietly upgrading my look with Naked and Famous Denim's stretch selvedge jeans. They contain 2% elastane (perhaps you know it as Spandex), just enough to provide a forgiving fit, but with the look and patina of raw denim. They stay conformable enough all day that you can simply ignore them, and think about more important things: like dinner. —Chris Morocco, food directorOur executive editor’s elastic-waist jeansLe Bon ShoppeLe Bon Shoppe Arc Pants Blue DenimThere is no worse feeling than the cold, hard button of a stiff jean pressing against your full stomach after a particularly big meal. (Who designed jeans anyway?). That's why for Thanksgiving there won't be a firm, oppressive waistband in sight. I already know I'll be donning my Le Bon Shoppe Arc Pants not only for their loose barrel legged silhouette, but for their forgiving, elasticated waist band. Namely, more pie for me, without the feeling of “pants” up against my indulgent belly. Pair with a cashmere festive sweater (preferably oversized) and you can go from the dinner table straight to the couch for your turkey-induced coma in both style and comfort. —June Kim, executive editorThe drawstring cords with a roomy leg our social director is doubling up onJ.CrewLuna Pant in Lightweight CorduroyAs someone who’s no stranger to a mid-meal top-button release, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for an elastic waistband. Even better when it comes in a pair of pants I’m excited to wear. My current favorite: J.Crew’s Luna pants in lightweight corduroy. Think sweatpants disguised as corduroys, with plenty of room for big Thanksgiving ambitions while still making you feel put together. Honestly, what more could you ask of a pant?You can dress them up with a sweater and loafers or keep it casual with a T-shirt and sneakers. I’ve worn them so often that I’m already plotting a second pair in a different color. My one caveat: they tend to run a little big, so I’d suggest sizing down. —Gabby Fowler, social media director