The Scoop On The High Sport Dupe
Welcome to Part Two of The High Sport dupe list! Today we are wrapping up with J.Crew, Donni, Everlane, Apiece Apart and Old Navy. Plus, let's explore further how the High Sport "hype" was created.
The Scoop On The High Sport Dupe | Part One
If you missed Part One of this series, make sure to give it a read first. Alright, let’s jump right in.
Delaney Kickout Sweater Pant ($148)
J.Crew Sweater Pant. See more fabric close ups and angles in the Total Rec chat right here.
Material Composition: 58% viscose/23% polyester/17% polyamide/2% elastane.
Real Buyer Recommended: 23 times
The Feel
Diving into the world of sweater pants, these are what they sound like – a mix between a sweater and your go-to pants. They ooze a '70s vibe that takes me straight back to something akin to a St. John knit pant. These are thick, and definitely a winter pant. They have a bit of give, but they aren't incredibly stretchy - they feel substantial. These pants are approaching a true High Sport "duplication." But I've got a confession: I'm always skeptical about using sweater material for anything other than sweaters because it tends to look shabby over time. My closet is the Bermuda Triangle of sweater dresses.
The Fit
For reference, I usually wear a Medium (size 6-8 or 28-29) and I sized down to a Small anticipating a stretchy fabric. Let's talk about the thick waist band. It's thick, it's supposed to keep everything snug, and for the most part, it does its job without making me feel like I'm in a girdle. These fit similarly to how thicker yoga pants do – smoothing over the upper waist but my thighs have a bit of breathing room. But here's the rub: the waistband elastic has a mind of its own, rolling and folding in ways that can only be described as maddening. It's yoga pant behavior that I'm not here for, making me wonder if it's a design flaw or just a one-off with this pair. Other than that, the fit is pretty good and these come in petite which is always a plus.
The Look
Cute? Definitely! I’m still a little skeptical of the fabric though it holds its structure really well. The silhouette of these pants is a saving grace. The flare is subtle, elegantly designed to extend from the front rather than the sides, with a neat center seam adding a touch of class. But, and it's a big butt (ha ha), the back misses the mark for me. The visible stitching around the tag area screams "budget yoga pants," and it's not a look I'm eager to replicate.
The Care
Machine wash! I wouldn’t put these in the dryer. Lay flat to dry.
tldr
Despite the initial allure of these sweater pants, a few too many quirks have left me feeling hesitant. The thick waistband that can't seem to stay put, the fabric that feels too niche with its heavy, winter-ready quality – like a sweater dress reincarnated in pant form. And while the petite sizing is a win, ensuring a proper fit for my legs, my intuition tells me that these will not hold up over time. They're cute, no doubt, but considering the potential for them to follow the tragic path of sweater pilling, I'm inclined to pass on these.
Donni Kick Flare Pant. See more fabric close ups and angles in the Total Rec chat right here.
Material Composition: 47.5% cotton 47.5 modal 5% spandex
Real Buyer Recommended: 37 times
The Feel
They're pretty much light sweat pants but fancier, with a super silky feel to them. Imagine your comfiest ribbed yoga pants but thicker, and somehow more forgiving, softer, and just more deluxe. I love the fabric blend of the modal, cotton, and spandex mix – it makes these pants super snug and cozy, almost like they're lulling you to sleep.
The Fit
Alright, I could dial back the cheese factor on "lulling you to sleep," but really these pants are like wearing pajamas out in public and getting away with it. The Donni pants are all about comfort – definitely not shape wear, which is why they're perfect for lounging around. I went with a Medium, which fits snugly around the stomach and butt. Since they're not made from the typical Ponte fabric, sticking with your usual size is your best bet to avoid any unwanted tightness. They hug you in all the right places without feeling constricting – a definite win in my book.
FYI: they're labeled as crops but run a bit long for someone like me who's 5'2, so they don't quite achieve a cropped look. Keep that in mind if you're on the shorter side and looking for a true cropped style. However, the comfort factor remains top-notch, so it ultimately comes down to your style preference. The back center seam does cause some awkward bunching around the butt, which isn't my favorite feature. But since the pants aren't overly tight, it's not a major issue.
The Look
These pants have a unique feel and might not perfectly align with everything else on this list. If you're considering these for your office ensemble, let's take a quick pause. They're stylish and the material is comfortable, but it's debatable whether they're suitable office attire. However, if your workplace is more casual or you style them with a longer top, you could definitely make it work. Or hey, why not bring a slice of rebellion to your Fortune 500 job by donning pajamas, just to flirt with the dark thrill of corporate anarchy and feel wickedly alive? Ideal for many other occasions outside HR radar.
The Care
Machine wash cold with like colors. The tag says to wash separate the first few times to avoid color transfer. Do not spot treat. No bleach. Tumble dry low.
tldr
Again, I'm not sure these pants are playing the same game as the others. Don't get me wrong, they're top-notch for lounging around, nailing that comfy-casual vibe perfectly. I was really rooting for these, keen on backing an indie brand, and they definitely lived up to the hype as a solid mid-range loungewear choice. They're super adaptable, great for traveling, and could even double as cozy sleepwear when the temperature drops. They might not take the place of your go-to office trousers, but for everything else? They're spot-on, adding versatility and comfort to your closet.
The Dream Kick Flare Pant ($98)
Everlane Dream Pant. See more fabric close ups and angles in the Total Rec chat right here.
Material Composition: 58% Organic Cotton, 38% Modal, 4% Elastane.
Real Buyer Recommended: 19 times
The Feel
These pants throw it back to '90s Express, but with a fresh update. They nail the stretchy work pant vibe but are softer and more luxe to the touch. Imagine performance wear fabric, kind of like what you'd find at Lululemon, but made for your everyday lineup.
The Fit
TRIGGER WARNING: zipper. If you can’t handle the zip, then keep on scrolling to Apiece Apart. These pants break away from every other style on here featuring a side zip that still manages to cinch everything in nicely. They come with a slim elastic band at the waist, ensuring a smooth, flattering fit around the midsection. If you’re in the 5’2 club with me, they don't quite hit the cropped mark, leaning more towards a regular length. Opting to size down felt like a trust fall with the fashion gods, especially given the whole zipper ordeal. Yet, in the end, they fit in a snug but I’m in between sizes. I'm leaning towards a medium possibly being too baggy, yet the small isn’t the epitome of comfort either, and we are edging frighteningly close to buttcrack territory when I sit down.
The Look
To be frank, these pants don't break new ground in the style department, especially without the expected cropped effect. These are pretty similar to a basic black pant you may already have in your wardrobe. The front center seam hits at such an awkward spot on my stomach, creating this offensive "frame" that puts my FUPA right in the spotlight. The pants lack center seams in the back, and although they are supposed to be cropped, they turned out to long on me. They only score a "fine" from me. They're comfy, no doubt, but they don't stand out as anything special.
The Care
Machine wash cold, gentle cycle with like colors. Only non-chlorine bleach when needed. Tumble dry low. Cool iron when needed.
tldr
All in all, these pants are decent but don't quite live up to the goal of achieving a distinctive, cropped look of a kick flare pants (especially if you’re 5 '2 or shorter). If you're in search of a comfortable pair of stretchy black work pants, they could be a find. However, for those specifically wanting a cropped style, you might want to keep looking. While I usually appreciate a side zipper, the sizing left me craving the simple ease of pull-on pants.
ApieceApart Rene Pant. See more fabric close ups and angles in the Total Rec chat right here.
Material Composition: 70% Viscose, 30% GRS Recycled Nylon
Real Buyer Recommended: 12 times
The Feel
I don’t really have words for this material beyond: business casual clubwear. Before you write these pants off, hear me out: they're undeniably classy, well-crafted pants, but the material... it's a bit of a head-scratcher. It veers towards that very stretchy, thick but structured bandage dress territory, which, while luxe, is just calling me to the clurb. The texture is way too reminiscent of that early 00s biz casual look and it’s giving blazers during bottle service.
The Fit
Comfort-wise, they don't have me feeling boxed in; it's quite the opposite, actually. They're comfortable, though not the softest embrace against my skin. The fit leans towards the snug side – I opted for a small, and they're decidedly high-waisted, a feature I'm all for as it keeps everything tucked without squeezing the life out of my midsection. However, there's a catch: the back center seam. It's doing something funky to my silhouette, creating an unwelcome roll. They are supposed to be cropped, but they run long on my frame, even post-size-down. So while they're comfy to a degree, are they the pinnacle of pant comfort? Not quite. And yes, I foresee some waistband yanking up in my future due to the looser fit.
The Look
Now, these pants? They're serving major '70s ski lodge chic. I wanted the navy for comparison but red happened to be the only choice in stock. The color – a striking red – is a definite win. However, they arrived with a couple pills, hinting at a future filled with more of the same. They could easily transition from office to evening, but casual is not their middle name. The front and back center seams are reminiscent of the High Sport, making them a solid dupe contender. But here's a gripe: they were folded in a way that left a crease across the knees, which, frankly, irks me. And I'm not alone; another buyer echoed this sentiment.
The Care
Dry clean only.
tldr
I was rooting for these, again eager to back an indie brand over the usual suspects. But, at $500, the cost-per-wear plus dry clean only just doesn't add up for me. They lack versatility, and I can't see myself opting for these for a day's travel; the material doesn't quite hit the mark on softness. They lean more towards the business side of the wardrobe spectrum. Color-wise, they're a hit, and if a comfortable, stylish work pant is what you're after, they might just fit the bill. However, for a do-it-all pant? These don't make the cut.
Extra High-Waisted Stevie Crop Kick Flare Pants (currently $15)
Old Navy Stevie Pant. See more fabric close ups and angles in the Total Rec chat right here.
Material Composition: Rayon 69%, nylon 27%, spandex 4%
Real Buyer Recommended: 65 times
The Feel
This pant has gotten an overwhelming amount of mentions. I’m generally skeptical of anything Old Navy, save for flip flop hauls, and I was in for a surprise. These pants, a delightful mix of rayon and spandex, feel unbelievably soft, almost like a higher-end cotton. Old Navy has pulled off some sort of textile magic here; the material doesn't feel cheap, which, in itself, is an achievement. They've managed to combine stretchiness with lightness in a way that I love.
The Fit
Flattering! They have a substantial waistband. It's not just sewn on top of the fabric; it's a separate entity that smooths everything out without feeling way too tight. And let's hear it for size inclusivity – with offerings in petite, tall, and plus sizes, it's a big win. I snagged a small petite, and the fit? Chef's kiss. No awkward seam riding up the back, ensuring my butt isn't squashed into oblivion.
The Look
These pants are pretty adorable. I'm all for the playful reddish-orange hue, capturing retro Riviera glamour, and the rich chocolate brown also grabbed my attention (though, sadly, it was out of stock in my size). They manage to hide any potential bumps or lumps, thanks to their flattering cut, with a flare that's both cute and flirty. The clean seams along the sides and front enhance the look, and for my body type I'm actually digging the absence of back seams.
The Care
Easy peasy – regular wash cold, tumble dry low.
tldr
Well, I’m impressed. Old Navy has unexpectedly knocked it out of the park with these pants, offering a blend of style, comfort, and quality that rivals pants ten times their price. They're flattering, comfortable, and have a trendy edge that doesn't scream "disposable fashion." But here's the rub – they are, indeed, a product of fast fashion, priced at a mere $17 (thanks to a sale). It's a bittersweet win, considering the broader implications of their affordability.
I've tried on so many pants and snapped way more weird photos of my backside than any sane person should own. So, where do I stand after all this?
You’ve gathered by now that the High Sports, despite their rave reviews and undeniable craftsmanship, just don't do it for me. Yes, they're stylish and impeccably made, but their thickness leaves something to be desired and the fit isn’t flattering for my body type
Fabric Comparisons in the Total Rec chat right here.
Even if we took price out of the equation completely, my heart still lies with other pants on the list. Let's talk about what truly resonates with me: the luxurious comfort of Ann Mashburn Faye Flare Ponte Knit and Donni Rib Kick Flare pants stand out in a league of their own. When it comes to flattering my shorter stature, nothing beats the silhouette offered by Banana Republic Crop Flare Everywhere, SPANX® Perfect Pant Kick Flare, and Old Navy Extra High Waisted Stevie. The versatility of both the Old Navy and Banana Republic pants is unparalleled, seamlessly adapting to any occasion. Let me know in the comments.
Should any kick flare claim the "wear it for life" title? Eh, maybe not. There was a time when ankle pants made me feel like I was two seconds away from bursting into the "Lollipop Guild" song. Yes, these styles are having their moment in the sun. They've been here before and will probably be back again. But when it comes to securing a permanent investment piece in my closet, I'm ambivalent at best.
My hunch is that the High Sport pants are becoming more about the statement they make than their actual design. Are they an unspoken application to an elite club, where the entry fee is a slim waist, a fat bank account, and a life elegantly soaring above the mundane irritations familiar to the rest of us? Is this exclusive, sanitized club something we should be aspiring to?
The High Sport madness also had me asking: “If no one has ever said ‘no’, can we trust this unanimous 'yes'?" After working in marketing for so long, this kind of 10s across the board praise draws extra scrutiny from me: is all this hype authentic or is there some mastermind behind the craze? And then I saw this, from this past week’s article in The Cut, delving into how these pants became so popular. Here’s an excerpt:
But what I’ve really been dying to know…my million dollar question…what is the kick back on these pants? Lucky for me, it’s spelled out:
Let's break it down for a sec. A 15% commission on such a high-ticket item is not something you see every day. Imagine sending out a single email blast through Substack about how much you love these pants, and boom, forty people bite. That's a smooth $5,200 landing in your pocket! And this is just scratching the surface. There are likely individuals out there doubling or even tripling these figures.
High Sport's marketing budget must be through the roof, and their strategy? Unbelievably generous. We're talking free pants for the "beautiful people," hefty discounts for the super stylish yet “down-to-earth” crowd, and let's not forget about those sweet affiliate marketing perks. Makes you wonder, could marketing commissions possibly outweigh the cost of materials or labor? I'm genuinely curious about the economics here.
Now, with this info in hand, how do you feel about these pants? Knowing that recommending a pair effectively transfers $130 into the recommender's pocket, does it change your perspective in any way? Is this just business as usual, or does it leave you with a different impression? Drop your thoughts in the comments; I'm so curious to hear from you.
Thank you for going down this rabbit hole with me. Can't wait to dive deeper next time when we tackle How to "Deinfluence" Your Wardrobe and become more critical of the online voices shaping our buying decisions. Stick around; it's going to be a worthy discussion.
Til next time,
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