Cropped vs. Capri Pants: My Choice
Happy Friday, all! Welcome to a discussion of cropped vs. capri pants: my choice.
I understand that many women over 50 do not wear either cropped or capri pants because they are said to be frumpy and aging.
I get that.
However, I live in South Texas where summer heat is intense and these styles in the past have been my preference over shorts.
Allow me to be clear…I look best and prefer a full length pant to anything I wear, and beautiful linen pants have made this easier in the summer.
But, for casual, around the neighborhood, at the grocery store, I like the cropped vs. capri pants choice rather than a short.
Even a walking short is not a preference for me…I just do not like how I look in shorts of any length.
I have attempted to try shorts in recent years, and I do not feel confident in them.
So, stick with me while I explain my choice for the battle of cropped vs. capri pants.
CROPPED VS. CAPRI PANTS: MY CHOICE
Recently, I did a closet re-organization and I looked over exactly what I am wearing now for this time of year.
I actually was surprised to see that I owned not one capri pant. I thought I did, but they must have moved on after closet purges.
I am solidly wearing cropped pants.
Here is why I believe that to be true:
- Cropped pants are longer, closer to the ankles. Typically with inseams of 25″ or 26″ inches.
- Therefore, cropped pants are more slimming than a capri pant which typically hits at the largest part of our calf.
- I am more confident in cropped pants this time of year. I feel as though I can style them with my adjectives and still remain cool…any air at the ankles is good.
- Capri pants seem to call more attention to that pesky middle area I am constantly trying to minimize.
- For all these reasons, there are nicer options available in cropped pants than in capri pants.
I snapped this picture as I was about to leave for the grocery. It is a typical casual look for a day when I am not going shopping or meeting a friend or in a meeting.
So far this summer, I have worn the CHICOS GIRLFRIEND CROPPED JEANS often on very casual days.
You can cuff these up, but then they hit in that calf area and become a capri pant.
On this day, I put on old pieces from my closet. This past Chico’s linen white shirt joined my wardrobe before I had my colors done and it is comfortable and the only true white button down I own.
The striped tank is in a brick red stripe color.
Because I know someone will ask, the shoes are the SAS COZY SLIDE SANDAL in Copper.
CROPPED VS. CAPRI PANTS: MY CHOICE
When deciding what you think of cropped vs. capri pants, just know before you label a woman as frumpy, you might want to walk a mile in her shoes.
You do what you need to do to be cool. I am attempting to make better choices for me when I deal with the heat and that is why I now go cropped pants over capri pants.
I am wearing more summer dresses now as well, and that really happened over the last two years.
Dresses are another great way to be cool and look more modern.
However, I do not wear dresses when I need to carry in groceries or go to a nursery for gardening supplies.
So these cropped pants are best for me and often just a choice of comfort over style.
Here are a few more selections of cropped pants currently available:
So, what say you…how do you feel about cropped vs. capri pants? Please comment personal to you and not how another woman might look.
Thanks!
STAY STRONG & KEEP SMILING!
By Pamela Lutrell
Remember: A special thank you to everyone who shops with my SHOPPING LINKS…your support is everything!
I personally, for me, would never buy capri pants and don’t like cropped pants. The reason for not wearing crops is because they can so easily ruin my outfit proportions. Capris are just a huge “no”, speaking for myself. We are experiencing very warm temperatures where I live, and I wear dresses (lots of cute, casual dresses out there, in natural fibers!). I am very selective with “trends” and just won’t buy or wear either of these. Linen pants are wonderful if you just accept that they are going to wrinkle, and gauze full length pants are also cool without the wrinkles.
I understand about the proportions, Karen. Makes complete sense. What I am wearing today is my preference over shorts and when I need more casual than a dress. I acknowledge that my best look is full length pants. Nice to hear from you today.
When I look at a person, I don’t think one piece of clothing makes them frumpy. A woman can wear capris or cropped pants, regardless of her size or shape and look fabulous. A woman who has dated hair, dated eyeglasses, neglected shoes, dated make up, an ill fitting bra… that, to me, makes the look frumpy, not the woman, her style. And age has nothing to do with it. Just my opinion.
I have only worn cropped pants in recent years, but never capri except as a child when we called them “ petal pushers”. It has taken me years as an adult to be comfortable with pants that are not full length. However, personally, I either wear full length which on me is 27 inches or cropped which are long crops around 22-24 inches and do not look like “high waters”. I too never wear shorts anywhere except when I’m walking for exercise and will not see anyone. I walk in a cemetery across the street so I rarely see anyone alive there! But it is paved, flat, quiet, no barking dogs…would recommend as a great place to exercise.
Thanks for sharing, Ann.
I hae never considered walking in a cemetery…that is a new one. Happy Friday, Celia.
I live in the south and still wear shorts around the house or to walk the dogs on a hot morning but at 75 I’m no longer comfortable wearing them to run errands. Like you, I wear cotton crops. I find them much cooler to wear than jeans or long pants and more practical for my everyday lifestyle than linen. I highly recommend Chico’s poplin cropped pants, number 4 in your slide show. They come in a variety of colors. I have 4 pair and can attest to their comfort and easy care. I find the straight leg to be more comfortable in summer than slimmer pants. At 5’3″ they hit me lower on the leg and that’s fine with me. Today I’m headed out wearing my white crops with a linen top and I’ll be comfortable in the high 80 degree heat. Happy Friday.
Re the capri/crop battle, since when did a fashion preference elicit such bitter advocacy? (I know, I know, since social media). I wear shorts and skorts for very casual wear, but don’t feel my best in them. I triple hate capris on me, and I have tried many. I wear a lot of crops. I bought some cheap full length linen blend pants at Old Navy this spring, and have not worn them as often as my crops, I think because my autumnal pallette (I bought dark olive) makes them look heavy and “off season.” I might try again in a flax color. I picked up a midi length, lightweight denim skirt with a front slit from JJill, and have worn it a ton; it’s my find of the summer. Dresses are hard for me because I’m at heart a separates girl. Right here is why I really find summer a very challenging season, fashion-wise.
I only wear ankle pants, some may call them cropped. Never capris, as I am tall and most cropped pants approach the wide area of my calf pretty quickly. I do own and wear a couple of pairs of shorts, but mostly around the house. Bermuda length shorts work for me. I wear dresses to garden center and the grocery. As long as they are below the knee and I can put on a pair of skimmies (no slip) then they’re fine. As a hint for other tall ladies, I have bought petite sizes of full length pants to get the length I want. This works as long as the stride area has not been shortened too much.
Thanks for the recommendation, Kathie.
I hear you Linda…it is such a challenging season for me as well. I finally just sent all my capris along the way…I did not like how I looked in them. This pair of cropped denim is what I wear most on days that require a little work. But my favorite styles are will full length pants…why I like cooler weather.
Thanks Susan…I wish I felt more confident in Bermuda shorts…I like the way they look.
I wear both cropped pants and capris that I can roll up or down. A nice alternative are bermuda shorts. I am 66, 5’6” and very slender. I have to be careful not to choose a style more suited for the younger set when shopping for smaller sizes. Casual dresses are a nice, summery option in my wardrobe. There are so many options and styles to choose from, no matter what our size and shape is!
At 5’9″, plus shoes raising my height to 5’10” or on rare occasion 5’11”, I look to accentuate the positive, and for me that definitely means wearing just about any pant or skirt length EXCEPT – since around age 55 – nothing that bares my knees. It’s just not a pretty sight. 😖 I feel sporty and a little retro in a capri, ready for a casual summer meal on a patio in a crop, and happiest in a well fitting ankle pant. I leave all the full length pants for October and beyond, or appointments. Otherwise, I don’t want to waste a day of summer not baring a little leg!
Celia….your comment on, no one in the cemetery to see you wearing shorts was good…made me think of….”people are dying to get in there” ….made me laugh 😆 with you hoping no on sees you in shorts! Have a great day…
Personally I like shorts so I don’t think my opinion has much weight here. My knees aren’t my most beautiful body part, but I like bare legs and they’re easier to navigate in than a skirt.
But, I don’t usually wear shorts to appointments, unless it’s at the Garden Center. When I wear longer pants in the Summer I go with Cropped (I prefer those with a flared hem) or just regular length wide-legged pants.
Good morning. I live in a very hot area also, and I’m way over 50. I have a number of light weight cotton pants and tops that work very well for my life, which is very casual. However, I also like cropped pants and Bermuda shorts. I think that clothes are kind of like a tool. I wear what feels best when it gets hot.
What I wear is always driven by my fragile skin. I wear long pants, long sleeves and socks year round.
On another note—I love walking in cemeteries and seek them out when I travel. Some of San Antonio’s cemeteries are especially interesting. Due to Mexican influences people will leave things on the grave that their loved one loved during their life. It’s not unusual to see six packs of beer on a grave.
Shorts are no longer for me since I had both knees replaced, with the accompanying scars. Capris cut me off at a very unflattering part of my leg, but I love crop pants during the summer, especially Chico’s & NYDJ. I, too, enjoy wearing dresses, but how does one deal with “chub rub” (your thighs rubbing together)? I always wear a Spanx, but then that’s not really any cooler than crop pants. Love that you address these issues for us that everyone is talking about, Pamela!
Happy summer to all. I love wearing loose, mid-knee length summer dresses during our short summers on the coast of Maine. I never wear capris and have mostly ankle length jeans, chinos, or linen pants for summer months. I know full length look best on my body type, ankle length 2nd best, but my style personality nudges me to sometimes roll them. I I never reach capri length. I let my top half and mirror tell me where the more cropped pant length looks ok on a hot day. I used to live in shorts, but at age 71, those days are long gone. Like Celia, a friend of mine and I walk a cemetery regularly. It is very historical, it’s on a river, and it was our life saver during covid. We had both just been updated with our colors, so style and new seasons gave us much to discuss. We always walk with respect and hope that the tenants are happy to have company!
Before I say anything that might be construed as “controversial”, let me emphasis that it is just my lived experience, I am not telling anyone else what to do.
I am 73, five foot one inches tall, and weigh one fifty. I’ve always tried to wear things that make me look taller and thinner. I had a friend who was much taller, but also much heavier. We lived in So Ca, but twenty miles from the ocean, and it does get hot. This was many years ago and this friend was going through menopause.
We were discussing summer clothes and this friend said, “Well, obviously everyone can see I’m heavy, but I want to be comfortable, so I’m going to keep on wearing tank tops. Who cares what other people think? Any anyway, sleeves or a coverup might only take ten pounds off “my look.” If I look like a (slightly thinner) hot sweaty mess that’s not good.”
I loved her take on the situation.
I personally love long or midi-length summer dresses because it is “one and done” and wear them everywhere. Very cool and freeing. A short gauzy topper of some kind is good for places that have the a/c cranked up.
One hot morning I was wearing a sleeveless (gasp!! yes , I “sunscreened up”,) long dress, to walk my dog. A neighbor commented on how I was so dressed up. I was a bit surprised because I’d merely thrown on my cotton/poly dress, comfy shoes, some sunnies, and lipstick and was good to go. No makeup, no jewelry, etc. BTW, she was bemoaning the heat, lol.
Peace out.
Niki, I wear a product called Thigh Society under my dresses. Very very comfy, and mine even have a pocket along the side for a cell phone (or in my case, an insulin pump). I see they’ve even added a cooling line of shorts.
As far as crops vs capris vs frumpy. I guess I’m out of it, as I had no idea my look is considered frumpy. I finally scored a pair of black crops, which I needed for nights out, and I’m delighted. I’m no longer young, don’t want to dress young, so apparently, frumpy it is!!
I’m going to be an outlier here. I wear all three – shorts, capris, crops. I prefer a ‘skimmer’ which comes just below my knees, but at 5′ they are hard to find. What my activity is, where I’m going, the weather all dictate what I wear. Wear whatever you feel confident in.
Jane, Thank you so much for the suggestion! I’m going to check out Thigh Society!
I don’t like the way I look in either crops or capris, so my choice is shorts for when I am at home & skorts when I am out & about. Both these items at knee length. I also don’t like the way I look in midi dresses. As noted, it is what makes you feel comfortable & confident not how others judge you. Frumpy is more of a feeling than anything. If you feel confident, you aren’t frumpy, no matter what the fashion police might say.
Like Carolyn, I wear shorts and skimmers which come just below my knee or Bermuda shorts. I got my skimmers at JCP in 12P by Liz Claiborne and Gloria Vanderbilt. I’m 5’ 1 1/2” tall and 143lbs. I’m 79 and disabled. I need a mobility device or my husbands arm to walk the dog every morning. I don’t like crops on my short legs. My pants have to kiss the top of my feet or I look off in my proportions. Fortunately, my legs are slim, it is my middle I have to hide. I do have a 17” scar from a total knee replacement but even Bermuda shorts mostly cover it up. I find dresses get in my way trying to bend over to pick things up and it is always windy here in the high desert mountains of Colorado, but in the high 90s to 100 degrees, very hot. Most people out in the stores are in shorts and tank tops. Tank tops are for mopping the floors for me, not flattering with a large bust and ever widening waist. I dress as comfortable and functional as I can and still look cute.
Crops for me! Anything longer than ankle length feels super-hot ( temperature wise) unless it’s linen. I have a couple of caprice that I wear seldom, and they never look as good as I wish they did. And I would love for more ladies to try wide leg pants and crops! With the correct proportional tops, they look great on most people, and they are cooler than skinny leg shapes.
I agree, Mary.
I feel the same way about my knees! I love your description of how you wear all three.
Thanks for joining in Karen!
Of course, your comment matters Rose! Thanks for joining in!
In heat, the tools do matter!
I am not surprised at all!
For Niki above. Try Thigh Society cooling shorts under your dresses. Much cooler than Spanx and prevent thigh chafing.
You are welcome, Niki! I often wear exercise shorts under my dresses.
The cemetery part of this conversation has been so interesting. Thanks Deborah!
That’s what I love about dresses…so easy and one & done.
Thanks for the recommendation, Jane! I will check it out as well. No one here is calling you frumpy…you are in a good place.
Exactly, Carolyn, wear what we feel our confident best in. I love that you wear all three!
I agree, Becky…it is more of a feeling. I wish I could wear skorts…I think they are so cute!
Functional and cute…love it!
My capri pants were just sitting because I never wanted to wear them. After, I waved goodbye to them, I realized I preferred crops!
Linlee, I too have noticed the differences in graves for different cultures. So many of the Hispanic graves are elaborately decorated, and have solar lights that shine at night. I know because I have walked at night when it was too hot during the day. I too see beer cans, food wrappers, lots of holiday decorations that change with the holiday. One lady comes every afternoon to pray with her former pastor. Others come and sit by the graves of their loved ones so if people are at graves, I avoid walking in that area so I do not disturb them as I’m either listening to a book on my phone or some podcast. Unfortunately this cemetery where I walk does not have trees near the graves so it does get very hot, or cold, or windy. And I’ve had to walk quickly out of the cemetery before as the hearse and cars were passing me going to the grave site!
I’m in the Bermuda shorts or summery cropped pants corner most of my days, but do wear linen full pants (drawstring waist) too- especially to appointments. ( With a pretty top or shirt tied at waist I’m confident! ).
I’m not a dress wearer anymore. I find my upper arms are the drawback and don’t care for my look in shrugs. Cardis are too warm even in linen blends.
Thanks for sharing, Paulette!
Such an interesting sidebar to the conversation! 😂
I walk through stores and wonder if women have full length mirrors. If they did they would definitely stop wearing cropped pants, mid calf dresses and hanging stringing hair. It looks like a parade of just how sloppy can I look.
I have several full length mirrors, Elaine. Did you read the post or just comment? No t sure what stringy hair has to do with this.
I’m a wide leg crop wearer as well as knee length dresses. Lots of linen in my wardrobe. Just ordered 4 no iron linen 3/4 shirts from Chicos and highly recommend. On another subject- I noticed comments about long scars from knee replacements. I’m recovering from a minimally invasive total knee replacement and my incision is only 4 inches long and is on the inside of my knee and barely visible. I’m at six weeks recovery today and just finished mowing my yard with a push mower and about to plant some flowers. I’ve also lost 10 pounds during recovery because I’ve been able to work out more. My physical therapists were amazed at my progress. I highly recommend this procedure and will get the other knee replaced in the winter. Just some info on my recent experience that may benefit others.
Thanks for sharing, Sonja!
I do not wear either, but if I did, it would be crops. My reason, as a petite I need the look of longer legs.
Thanks for sharing, Audrey!
What is the length that covers the knee but is above the calf? If I am wearing pants that are not full length that is the best for me. That is the best for a skirt or short dress too. Honestly, I don’t think too many women have nice knees as we age and a few inches aren’t making that big a difference in the heat. I retire jeans for a few months when it gets really hot. Yes, they are cotton, but the fabric is tightly woven.
Thanks for joining in, Adrienne.
I’m are cropped pants gal . I have several pair. I have 2 new pair of capris that are super casual and around the house pants. Great topic!
Thanks for sharing Nancy!
Never cropped; I have very skinny ankles so I love capris. I vary my tops and sandals to suit the occasion. I am constantly being complimented on my sense of style. I keep my hair and makeup stylish (emphasizing my eyes). BTW, I am (gasp) 85! I love experimenting with different styles AND colors. Even professionals comment on my appearance!
Loretta! I am so glad you are here! You are the first to discuss capri pants and ankles today! I bet you look fabulous!
I have not worn pedal pushers since childhood. (They were great b/c no grease on your pants when you rode your bike.) I used to have some crops but don’t think I do anymore. I love shorts and wear them a lot — even dressed up with a nice cardigan or sweater. Cool here by the sea. I’d like to make a plug for the omitted ankle pant, which I find flattering and stylish. Pam, 26 inches on my 5’2″ frame is ankle length. My casual joggers are about this length as well.
Thanks for the observations, Maeve. I wear ankle pants often.
I wear crops, capris, bermuda shorts and ankle pants mostly – sometimes a dress but not often. I live in these all summer. This year I find myself wearing a lot more linen and crinkle gauze. I’m loving the Old Navy wide-leg & straight leg linen blend pants. They are cool in hot weather, can be dressed up or down and actually have pockets. I have them in 4 colors each & they are in constant rotation! Their crinkle gauze pants and matching shirts make for a nice monochromatic outfit and are available in lots of colors. They have a casual beachy vibe. For shorts, capris and crops (no pedal pushers in my world) I find those at Talbots fit me the best. I am 5’4 and the 10.5 inch bermudas come to the top of my knee, a good length for me. I love to wear color and Talbots makes shorts and crops in tons of colors. I am 69 years old and wear all of these lengths with confidence as long as I style and wear them appropriately for the occasion. Have a sweet summer ladies!
Love your comment, Anne and also love a beach vibe! This year’s linen is so good…I am so glad I purchased several pieces. Have a great weekend!
I totally get your reasoning Pam and as I get der, I am agreement. I may wear shorts (almost to my knees) at home, but much prefer crops to capris. My ankles are NOT my best feature. Capris expose more of them than I want. Go with cropped every time!
Thanks so much, Barbara. For summer, I am glad to have these crops!
Personally and currently not one for either shorts or capris and prefef crops/ankle grazers/full length and for summer wear in a more relaxed fit rather than tailored with choice of fabrics being; cotton or blends (viscose rayon, polyester etc.), silk or gauze and on occasion linen as not a fan of the latter’s wrinkling properties.
-Brenda-
Pam, like you I absolutely HATE the look of my legs in shorts. Between the cellulite, scars and varicose veins I don’t feel confident or polished in shorts or above-the-knee skirts or dresses. I also still wear pantyhose because of the condition of my legs. Although I work in my yard and walk two miles daily in shorts, I would never wear them around other people. It took me a while to embrace cropped pants, as I’m tall and spent my formative years wishing for pants that were long enough. In the summer months I am firmly #TeamCropped and very occasionally will wear capri-length athletic leggings. I also prefer my dresses mid-calf length in the summer so I can wear them without hose, in spite of judgmental folks like Elaine who seem to feel entitled to serve as the Fashion Police for the rest of us. Neither crops or mid-calf dresses make me feel “frumpy,” but being a hot, sweaty mess surely does! For Niki, you might try “Skimmies” by Jockey. They look like bike shorts but are a lightweight fabric perfect for preventing thigh rub under summer dresses without the warmth or compression of Spanx.
Pam, I love following you! I do feel we should feel comfortable and confident above all. I feel very sad when I read negative comments. No need for that. I can’t take the heat and am 80 yrs old. I also look terrible in shorts and capris. Which brings me to my son, daughter in law and new baby live in Austin and want me to move there. What do you think knowing how I don’t do well in heat.
I too walk in a cemetery behind our house with our dog – it’s quiet and less prone to cause her reacting .
Also have had both knees replaced and it’s changed my life being an active person.
Loved capris years ago but not so much anymore .
Love reading your column and listening to your perspective
Thanks
Thank you, Jayne!
Cropped pants for life! Or ankle pants, which I think are a touch longer. I also like a straight jean with a wide cuff up to a cropped length.
I do not wear shorts or skirts, at all, ever.
I think you are right about ankle pants being a touch longer. I wear many ankle pants. Love them! Thanks Mary
I have never bought or worn capris or crops, nor left my shirt out. I try not to shop in stores catering to mature women. I follow Italian influencers, who wear linen and dresses. I like the way they look.
Haven’t worn shorts in years/years. I’m a cropped pant person; and, if I cuff them a bit, that’s okay, too. I have ugly ankles….veins, etc., so nothing gorgeous to admire. Love the look of flowy linen pants (Quince) which I’m love wearing! Very cool. Saw someone older than me (over 80) in her shorts at the grocery store yesterday and thought…”wow she’s courageous” (or didn’t care what she looked like, wasn’t sure); it wasn’t a very pretty site… (not very nice of me).
I find wearing capris are a good choice for me. The pairs I have cover past the middle of the leg or right to it. Not to short at all. I do wear shorts at home.
As you get older, wear what you feel comfortable in.
Thanks for being here, Carol!
I’m starting to catch up on blogs that I missed while camping without internet access. I love wearing capris, but the key is to make sure that they end either just above or just below the widest part of the calf.
Glad you joined in Elaine.
Capris for me, I have tried on both, and crops just seem to widen me…..
Thanks for joining this conversation too!
I like cropped and capris. I wear them around the house. I’m always in a dress when I leave the house. Cool and comfy.