I’m hard pressed to tell you guys, I don’t want to look like a babe. When the opportunity presents itself, this 34-year-old (tired) mom of three heartily accepts it. This is why I bought a pair of Sailor Pants by Jesse Kamm. I feel like a babe every time I wear them. The second reason why I bought them is because of the durable and timeless construction. The fabric is thick and tough, set to withstand years of wash and wear. The design is one that has spanned decades.
The first person I saw wearing these was my inspiring blogger-friend Lee, who runs Style Bee. She has an eye for keen silhouettes and when I saw her wearing Kamm pants in white, I did a double-take. Since then, I’ve seen them all over the place – or so it seems. And like most things I see over and over, eventually, I become sort of obsessed with them.
But there was a learning curve for me to get the size right. I Googled the heck out of my questions and couldn’t find answers. So today, I’m sharing a few tips so you learn from my experience and, hopefully, get the correct fit right off the bat (unlike me).
Sizing + Fit
VITAL STATS, pants: size 6/M / high waist (preserving the natural dip): 28.5″ / hip: 39″ / inseam: 28″ / rise: 13.25″ / Made in California
VITAL STATS, me: size 6 / 28 in denim / 5’7″ / 140ish lbs (I don’t own a scale) / waist: 30″ / hips: 39″
I find Kamm Pants to run slightly small but still true to size. In other words, these 6’s are a small 6. The first pair I bought, I erred on going with a bigger size because I was worried they would be uncomfortable. I use the term ‘looser’ loosely. They still looked very fitted and hugged my hips. They were just easier to get on than the size 6. So I bought the 8, in-store after trying them on, even though I typically wear a 6. It turns out, buying them slightly looser made them more uncomfortable. After a few months of wear they had loosened up a touch and, because they weren’t completely snug on my hips, they rode up when I sat down and were very tight on my crotch. Not a good feeling. Every time I stood up, I had to tug them down – which is tricky because there are no back pockets and the front pockets are small slits – not conducive for the task at hand.
Thankfully, I was able to sell them and recoup 75% of what I’d spent. I ordered a pair of 6’s online and prayed they’d fit. When they came, they fit straight away, though getting over my hips required some shimmy-ing. I’ve only had my new pair for about a month, so I can’t address any breaking in/loosening up yet.
Are they comfortable? This is the million-dollar question, right? The answer is yes and no (but mostly yes). When I stand up they are 100% comfortable, and I don’t usually have to tug them down anymore (now that I have the proper size). When I sit the waistband stays in place (instead of riding up toward my boobs like the 8’s did) and the hip area sort of creases into place. However, they are not good for extensive sitting. If I worked an 8-hour day at a desk I probably would not wear them. Same goes for a road trip. After extended sitting they start to feel tight in the crotch area. If I’m sitting on the couch it’s all good, but something about the position of sitting at a desk or in a car just makes things a little tighter. That being said, they are nowhere near as uncomfortable as my raw denim jeans were. The Kamm pants have excellent movement and do not feel restricting on my legs at all.
Inseam: The length of these pants is one reason why I favor them over most wide leg pants. I have slightly longer legs, and too often crops show more ankle and leg than what I’m aiming for. Kamm pants hover just above my ankle, which makes them closer to a year-round pant than the ones that are shorter. A critical factor to make them worth the price point. I believe these were intended to be a true pant, not a cropped or capri style, so they look best longer, in my opinion. But I wouldn’t wear them long enough to have them touching my shoes. Of course, ultimately, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and personal preference should have the final say.
Fit across the colors: I’ve tried on the Salt White, the Street and the Midnight. It’s really hard to say if the fit varies across the colors, though I’ve heard others say this. When I tried on the Salt, I had similar results to the Midnight, the 6 was tight, but with a little work I got them on just fine. When I tried on the Street, those ones seemed slightly smaller and harder to get on. But I’m not sure if it was the pants or if was me. I have not tried the denim and chambray pants, I imagine those would vary due to fabrication. If you can, trying on in person is best, or buy from a retail site that offers easy returns.
Sizing Recap: Kamm pants are made from 100% cotton canvas. The fabric is thick and structured, but it does give a little bit — keep this in mind when making your purchase. You want them to cinch to your hips and flow down from there. This way they will stay where they need to stay on your body. The manufacturer’s website notes that the hips run slim on these pants, but to make sure they fill well in the butt and have the waist taken in if need be. These seem very accurate to me. My pants are snug on my hips, but they don’t look like they are painted on to my rear, they hug it, but not too much.
shirt, thrifted (similar) | sailor pants (<– Need Supply offers free returns) (more colors + sizes), Jesse Kamm | mules, c/o Nisolo | backpack, c/o Everlane
Are they worth the hype? What about the investment?
I’m my opinion, yes and yes. But I fully realize my outlook on clothes and the budget I have to spend on it may be different than others. Yes, I’m just a girl who likes to get dressed well, but I also run a blog that affords me a bit of extra income to invest in my clothing. However, that being said, if I didn’t run a blog, etc, etc. I would still have probably worked hard to figure out a way to save and buy these pants. As I noted in the intro, I find them to be incredibly timeless, sturdy and swoon-worthy. My husband absolutely loves them on me. And he tells me every single time I wear them. If I want to feel good, I wear these pants. If I want to make a simple style statement, I wear these pants. If I want to spend time around my house cooking and picking the kids up from school, I wear these pants. They feel like do-it-all pants.
I love the button-fly. It holds me in a little better than zip-fly pants, which sometimes cause a pooch I’d rather not display. My favorite jeans are also button-fly. It’s a feature I wish more denim and pants designers would incorporate. The rise is higher than anything I’ve worn before. It almost seemed outrageous at first, but I’ve quickly come to love it. It makes my waist look narrow and gives my backside curves exactly where I want them.
As mentioned above, they are made from sturdy 100% cotton canvas. I estimate the weight of this fabric to be around 13 ounces or so. I am really impressed with how stain-resistant the fabric is. When I was wearing my lighter colored pair, dirty spots were inevitable. Each time, I took a damp cloth and blotted or wiped out the mess and it went away. The textured fabric lends itself well to deflecting dirt and stains. Now that I’m wearing the darker color instead of the Street, that hasn’t been a problem for me. I’ll note that the Midnight has slight variations in the dying, almost like denim, and I look forward to seeing how the color wears in as I wash and wear them. Hopefully, not too much, but enough to lend some character.
While I contend that these are worth the investment, I don’t see myself needing a second pair. Midnight covers the bases so well for me. I love the white, but I am not sure I’ll ever live in a universe where expensive white pants make sense. But I still love them, so maybe don’t quote me on that.
If you’re looking for a less-expensive alternative to Kamm pants, I’ve pulled together a list of places you should start:
Esby – Beautiful, full-length wide leg pants, including their new denim line (love the white!)
Ozma – Wide leg, full-length denim
Eileen Fisher – Ultimate in comfort, this pair runs shorter, (love the paprika color!)
Lauren Winter – Wide pant, these are a personal favorite of mine!
Everlane – Cropped wide leg pant, love these, just wish the inseam was longer
This post contains affiliate links. Thank you so much for supporting brands that make Seasons + Salt possible. I only link to companies who place high value on sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices. Photography credit: Kiara Rose Photography
These pants look phenomenal in pictures, on basically every single person I’ve seen style them. It’s really clear that the quality is there, and I’ve been waiting for a review like this that breaks down every element of this garment.
Unfortunately, it also seems like the fit and feel are not ideal. When I buy pants, comfort sitting and standing, both for long periods of time, are requirements. Same goes for comfort in moving around, squatting down, etc. But I think that’s a byproduct of the material and the design.
Yes, I think the tight hips and can for tight other areas at times! But overall they have great movement!
“And like most things I see over and over, eventually, I become sort of obsessed with them.” Amen to that!
That’s the curse of marketing, right?
Not gonna lie, I did a spit take when I saw the price of these pants. They are beeeeautiful though! Maybe I’ll start a savings account for them and see how that goes. Really appreciate the sizing help!
Yes, it’s nuts! I did forget to mention I used a store coupon and got mine 10% off. Still expensive though!
Hi Andrea, I have been coveting Kamm pants in Skin Tone 34 (so gorgeous!) hard, but I just can’t commit to the price right now. And Frances May is sold out of my size – *tear*. Something about the length and higher waist and no pockets makes these pants so polished. Thanks for the honest review. I had been waffling about sizing, but you helped me decide the right choice for my someday maybe someday purchase. Question for anyone who has the Esby pants – what is the leg opening on them? They seem really wide/baggy, not fitted like the Kamms? Any thoughts?
I know! That new shade, Skin Tone 34 is to die for! It is SO gorgeous! I think Frances May tends to sell out fast! You could find them online if you decide to buy them. I bought my second Kamms from Mille, and used their new customer 10% discount!
As for the Esby pants, I tried them, and one 6 had a fabric flaw, and the next 6 was lovely but it seemed bigger than the first. Yes, they are less fitted in the hips.
Ohhh, you’ve tried Esby pants! Which ones? The Lucia seamed ankle pant or no? I feel like the seamed pant in camel *may* be a possible Kamm substitute, but I fear they’re too wide for the same look. Search high or low, you can find wide leg pants like the Kamm, but nothing in what seems to be their perfect proportions…they’ve got a monopoly, I tell ya :)
I tried the Val twill pant! I also saw that Formation just released a similar-vibe wide leg pant, maybe check that one out? http://formationdesignstudio.com/shop-1/linn-work-pant-1
These are so flattering on you! That said I don’t buy (or keep) clothing that I can’t wear for an 8 hour period or sit comfortably in. There are too many pieces out there that look good and can be worn all day/sitting. I do have a few pair of shoes that won’t hold up to a work day’s demands but no clothing.
Yeah, interesting point! I definitely have that high standard with shoes, I’m very picky but for some reason I still went for these pants. They might a loosen a touch more with wear, we’ll see!
These pants. Look. SO. Good on you. Love this look!! Now to start saving ;)
Thank you! I think that’s why they’re so popular, they are just so flattering. And super fun, and different than most pants out there on the market. Good luck saving!
Have you tried washing and drying in a dryer? A pair I have is slightly loose so that I’m always tugging them down- wondering if they shrink significantly or at all in the dryer. Always a little afraid, though, of taking the dryer plunge- not sure what you’re gonna get when you take them out.
The dryer thought crossed my mind before I sold! But in the end I chickened out!
Are you planning to wear them in the fall/winter, and if so, how? I’m anticipating our Oregon rain, starting tomorrow!
GREAT question Kate! I’ll wear them with clogs for sure. And I’ll try them with my black high-top cons, and possibly my brown ankle boots! The tricky part is coats! I’ll keep y’all posted!
Thank you! Looking forward to photos. :-)
Thank you for your honest review, I love it! I think you look great in them, too. I’m personally a little uncomfortable in super high rise pants but these are so popular I’m going to look for a place to try them on in person and see what I think. LOVE that midnight color. It will pair beautifully in all seasons! Thanks for the hard, hard work you put into this blog.
Thank you for the kind words and support Anna!
I agree, good call on trying on in person, it makes all the difference.
I feel like quite the babe in mine too. I had the same sitting problem. My solution: I cut out the pockets (and sewed the slit shut, I wasn’t going to use the pockets anyway) and moved the top button over as far as I could and still button the pants. That solved it for me.
Seems like a solution worth trying. Thanks so much for sharing.
Interesting! You think the extra room in the hips after taking out the pockets is that did the trick? The pockets are kind of annoying anyway!
Yes love this! Such a great review!! I think recently you sized down on the Everlane wide leg crops and you said that it fits you better than your first pair, right? I did the same thing recently and loved the smaller size. Anyway I’m just bringing this up because I’m wondering how the fit in the waist, hips, upper thigh area differs between the recent Everlane ones you got and these Kamm pants? I actually really love that the inseam is shorter on the Everlane ones (short gal problems) and am even debating on whether or not I should crop my newest ones. Anyways also love love love the new pro-shot pics! They’re all super beautiful <3
Thank you Elaine! The photographer I’m working with is doing an excellent job, and it’s less stress on my husband now. >< Per the fit, the Everlane ones taper through the hips and waist and are tightest where they button, and the Kamm ones are pretty much straight through the hips, which is nice because it hold my mom bits in in the front, while the Everlane ones tend to make me pooch, if that makes sense. Thighs are both about the same, nice and loose! You're lucky the Everlane ones fit you so well!!
You are helping me to decide my size for the pants!! I am glad that I found your blog in good timing! Few month ago, I had a chance to try on those pants and found out size 6 was my size. But now I am not sure about it, because people say you should size down. My waist is 29″ and hip is 37″. Should I try size 4??
I would not ‘size down,’ I’d take your true size. I sized up the first time and regretted it, so I ‘sized down’ to my true size. I suggest ordering from a place that takes returns, in case they don’t fit. If you normally wear a 4, I’d order a 4.
Looks great. I just got the ranger version in midnight. Love how it looks with that stripe top!
Oooo! Really excited to see these over on your blog Michelle!
Swoon worthy indeed. These look fab on you. I have to say I’m on the fence about these pants, however. I love how mine look on me and they make me feel great, but I need to take them off after a couple of hours bc they’re just uncomfortable. I’ve been hoping that will change after some wear but it’s been well over a wear and they still feeel pretty much the same.
Let me know if you do the pockets thing!
You are SUCH a babe, and I love your styling here! Thanks for such an in-depth look at these pants.
You’re too kind! Thanks LO! And you’re welcome. ;)
These look incredible on you! I actually think of all the ladies I’ve seen wearing these, yours fit the absolute best (and how I wish they’d look on me – alas, I’m a shortie). Thanks for the fit guide!
Wow, that’s quite the compliment, thank you! Glad I could help! Hope you find some pants that work well for you!
I love how these look on you. I would suggest buying them snug. Last February I bought the tobacco ones in my regular size. After wearing them for a day I realized they were going to be too big. I ordered the smaller size and even though the pants felt tight they loosen up after wearing them for a day. Now I have an extra pair to sell.
Thanks for the tip Janet! I had good luck selling mine over at Noihsaf.Bazaar on Instagram!
Thanks for the tip. I will check it out.
What size Janet? I’m always looking for Tobacco!
The ones I am selling are a size 10. I usually wear a size 6 or 8. Jesse Kamm has the measurements on her website. Let me know if you are interested.
Great review- I second everything you’ve said here–after trying on my fair share of different sizes & colors! I am nearly the exact same size as you, but pack a bit more heat in the caboose…I decided to keep my size 8 (less bodacious for work place wear!) in canvas (street) but think the 6 would work too, at least after that initial month-ish of wear. I recently ordered a 6 in the denim, however, & they are a dream fit! I live in a cold climate & hope the thicker fabric & slightly longer inseam of the denim will prove a good wintertime staple. I wish your notes were around before I made my first JK purchase!
Hi there ! Wondering if you found different colors fit differently ? Thanks!!
These pants look great on you! I like the fit and color much better than your first pair. Thank you for the sizing info, thinking of buying a pair sometime next year! From your experience where do you think is the best place to sell cloths? I just recieved my Jamie and Jones T sweater in heavy weigh but unfortunately in the climate I live in the mid weight would be better.
Thanks for the feedback Divya! I like them a lot better too. Sorry to hear about your sweater!
Try selling over at Noihsaf.Bazaar on Instagram!
These look amazing on you! I really love the color. Awesome information on sizing too, so helpful because I am having a similar experience! I recently bought a pair in the tobacco color and after wearing a few times I realize they are probably too big…I ordered a size down, fingers crossed they work (and I’ll be able to sell the first pair!) I rarely buy clothing but these are worth the investment for me- I anticipate them lasting a long time and getting a ton of wear!
Hi! Did you notice Changes in sizing based on color?
I can’t believe what a positive difference the professional photography has on your blog. Keep it up!
Thanks so much EJ!
You are such a babe in these, Andrea! Do you see Everlane’s cropped wide-leg pant as a “dupe” to the Sailor Pant for those of us that don’t have the budget for the Kamms? I just bought a pair of the Everlanes but at 5’10” they’re too short for me, and too tight in the waist. I’d love a pair, but the closest I’ve come is my GAP “Tie belt Wide-leg trousers” which fit me well.