The most popular stretchy pant is of course the legging. Believe it or not leggings have been around for centuries.  The early versions were worn primarily by men for warmth, and were nothing like the leggings we have come to know today. Women didn't start getting into the game until the 19th century when they wore pantalettes, which were a form of leggings, under their crinolines.  Again, these were much different than today's leggings, and neither were stretchy in any way. The modern day legging began evolving in the 1960's, when stretchy ankle length leggings were the rage. From that time, leggings came in and out of style in various incarnations, from disco pants to workout wear, and everything in between. They became so popular that in the 1990s, leggings began to outsell jeans in many parts of the US.  

But what about stretchy pants that aren't leggings?  

Wider legged versions conjure up images of grandma in her polyester pull-ups.  Today there are other styles of stretchy pants that are not just leggings (or jeggings for that matter).  They have evolved into more interesting pieces with wider legs, clean lines, modern fabrics and trendy prints.  

When I came across these pants I was shocked to find out they were pull on stretchy pants.  These ankle length pants are a cotton and lycra blend, and even have belt loops to make them look like traditional pants.  The floral pattern is perfect for spring and  encompasses a multitude of colours, so that pretty much any colour top can be worn.  They can be dressed up with heels and a blazer for work or an evening out, or can be worn with sneakers, a t-shirt and denim jacket for a casual day running errands.  

Let's face it, nothing beats stretchy pants for comfort.  Everyone needs to have at least one pair, if for no other reason than to wear at gatherings where food is the main attraction.  It is nice to know that today there are other options available that won't make you look, or feel like  an old-time grandma from yesteryear!