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Welcome to Refinery29’s So, How Is It Really? where we take a look at all of the topics that have the internet talking. In studying them up close, we answer the question of what it’s really like to try out a trend, a viral product, or an unexpected TikTok hack. This time, we review the Madewell Harlow, the bestselling pants that sell every 2.5 minutes and have sold out five times to date.
Since Madewell released the Harlow Pant in 2022, the trousers have become one of the retailer’s most popular items (and a TikTok favorite!). Not only does the high-waisted, wide-leg, pleated style come in several fabrics (cotton, linen, denim, etc.), but it’s also available in a myriad of colors (black, pink, brown, green, etc.) and different sizing ranges (petite, regular, tall, plus, etc.).
Here at Refinery29, we’ve had our eye on the customer favorite for a while. But it wasn’t until November when Madewell dropped the Harlow in a new satin fabrication, which comes in black and brown colorways, that we decided to test the trousers firsthand. In December, we wanted to see if satin, a staple of holiday dressing and eveningwear, could translate into a daytime must-have.
In the new year, we put the style to the test yet again after the brand released the fan favorite in a new Curvy fit. We, of course, had to compare the original to the hourglass-figure-friendly fit (available in black, acorn brown, and forest green) to see if the Harlow trousers are as versatile as the reviews claim them to be. Ahead, our thoughts.
Madewell Harlow Pant: Curvy Fit
“Honestly, I was so excited to get my hands on Madewell’s Harlow Pant in the new Curvy fit because I’m already a fan of the style. A while back, I purchased the OG black Harlow Pants (which are now available in Spring 2024 colorways) in a petite fit, and have enjoyed wearing them to the office and work events. But I’ve since found that “curvy” pants are best suited to my hourglass body shape. I was intrigued to see if Madewell’s Curvy Harlow Pants fit even better on me. The Curvy Harlows have the same signature style as its predecessors but feature a longer rise to flatter your curves, a narrower high waist with a contoured band to prevent gapping, and extra room around your hips and thighs for extra comfort. And, much like the others, the Curvy Harlows are also available in petite, standard, tall, and plus sizes.
Standing at 5’3”, and currently having a 31-inch waist and 43-inch hips, I opted for the same 10 Petite sizing as my original Harlow pants. But this time, I picked the versatile and cross-seasonal Dark Forest shade. When I finally got to slip into them, they truly fit like a glove. The contoured band perfectly fit and flattered my waist and gave me that cinched look that I love. When I compared them to my OG Harlow pants, there was a clear difference. The regular petite fit has much more wiggle room at the waist and a more oversized look that requires me to wear a belt. Meanwhile, the petite Curvy Harlows look more fitted and better hug my curves while still feeling roomy and comfy. I’ve already worn them to the office and plan on wearing them whenever I need an elevated yet effortless outfit.”—Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer
Madewell Satin Harlow Pant: Day Look
“I’m 5’2, so a full-length pant — let alone a wide-legged style — has always been hard for me to pull off; ill-fitting trousers had the unfortunate effect of making me appear shorter and frumpy, instead of nailing the whole cool-girl, intentionally oversized look. Madewell has been my longtime go-to for denim, especially for petite lengths that don’t require a trip to the tailor. Because of that, I was optimistic about trying the brand’s bestselling Harlow Pant (in petite size 0) reimagined in festive satin just in time for the holiday party season.
First impressions: The fit was on point — it hugged my waist but the legs were swishy and roomy without being balloon-like. I also loved that the black satin fabric wasn’t overly shiny, but mimicked silk with its lightweight, draped feel and subtle sheen. (This also helped it coordinate effortlessly with everything from a crisp white tee to a sheer blouse.) Bonus: These pants are as comfy as pajamas.”—Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Affiliate Writer
Madewell Harlow Pant: Night Look
“For daytime, I dressed down the pants with a cropped logo tee and white sneakers; for a date night with my fiancé, I loved going for a classic vibe. I paired the look with a sheer blouse (I wore a tank underneath, but could see myself sporting a lace bralette — or nothing — as well), with the sleeves pushed up in that French-girl way, and platform boots to elongate my legs. I love how these pants aren’t something I’d necessarily reach for first off the rack but, paired with some of my favorite pieces, it manages to feel very ‘me.’”—Karina
Madewell Satin Harlow Pant: Day Look
“While a lot of people tend to stay away from satin pants for fear of appearing too formal, I like silky fabrics for the way they can instantly elevate simple basics like a button-down or a tee while remaining comfortable, unlike more structured pant styles. This pair, in particular, has a more casual feel thanks to the wide-leg hemline and loose fit. Speaking of which: If you are between sizes (I go between US sizes 4 and 6), I suggest sizing down as the fit is fairly oversized.
For a weekend look, I paired the Harlow pants with a shirt-hoodie-hybrid top that I got during a recent trip to France. You can also wear these pants with a sweater: For a family dinner, I paired them with a ribbed cream turtleneck, an effortlessly cozy look that got me through the entire day.”— Irina Grechko, Fashion Director
Madewell Harlow Pant: Night Look
“While watching Platonic earlier this year, I fell in love with one of Rose Byrne’s character’s looks that consisted of a pair of silky cargo pants and a halter top. I instantly bought the latter from Staud (albeit in a black colorway rather than the orange featured on the show), and have been waiting to find the right pants. When paired with the top, heeled mules, and a sparkly bag, the Harlow trousers instantly took on a going-out look that can go from a cocktail party to a dinner.”—Irina
Madewell Satin Harlow Pant: Day Look
“While I love tailored pants, satin ones always make me nervous. The material often wrinkles easily and it rarely carries the same weight as other heavier fabrics. Also, the shine makes it difficult to wear during the day. So I was pleasantly surprised at how versatile Madewell’s Harlow pants are. I recently packed them for a trip to Portugal, wearing them for a three-hour train ride, as well as a casual dinner in Lisbon. Throughout the trip, I found it easy to release the wrinkles created in the suitcase with a simple spritz of wrinkle spray.
I’ve also styled them for work, wearing a chocolate brown shirt and Oxford shoes for a look that easily translated from work-from-home to in-person meetings.”—Frances Solá-Santiago, Fashion Writer
Madewell Harlow Pant: Night Look
“The thing about these Harlow pants is that while they are very comfortable, they’re good party pants. For a holiday party look, I styled them with a feathered top and glitter platforms. Given how much I’ve worn them in just a week, I can see why they’re so famous on TikTok. A good investment for holiday party dressing and beyond.”—Frances
This story was originally published in December of 2023.
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