Over the last year or so, I have decided that unless I’m working out, I simply do not want to be wearing leggings. I don’t find them to be comfortable, so why subject myself to them simply because it doesn’t feel like there is a good enough alternative when I don’t feel like wearing jeans? But the eternal pants dilemma was solved when the Athleta Venice Pant came into my life.
Earlier this year, I was on the hunt for a great pair of track pants that I could wear for anything from a cozy Sunday to a day in the office to hours of traveling. During my search, I read countless takes on what could be considered the best travel pants for women, and the Athleta Venice Pant had tons of glowing reviews.
Although I set out just to find a replacement for leggings, the Venice Track Stripe Wide-Leg Pants have become my go-to for a lot more than a casual day. I find myself excited to wear them again every time they’re fresh out of the wash. Below, I’m breaking down why.
Why I Love the Athleta Venice Pant
They can be dressed up or down
I’m not kidding when I say I’ve worn these pants to any event you can imagine. I’ve worn them to work, for a casual day of errands, while traveling, and to a bar. For any occasion where I might have worn jeans or leggings, I find myself reaching for the Athleta Venice Pant instead. Their versatility truly makes them worth their cost. So far, I’ve worn them with a sweater and clogs, sneakers and a fleece, sandals and a tee, and more. But I genuinely do believe that you could dress them up even more with a kitten heel or ballet flats and a sleek top.
They work in any season
I got these pants in the spring, so they’ve seen every season since—and I’ve worn them in each and every one. I loved wearing them with flip flops and a tank or tee in the summer. In the fall, wearing the Venice Pant with sneakers and a sweater or fleece was pretty much my uniform. I’ve also paired them with jelly fisherman sandals and an oversized button-up for a casual but well-thought-out look. This winter, I plan to wear them with UGGs and my coziest sweaters for a much-needed leggings alternative.
They fit perfectly
The Athleta Venice Pant sizing and fit is seriously something to commend. I got mine in a size large petite—which I would say is my true size across most brands—and they fit like they were made for me. At 5-foot-3, the length is perfect. They also come in regular and tall lengths and sizes XXS-3X. Claps for size inclusivity! The high-waist band sits very comfortably and provides a little extra confidence boost with its light compression. But unlike a lot of other high “compression” waistbands, these don’t roll at all. I never have to adjust these pants throughout the day, which is a major win in my book.
Athleta Venice Pant fabric and care
One of my absolute least favorite things when it comes to clothing is finding something you absolutely love, only for it to go down in quality every time you wash it. But after washing (and drying!) my Venice Pants 10-15 times, they look exactly the same as when I first got them. There is no pilling in the inner thighs (if you know you know) and no shrinkage. Anything that you can machine wash and dry with no negative effects gets bonus points from me. According to Athleta’s website, they are also moisture-wicking, quick-drying, all-way stretch, and rated UPF 40+.
Shop the Athleta Venice Pant
I own the Venice Wide-Leg Track Stripe Pant in navy blue, but I absolutely have my eye on more colors. The gorgeous brown is calling my name (and I might need black too?!). If the track pant style is not your vibe, they also come in nine solid colors, with some on major sale. The solid versions would make for great work pants or commuter pants for women who work in a dressier office.
Athleta Venice Pant price
When they’re not on sale, the track stripe version of the Venice Pant rings in at $119 ($109 for the solid colors). And trust me: I realize this is an investment, especially in the current economy. However, lately I’ve been leaning into taking cost per wear into account and really trying not to buy things that won’t last me a long time or that I can’t style in many ways. Given how much I’ve been wearing these and how well they wash, I can confidently say they’re worth their price tag.
Jessica Welsh, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor
Jessica oversees and edits all fashion and beauty content on The Everygirl. She also writes in-depth styling stories, trend reports, capsule wardrobes, and more. She was previously the Commerce Editor for The Everymom, where she oversaw all shopping content on the site and social. She has created editorial content for major brands such as Nordstrom, Old Navy, DSW, and Kohl’s.
