Story

The Henri Pants (named for Henri Matisse, one of my favorite artists) are our first foray into the world of pants. I knew I wanted to do a pair of pants for our FW16 collection, and it didn't take me long to nail down what I wanted: high-waisted, cropped, with a loose-fitting straight leg and some 1940s-inspired patch pockets. It was really surprising when my ideas all came together into a finished prototype so quickly, given that I don't have much pants-designing experience (or pants-wearing experience, for that matter, being one of those diehard non-pants, dresses-in-any-weather people). As I designed the Henri, I ended up learning a whole lot about pants, became enamored with the history and the symbolism and the ties with feminism that pants have, and much to my surprise, actually began to wear pants more often. Me, a non-pants person!

So, if you too are a non-pants person, the Henri may just change your mind. These pants are roomy but not loose, fitted but not tight. They have a vintage-y, 1940s vibe with the high waist and patch pockets that is balanced with a modern wide leg and mid-calf crop. They look amazing with shirts tucked into them (I recommend the Calla Top) and can be styled with anything from heels to short boots to sneakers.

Design Details

• 100% organic cotton
• Designed, cut, and sewn in Arkansas, USA
• Cropped, straight-leg silhouette
• Two front patch pockets
• Front and back darts for shaping
• 24" inseam
• 10.5" rise
• 19" leg opening (on size Small)
• 2" hem allowance for you to alter hemline if desired
• Hand wash cold, line dry, warm iron as needed (learn more about garment care here)

Materials

These pants are made out of 100% organic cotton twill milled in India. If you've ever worn jeans or pants before, you should be familiar with the comfort, simplicity, and characteristic diagonal weave of twill. The twill we source is GOTS-certified organic and is a midweight fabric (7 oz.) — heavy enough to keep you warm and covered, but not so heavy as to make you feel like you're being weighed down by your clothes.

Our Mulberry Twill is a gorgeous shade of dark red. It's a bit more purple than maroon, and a bit redder than wine. The color pairs excellently with black, navy, and ivory (I recommend our Ivory Plaid fabric).

In addition to the fabric, this style uses 100% organic cotton thread, one vintage plastic button, a YKK zipper, handloom bias tape, and organic cotton labels.

Fit

Take a look at our Size Guide to find your size.

The Henri is fitted in the waist and hips, so use both your waist and hip measurements when determining your size. If you fall in between sizes, I recommend sizing up if you like your pants to fit looser and lower on the hip and sizing down if you want a more high-waisted, body-hugging fit.

Alyssa is wearing a size Small and is 5'8" with a 35" bust, 26" waist, and 37" hip.