The Scoop On The High Sport Dupe | Part One
The Good, The Bad, and The Old Navy
I'm usually not one to fall for expensive trends, so when I first heard about the $900 High Sport Crop Kick Flare pants, I didn't think much—especially since they look like pretty basic in photos.
But then, it felt like those pants were fated to show up in every fashion newsletter I love. Seriously? The nutso expensive pants again! The Pants People had spoken: they are SO worth it.
But… are they? I grew up in a household where if someone complimented your shirt, you'd proudly whisper "Marshalls" and disclose the exact price you paid for it. So the thought of dropping $900 on a pair of pants was borderline nauseating, let alone admitting it to anyone. And if we’re being real, these pants were never within my budget.
And while I adore designer and high-fashion brands, I'm an ambush shopper—I wait, set alerts, stalk resale, and pounce when the time is right. I have a passion for clothes and love the chase. Quite frankly, I was intrigued by the psychological aspect—why am I being convinced that a $900 pant is a sensible purchase for the average individual? So, I felt compelled to unravel the mystery behind why these specific pants were considered so extraordinary and hard to come by. Also, I did actually need a new pair of pants.
I plunged into the mania of what I’ve called my "High Sport hole," scouring every corner of the internet for actual owners of these pants and potential dupes. Because even most of my fashionable friends IRL were clueless about the brand. But online, I heard the cries of so many who just had to know 1. Who, other than those gifted or with affiliate links, actually own these pants? And 2. Where are the dupes?
To label them as "dupes" is even debatable. The silhouette has stood the test of time. These are the iconic Mia Wallace pants from Pulp Fiction that I would fawn over at Express. They bring to mind fond memories of my grandmother; I'm certain they were her sole wardrobe staple. So when I say "dupe," I'm not referring to a direct knockoff, but rather pants of a similar style that come closest to capturing the essence of what a $900 pant might offer.
So, I finally accepted the inevitable: to pinpoint the perfect High Sport "dupe," I had to take a slap in the wallet and see what all the fuss was about. To help quiet the existential dread of countless women out there wondering “what the hell is up with these pants?” To welcome yet another item into this world that will be on a payment plan.
So I bought the pants. And six other dupes. Here’s what I’ve tried.
High Sport
Kick Cropped Stretch-Cotton Flared Pants ($860)
High Sport Pant. See more close ups and angles in the Total Rec chat right here.
Material Composition: 68% cotton, 32% lycra
Real Buyer Recommended : 17 times
High Sport pants became a cult favorite among fashion insiders and influencers, thanks to designer Alissa Zachary, who got her cred working at The Row and Khaite. Apparently, the pants are the best of both worlds – comfy like sweats but structured enough for any occasion. The softest hard pants– easy, elevated basics. They're always sold out, yet hardly anyone you know actually owns a pair.
The Feel
I was curious about these pants mainly because of the fabric mix – French Lycra and Italian Cotton. I was picturing a hybrid of yoga pants and maybe a softer but structured linen trouser – buttery soft and form fitting but chic.
When I got my hands on them, I was surprised by the thickness of the material. It's not the expected soft texture; it reminds me of the structured fabric found in Herve Leger bandage dresses sans the trademark sheen, with a touch of lightweight St. John knit. I dare say it feels closer to a stretchy upholstery (luxury car upholstery?) than your average pant fabric. These pants feel built to last, which is great, but they're definitely more suited for November through March where I live in the Northeast.
The Fit
Sizing these pants was confusing. Net-A-Porter’s site suggested sticking to your usual size (I'm typically a medium, around size 6-8 with 28/29 pants), so I initially opted for a Medium. However, they sagged at the crotch when I sat down, and in the mirror, I noticed a serious case of "droopy drawers syndrome" in the butt. Also, I’m 5’2, and the cropped bottoms were practically touching the floor.
After more online research and suggestions to size down, I opted to exchange. However, the size Small was a bit snug over my thighs and butt. “If you don't jump to put jeans on baby, you don’t feel my pain” as queen Beyonce says. After wriggling into these, my ass is smashed. But the fake pockets do lay smooth! But since they are so tight in the back, the back center seam hits me at an awkward spot causing a strange roll at the base of my butt.
Overall the fit was giving less loungewear and more straightjacket. Beyond the physical tightness, the mental distress I experienced wearing these while eating a taco and worrying about potential stains is unparalleled.
The Look
Let's give credit where it's due – these pants are crafted with care. The seams are spot-on, and that checkerboard weave adds a nice touch of elegance- I bet it really stands out beautifully in lighter colors. You can tell they didn't just slap these together; they took their sweet time, reportedly around six hours per pair.
The dramatic shark-fin flare nicely offsets the tightness of the top of the pants. I definitely don't look sloppy, which is a selling point for High Sport evangelists. The crop really appealed to me but since they are longer on me (I’m 5 '2) the style gets lost and they end up regular length. (Apparently petite sizing is coming.) Overall, I don’t think it’s awful that they are a bit longer, but if you’re short and looking specifically for a crop, you might want to hold off for now.
I don’t love that finer details will likely go unnoticed unless someone is really close to my leg. The checkered weave doesn't stand out much in the navy color unless you're standing directly in the light. And the combination of the checker pattern and the material are where the pants truly shine when you're examining them.
The Care
Some people say machine washable, some say dry clean only. The pants care label says machine washable but I am not taking any chances as I’ve seen from buyers they can lose their color and shape after washing.
tldr
When it comes down to it, are these pants more about the look or the feel? At this point in my life, comfort is non-negotiable at this price (and let’s not forget that’s one of their constantly lauded selling points as well). The fit and feel isn't right, so they're just hard to envision day to day. They might better suit an executive navigating from the office boardroom to dinner with the C-suite. Besides, constantly overthinking my feelings about a pair of pants in order to justify their cost feels like it might warrant a therapy session. So, I am returning them. However, if you're a fan of a thick pant and don't mind a bit of restriction, or if appearance is more important to you, then by all means, give them a try. Lots of people claim to love these pants and I always love to support a female-owned business. I totally recommend that you check out the photos and see how they speak to you!
Now, on to the dupes.
The Dupes List
These pants were selected based on research conducted by Totally Recommend, which gathers data from real buyer recommendations. The selection process excludes any mentions from ads, sponsored content, or influencers. Read more about it here.
On the High Sport Kick Flare dupe list we’ve got the Ann Mashburn Faye Flare Cropped Pant in two different fabrics, SPANX® The Perfect Kick Flare Ponte Pants and the Banana Republic Stretch-Ponte Crop Flare Pant. Part Two is coming next week and will include more brands including Donni, Old Navy, and J.Crew. Subscribe to get it straight to your inbox.
Ann Mashburn
Something good to know: there are many different fabrics for this Faye pant on the site. Quite a few of their styles are on sale right now! But your mileage may vary with different materials. The two pairs I got couldn’t be more different even though they are the “same” pants.
Faye Flare Cropped Pant in Navy Double Weave Wool (currently $105, final sale)
Ann Mashburn Faye Pant in Double Weave Wool. See more close ups and angles in the Total Rec chat right here.
Material Composition: 98% wool, 2% elastane (lining)
Real Buyer Recommended: 73 times
The Feel
I was on the hunt for something with a bit more heft, and thought a wool texture might remind me more of the High Sport pants, but softer. The wool here is soft, with a texture that catches the eye, but let me tell you, the stretch is non-existent—except in the waistband. It's like the fabric decided to hold a grudge; it just won't give.
The Fit
I've learned to size down in pants like these, banking on the idea they'd stretch out. Big mistake here. I went for a Small, and it was a battle just to get them past my thighs. I half expected to hear fabric tearing. And once they were on? The back was teetering on the edge of plumber crack. The front is bunched up in the crotch area. I thought about sizing up to a Medium, but they are already too long, and I’m not feeling hopeful.
The Look
Let's be real: when pants fit this badly, it's hard to spin it. Sure, you could throw a long shirt over them and pretend all is well, but no. Hard pass.
The Care
How did these also manage to get cat hair on them? I don’t even own a cat but they seemed to pick up every piece of lint within a 5 mile radius. Something to keep in mind with these. These are dry clean only.
tldr
These are a no for me. If you're in the market for something without a ton of synthetic materials (polyester lining notwithstanding), and you are taller they might be great. They don’t have much give anywhere besides the waist so keep that in mind. For me the quest for the perfect pant continues.
Faye Flare Cropped Pant in Ponte Knit Navy ($250)
Ann Mashburn Faye Pant in Ponte Knit Navy. See more close ups and angles in the Total Rec chat right here.
Material Composition: 67% viscose/29% nylon/4% elastane
Real Buyer Recommended: 73 times
The Feel
I’m glad I got two fabrics in the Faye Flare so that I didn’t immediately write off these pants! The knit pants are closer to what I imagined the High Sport pants would feel like. We're talking buttery vibes that bring yoga pants to mind, as opposed to standard trousers. The waistband is a nice width, ensuring you feel supported without any sense of being constrained. This material definitely leans more toward the athleisure side with its cozy touch.
The Fit
I opted for a Small, since my experiences with Ponte pants have taught me to size down to accommodate their tendency to stretch over time. And guess what? Even sizing down, I didn't land that cropped look I was after. Instead, I got a more elongated pant with a subtler flare at the sides—kind of a relaxed fit all around. No butt compression here though, which is a massive plus in my book.
The Look
These strike a nice balance between snug and flared, but they lack the dramatic flare of the High Sport. They're also missing the center seam you might be after, both in the back and front, opting for a pleat instead. But they still manage to look polished enough for work and surprisingly comfortable enough for a light yoga session. They're a tad shinier than the High Sport, which gives them a more casual look, but you could wear these in an office setting no problem.
The Care
Machine washable, don’t dry and you can dry clean them. Might be more prone to creases but overall low maintenance, nothing a quick steam can’t fix. They are light, making them perfect for travel—unlike the High Sports, which are a bit bulkier in your luggage. I'm a bit wary about them attracting fuzzies or pilling down the road. Let me know if you have them and can speak to their longevity post-laundry.
tldr
Overall, I'm a fan. They're all-season, great for winter, spring, fall, and even those cooler summer evenings. They feel good; they pack well, too. They are more on the yoga side and less on the biz side but you could still get away with wearing them in an office. If you're in the market for something that hits the mark on comfort, flexibility, and a bit of casual chic, these might just be your new go-tos. Just keep an eye out for potential pilling, and you're golden.
SPANX®
The Perfect Pant, Kick Flare ($148)
SPANX Perfect Kick Flare Pant in Black. See more close ups and angles in the Total Rec chat right here.
Material Composition: 68% rayon, 28% nylon, 4% elastane
Real Buyer Recommended : 45 times
The Feel
I must confess, purchasing a pair of Spanx black pants (Navy wasn’t available) brought on a wave of nostalgia—and not the good kind—reminding me of my teen years working at Victoria's Secret (so sorry if I ever convinced you to get an Angel card!). I was bracing for a glossy finish, expecting them to have a sheen. I was pleasantly surprised to find they're of really high quality. Shinier, yes, but still tasteful. They are soft but provide Spanx classic thickness, capable of withstanding the wash cycle and possibly surviving kids smashing bananas into them.
The Fit
First off, these pants feature a built-in panty in the front, which initially struck me as odd. However, when a pant grips your ass this hard, I appreciate the invitation to go commando. I followed the size-down rule, but I think these fit a little snugger than preferred, giving me a (manageable) muffin top. They are smashing my ass again but hey, the fake pockets are still laying flat. I would probably go with your regular size on these and they do offer petite which is always a plus. Since I was able to order petite, they actually hit my leg at the ankle!
The Look
I like how much these pants mimic genuine work trousers, which is impressive given their flattering fit. But they lean a little too heavy towards the workwear side for my taste, limiting their styling versatility. It seems the fabric choice is the main factor here that makes them look more business and less party. Maybe they’d be cuter in a different color. The fake pockets on both the front and back are a bit of a letdown for me, mainly because they're frustrating and feel like a waste of fabric, but they aren't overly conspicuous. They don’t have any center seams down the front or back, just slight pleating. They are cropped really nicely if you’re petite and offer a sleek profile but I'm still debating on whether the flare proportion is just right, or maybe I’m just losing oxygen to my brain and can’t think straight because these are squeezing me so tight.
The Care
Their site says machine washable for easy care, but in our data from buyer reviews I saw the occasional buyer did have issues with washing and drying so it’s worth noting these could be more high maintenance than they appear.
tldr
Okay SPANX®, I see you. How rude of me to doubt a brand just because there’s always the trademark symbol next to your name. You weren’t bad! Taking your regular size in these is suggested. Ultimately the material on these just reminds me so much more of a work pant, I don’t see as much versatility here.
Banana Republic
Crop Flare Everywhere Ponte Pant ($100)
Banana Republic Crop Flare Everywhere Pant. See more close ups and angles in the Total Rec chat right here.
Material Composition: 71% viscose rayon, 24% nylon, 5% elastane.
Real Buyer Recommended: 91 times
The Feel
At first touch, these pants feel like a thick cotton that echoes comfort of a super worn-in well-loved vintage crewneck sweatshirt (they’re mostly viscose rayon). They stretch but not excessively so they preserve the integrity of an actual pant. They have the forgiving feel of casual-wear but maintain the trouser-like look.
The Fit
These pants felt like relief after my ribs and organs were squeezed by the others. These come in petite sizes, so they hit a sweet spot with an inseam that sits just above the belly button, the fit is neither too high nor too low, and I don’t need to constantly pull them up.
My main concern is that the waistband isn't directly stitched in but rather consists of hidden elastic beneath the fabric. This raises the question of whether the waist might eventually dig in or lose its shape, a problem I've faced with lower-quality waistbands.
The Look
The full-length seam up the front and back of these pants is actually a game-changer, ensuring that the fit around the butt is more flattering. By contrast, I found the seam of the High Sport to stop in an such an awkward place that they didn’t feel made for someone with a butt.
The flare here is also slightly different. It is subtle and comes from the front rather than the side, so the leg is a bit straighter. I actually prefer this for my body type and think it gives the pants more longevity in terms of not looking too trendy. They are cropped properly for me because I was able to order them in a petite size.
tldr
I'm into these Banana Republic pants. They strike me as the perfect travel companion for any season—versatile enough for daytime wear in the fall and winter, or as a cozy swap for sweatpants during summer evenings, especially in that blissful window between showering and heading out to dinner for trips when packing light is key. These genuinely feel like do-it-all pants.
Whoa. I talked your ear off about pants. I'll pause here to spare your inbox. Next week, we'll dive into other notable dupes like Old Navy, Donni, and J.Crew. I'll share my final thoughts on which pair overall comes closest to the High Sport. In the meantime, if you have any questions or want to more photos of these pants, check out the subscriber chat.
Also, if there's a specific pair of pants you're curious about that I haven't covered yet, drop me a line in the comments or chat. I might just include it for you.
Til then,
🍒Total Rec
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The Substack i didn’t realize I needed till I started reading it!!! So many influencers peddling the same thing saying how much they LURVE it but I want a real honest nitty gritty breakdown given the price of some of these items. Thanks for doing the leg work!!!
Old Navy was my rec and I can’t WAIT to hear what you think!!!