LESET Kyoto Pants Review & Alternatives

If you’re like me and chronically browsing Substack (it hasn’t quite replaced Reddit as my most-used social app, but it’s close!), you’re probably already familiar with these breezy cotton poplin drawstring pants. They’re the latest evolution of the “easy pant” trend, which has remained surprisingly strong even years after the height of the pandemic.

And honestly, I’m not complaining. This lightweight, breathable style is the perfect summer pant for chasing after an active – and occasionally very messy – toddler.

However, at $280 a pair, they definitely aren’t cheap. I understand the higher price tag – they’re made in Los Angeles using a wonderfully crisp cotton poplin. If ethical, domestic production is important to you and it’s within your budget, I do think they’re worth it. But if not, I wanted to highlight a few more affordable alternatives.

First though, a quick review.

LESET Kyoto Carpenter Pants Review

The Kyoto Pants are consistently a ShopMy best-seller, and for good reason. They have a perfectly balanced barrel silhouette made from a breathable, midweight cotton poplin that somehow feels both lived-in and crisp at the same time. They work just as well for park days as they do for office days.

On a recent trip to NYC, I stopped by the West Village store to try these on, along with the equally popular Margo Tee (review coming soon!). The store was cleared out, especially in the brighter colors, so I picked up a pair in brown as a neutral that works well for both summer and fall. After wearing them regularly for the past month, here are my quick thoughts:

• Fit: I purchased my usual size, a small. They’re almost full length on me, just grazing the top of my heel. I’m 5’4″ with slightly longer legs for my proportions. The waistband sits just above my hips, and if I want them a little higher, it’s easy to cinch the drawstring tighter. I do find I need to tie them fairly snugly to prevent them from slipping if I’m carrying anything with a bit of weight (like my iPhone) in the pockets.
• Function: The pockets are fantastic. I can easily fit a toddler-sized water bottle, snacks, a toy, a bib—you name it. I call them my “chipmunk cheeks” pockets.
• Quality: The construction is excellent, with clean finishing and no puckering at the seams. I’m noticing a very slight amount of fading after a few washes and trips through the dryer, but that’s expected and a bit more noticeable on darker colors.
• Price: Definitely a splurge, but the pricing feels in line with other slow fashion brands (think Elizabeth Suzann back in the day), especially considering they’re made in Los Angeles.

Overall Verdict

I love these and was very tempted to pick them up in multiple colors. That said, there are some decent alternatives for half the price, or even less, if you’re not specifically attached to the LESET label. If you love the overall look, including details like the carpenter-style knee panels, you have options.

LESET Kyoto Pant Alternatives

• GAP: These Poplin Easy Barrel Pants have a very similar feel, but with a simpler silhouette. They also make a version with carpenter-style double knees if that’s the look you’re after. They retail for $89.95, but it’s not difficult to find them 15–30% off during a sale.
• Banana Republic: These Cargo Barrel Pants have a similar silhouette and, at first glance, resemble the carpenter style thanks to the utility pockets. They’re lightweight and crisp on the inside, while the exterior has a softer, brushed finish. They retail for around $100 and frequently go on sale for 10–20% off.
• COS: This pair isn’t a direct dupe, but I still wanted to include it. The legs have a more exaggerated balloon shape, and the waistband uses a thicker elastic (roughly ¾–1 inch versus the more common ½ inch). I do like that the widest part of the barrel still hits around the knee, which keeps the proportions balanced. Personally, I prefer barrel pants that reach their maximum width around the thighs or knees rather than the calves.
• Honorable Mentions:
  • The J.Crew Luna Pants ($98), though they’re currently on backorder so I wasn’t able to review them firsthand.
  • If you’re comfortable with a similar price point but want something a little different, the Ozma of California All Day Pant is another beautiful option made in California from organic cotton poplin.

I’ve kept both the GAP and COS pairs, and I like that they’re similar enough to scratch the same itch while still feeling distinct from my LESET pair. That said, I’m still eyeing a bright green or chartreuse colorway—and honestly, I may even try sewing my own with this cotton poplin fabric and a simple barrel pant pattern.

Partnership Disclosure: This blog post was not sponsored by any of the brands listed above. As always, all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, in which I earn a commission on purchases.