On Women's Pants

Choose your fit

• Standard or straight: consistent leg width
• Slim: tighter or tapered to the leg
• Relaxed or wider: fits loosely throughout the thighs, knees and calves

What material do you prefer?

• Synthetic
• Polyester: affordable, stretchy, doesn't wrinkle
• Nylon: durable, abrasion-resistant, less stretch
• Spandex: stretchy, moves easily, less breathable
• Natural fibers
• Cotton: durable, breathable, dries slower
• Wool: stretchy, durable, odor-resistant, pricier
• Hemp: durable, renewable, not as soft

Additional features

• Moisture wicking: moves sweat to the outer surface while also drying quickly
• Pockets: zippered pockets offer more security
• Sun-protective fabric: higher UPF rating means better sun protection
• Convertible: can be worn full-length or as shorts
• Insect repellent: treated with coatings can help keep pests off

Waterproof vs. water-resistant

• Waterproof/breathable: keeps out hard, driving rain while also being breathable
• Waterproof/nonbreathable: a slicker or poncho—inexpensive but traps heat
• Water-resistant: can handle light to moderate rain, breathable but permeable

Windproof vs. wind-resistant

• Waterproof jackets are also windproof, do not let wind pass through fibers
• Wind-resistant jackets are lighterweight but won't handle a squall

Hard shell vs. soft shell

• Hard shell: the most protection, less breathability, not insulated
• Soft shell: stretchy and breathable, best for high-exertion, typically water-resistant, not -proof

Rainwear layers

• 2-layer: quietest, midweight, durable moderately priced
• 2.5-layer: lightweight, good protection, lowest priced
• 3-layer: best protection, best protection and breathability, highest price