Paneled Pants

Stella McCartney Ends the Pants vs Leggings Controversy

When most people think ‘paneled pants’ their minds are overrun with horrific visions of ravers circa 1994, elastic waistbands and neon floral patterns. Stella McCartney is out to change all of that with a re-vamped interpretation of the paneled pant.

If you know anything about Stella’s track record, you’re unlikely to underestimate her ability to transform a fashion faux-pas into a hot trend, and it looks like paneled pants are her latest cause. 

Over the past two weeks the fashionista has been spotted around London rocking two of her own interpretations of the side-paneled pant. And she is not the only one. In its new incarnation, the paneled pant features everything from leather, to sequins, to lace, to nylon. And since this new hybrid straddles the line between pants, tights and leggings, perhaps it will provide a welcome solution to the “leggings are not pants” debate.

Paneled Pants Revamp
Stella McCartney brings a new interpretation of paneled pants that opens opportunities for new designs and materials.
Hybrid Pants-leggings Trend
The new hybrid featuring a combination of pants, leggings, and tights may prove to be a viable solution for the leggings vs. pants controversy.
Multi-material Paneled Pants
Multi-material paneled pants are set to make a significant impact as a fashion trend for a varied array of stylists.

Who This Affects Most

Fashion
The introduction of the paneled pants trend can revolutionize the fashion industry, introducing new designs and materials.
Textiles
The surge in popularity of multi-material paneled pants brings innovation opportunities to textiles and revitalize the clothing industry.
Retail
The hybrid pants and leggings innovation is an opportunity for retails to reach a previously underserved fashion segment that bridges pants and leggings.
SCORE
4.4 out of 10
GENDER
10% Men90% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen X
  • Millennial (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 80%
Activity 44%
Freshness 8%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X