Are one-leg pants here to stay? Stylist decodes this fashion trend

Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner wear the style in monochrome. PIC COURTESY/KIM KARDASHIAN ON INSTAGRAM

The Goldilocks Principle of too hot - too cold - just right has found mention in a variety of disciplines, from developmental psychology to astronomy and even economics. But this year, it seems to have made its way to the world of fashion, with the soaring popularity of one-leg pants. The name of this style is quite self-explanatory, and it is all too easy to dismiss the trend as a passing fad.

Sofia Assab in a monochrome one-leg dress. PIC COURTESY/SARAHAPHRODITE On INSTAGRAM (right) The look in a casual flared denim avatar. PICS COURTESY/Zachariahfairfax ON INSTAGRAM

At its very best, it feels as comfortable as sticking one leg out from under your comforter to achieve that perfect sleeping temperature. At worst, it can seem as though you are trying too hard to be avant-garde. But scroll through your social media feed, and you're more likely than find fashion creators reeling with surprise at how much they like the style once it's on their body. So, we decided to ask fashion stylist Disha Selarka about what makes these pants so popular and if the style is likely to stick around for more than a single season.

Style over substance

A rule of the thumb is to keep the rest of your look symmetrical to create a sense of visual harmony. A monochromatic look is a failsafe bet, as it can create the illusion of a jumpsuit. A peplum waist or cinching your midsection with a thicker belt can also make your bottom half look more defined and create a beautiful hourglass shape. Avoid flat footwear and wear a long trench or overcoat for a slight peekaboo effect.

Style the look with boots to add balance (right) One-leg pants pair well with structured blazers. PIC COURTESY/Coperni ON INSTAGRAM

Unlike most high-fashion trends, this one lends itself quite easily to a DIY project - all you need is a pair of mid or high-waist jeans or trousers that fit you well around the hips. A pair with a straight fit or a flare is easier to alter as compared to skinny jeans. The best part is that if you tire of your one-legged wonder, you can simply lop off the excess fabric to convert them into shorts, Selarka suggests.

Ella Priya sports the look under a pleated skirt

All about asymmetry

One-leg pants aren't necessarily a new phenomenon; they've been around since the end of the last decade and are witnessing a new lease of life owing to 2025's infatuation with all this asymmetrical-ness, notes Selarka. She adds that the wearability of this style lies in its styling and picking the right pair. A very slouchy design will look shabby and awkward.

Disha Selarka

On runways around the world, we're seeing this trend show up in tailored fits, and with eye-catching layers. For instance, these pants can be worn under a bubble-hemmed mini dress or a strappy, lacy number, or under structured blazers. A strong belt can anchor the whimsicality of the pants, as can a pair of boots. You could also experiment with the style of pants - flared bottoms, satin pants or even high-waist jeans are aesthetic variations. An au-courante way to style these is under a pleated K-pop inspired miniskirt, Selarka signs off.