Merrell Women's Albia Pant : Sweet and Svelte

When the Merrell Women's Albia Pants entered my life, I opened the package in my living room, and instantly cooed over the fabric. Out loud. Then as I was trying them on for size, my boyfriend cruised by the open doorway, stopped, back pedaled, and felt compelled to cop a feel... of the fabric, of course.

The Albia Pants elicit such reactions because they feel and look like a pair of velour track pants J Lo might wear. The cotton-elastane blend fabric looks like a very delicate type of corduroy; the ridges are barely visible, and the fabric is plush and delightfully lightweight. They also have a contoured fit. I have other corduroy pants that are bulkier and boxier, so I know that the "Albia effect" has more to do with the pants than all of the Crossfit workouts I've been doing lately.

I wore the Merrell Albia Pants three times in the first week I had them. It was just so easy to pick them out in the morning and feel svelte and put-together throughout the day. I tested an Espresso-colored pant that I wore with pinks, plums, and sage greens. All of the colors looked great with these pants. I also wore my pants tucked into calf-high winter boots and with regular shoes.

I loved the slight stretch in the fabric, and the regular rise fit. I am so over low rise pants, especially when it's snowy in Montana and I have to lean over often on my bike rides and while walking my dog. The best part of the fit was the tailored waistline. It was slimming without being restrictive, with a side-entry zip. It also had darling mock-wooden buttons that matched the buttons on the front pockets. I've been getting lots of compliments in these pants!

The Merrell Albia Pant is available for women in Granite, Espresso, and Sandstorm in sizes 2 to 16. (Men - there isn't a men's version, but you may just want to buy these for your ladies). I found that my pair fit true to size. I am 5'4" and the inseam was just right for wearing with a little bit of a boot heel. If you are tall and leggy, these may not be long enough for you to wear with certain shoes.

Bottom Line: A sweet, flattering pair of corduroys that can be dressed up or down that's also amazingly comfortable. --L.B. (Nov '10)

BUY ONLINE: $59, click to shop.

Manufacturer: www.merrell.com

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