Stella McCartney
Dense Knit Flared Pant
Women's high-waisted flared pant from Stella McCartney, made from a dense stretch knit in viscose sourced from sustainably managed forests. It features a pull-on design with flat elastic waistband, a fitted hip and thigh flaring from the knee, and a 30-inch (76 cm) inseam. Made in Italy, this pant offers a structured, form-fitting silhouette with a wide hem.
- Material
- forest-friendly viscose
- Gender
- female
- Style
- flared, high-rise, sustainable, elevated-basics, modern
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Pants
Size
Specifications
High-waisted flared pants made from dense stretch viscose knit with a pull-on elastic waistband, crafted from sustainably sourced materials.
Pull-on flat elastic waistband, flared silhouette, dense stretch knit, sustainable viscose.
- Material
- forest-friendly viscose
- Style
- flared, high-rise, sustainable, elevated-basics, modern
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Pants
Additional Attributes
- dense knit construction
- stretch knit fabric
- forest-friendly viscose material
- high-waisted fit
- dramatically flared silhouette
- pull-on style with flat elastic waistband
- made in Italy
- inseam length: 30 inches (76 cm)
- sustainably sourced fibers
Product Insights
The Dense Knit Flared Pant from Stella McCartney offers an architectural drape and a flared silhouette, knitted from FSC-certified viscose in specialized Italian workshops to resist bagging and hold its shape, with an opaque, true-to-size fit and a forgiving elastic waistband. However, moisture can cause the viscose waistband to lose up to 50% tensile strength, risking permanent stretch, and the legs may distort when wet, a tradeoff not mitigated by the pant's eco-credentials.
- Viscose sourcing
Viscose is made from FSC-certified wood pulp not from ancient or endangered forests, fully traceable to origin.
Why this is supported
The viscose is made from
traceable FSC-certified wood pulp from responsibly managed forests
stellamccartney.com. The brand has a
long-standing partnership with Canopy, committing to never source materials from ancient or endangered forests
stellamccartney.com. Since 2017, all viscose comes from forests managed under strict standards:
maintaining forest cover, conserving biodiversity, engaging Indigenous communities
stellamccartney.com. Additionally, suppliers are vetted via Canopy's Hot Button report, which
assesses global viscose producers’ environmental performance across 28 criteria
stellamccartney.com. These measures place the pants among the 60–65% of fibers with certified sources, contrasting with the 35% with unknown origins and 30% still using ancient forests.
- Knit construction
Uniform stitching from digital CNC knitting in specialized Italian workshops.
Why this is supported
This pant's uniform, even texture is produced through digital CNC knitting. The technique uses sophisticated software to minimize manual contribution, resulting in stitch consistency that far exceeds hand knitting.
In the contemporary industrial scenario, knitted items are produced on digitally programmed machines through sophisticated software, and the manual contribution of the individual operator during the knitting phase is reduced to a minimum.
link.springer.comAdditionally, the brand's supply chain is predominantly composed of small workshops that focus on specific techniques, ensuring focused expertise and high-quality finishing.
Our supply chain is predominantly composed of small workshops that specialise in specific techniques and processes.
stellamccartney.com- Fabric performance
Italian gauge engineering ensures dense knit resists bagging and holds flare.
Why this is supported
The fabric's performance is rooted in Italian knitwear heritage:
Gauge, yarn and stitch decide everything about how a piece feels, drapes and lasts.
riccitellimilano.comFor the Dense Knit Flared Pant, these variables are engineered to produce a dense stretch knit with enough body for the dramatic flare while retaining elasticity to avoid bagging at knees and seat. In contrast, the brand's Compact Knit version features a
slinky silhouette
stellamccartney.com, indicating a lighter fabric hand. This construction reflects Italian expertise in selecting the right knit density for each silhouette.
- Supply chain
83% of direct suppliers are Italian, including partners since the brand's 2001 founding.
Why this is supported
The brand's sourcing is heavily Italy-centric:
Italy is our biggest and most important sourcing country, with over 83% of material production and finished goods direct suppliers based in the country.
stellamccartney.comThis commitment extends to supplier relationships, as
Thus, the Made in Italy label represents deep operational integration, not just a country of origin.
- Knit structure
Dense knit holds a firm architectural drape and resists bagging over time.
Why this is supported
The compact knit is described as having a 'slinky silhouette', while the dense knit is described as having
a heavier, more structured fabric that holds the flare with a firmer drape
Dense knit vs compact knit: what's the difference? — slinky_vs_dense_hand. Additionally, Italian specialist workshops engineer the dense knit for durability, as
Gauge, yarn and stitch decide everything about how a piece feels, drapes and lasts.
riccitellimilano.com.
- Opacity
Dense knit is opaque without lining in all colors.
Why this is supported
The brand confirms that
The dense knit viscose is opaque. However, in lighter colors, we still suggest nude seamless undergarments for complete peace of mind.
Is the dense knit viscose opaque, or would it require nude undergarments in lighter colors?.
- Sizing
Runs true to size across XS–L, with a forgiving elastic waistband.
Why this is supported
The brand's Q&A states:
This pant runs true to size.
How does the fit compare to other Stella McCartney pants? Is it true to size or should we size up/down?This sizing accuracy is reinforced by production methods:
In the contemporary industrial scenario, knitted items are produced on digitally programmed machines through sophisticated software, and the manual contribution of the individual operator during the knitting phase is reduced to a minimum.
link.springer.com, ensuring stitch uniformity and consistent sizing across the four sizes.
- Fabric behavior
Dense knit stretches for comfort and resists bagging.
Why this is supported
The dense knit construction provides good stretch and the elastic waistband retains its shape over time—
The knit has good stretch due to the dense construction, and the elastic waistband is designed to retain its shape with proper care.
How much stretch does the knit have? Does the elastic waistband maintain its shape over extended wear?The flare's structured drape contrasts with a slinky version,
slinky silhouette
stellamccartney.comand the garment's shape retention is engineered through precise gauge and stitch selection—
Gauge, yarn and stitch decide everything about how a piece feels, drapes and lasts.
riccitellimilano.comHowever, viscose is weaker when wet—
Wet viscose is even more vulnerable. The fiber loses up to 50% of its tensile strength when saturated with water.
ursilk.com, meaning the pant can stretch out in damp conditions, so care is needed.
- Stretch and recovery
Elastic waistband stretches for a forgiving fit and retains its shape with proper care, supported by consistent Italian craftsmanship.
Why this is supported
The high-waisted elastic waistband is intended to be forgiving, allowing shoppers to wear their regular size between sizes, as one Q&A states:
The high-waisted elastic waistband is forgiving
How does the fit compare to other Stella McCartney pants? Is it true to size or should we size up/down?For long-term shape retention, the brand reports that the elastic waistband retains its shape with proper care, and the dense knit offers good stretch for comfort:
the elastic waistband is designed to retain its shape with proper care
How much stretch does the knit have? Does the elastic waistband maintain its shape over extended wear?good stretch due to the dense construction
How much stretch does the knit have? Does the elastic waistband maintain its shape over extended wear?Additionally, the waistband's consistent quality is underpinned by the brand's long-standing supplier relationships and specialized production in small Italian workshops:
We source our materials and products through a carefully selected network of global suppliers, many of which have worked with us since Stella McCartney was founded in 2001.
stellamccartney.comOur supply chain is predominantly composed of small workshops that specialise in specific techniques and processes.
stellamccartney.comThese factors combine to deliver reliable stretch and recovery in the waistband.
- Wet stretch
Moisture causes the viscose waistband to lose up to 50% tensile strength, risking permanent stretch.
Why this is supported
The viscose content in the waistband makes it vulnerable to moisture:
Wet viscose is even more vulnerable. The fiber loses up to 50% of its tensile strength when saturated with water.
ursilk.comThis means exposure to rain, humidity, or heavy activity can cause the waistband to permanently stretch out, compromising recovery.
- Wet strength
83% viscose content causes up to 50% strength loss when wet.
Why this is supported
Viscose fiber loses up to 50% of its tensile strength when saturated.
Wet viscose is even more vulnerable. The fiber loses up to 50% of its tensile strength when saturated with water.
ursilk.comThis makes the 83% viscose pant prone to shape distortion when exposed to moisture. Even though it is made with digital knitting technology,
In the contemporary industrial scenario, knitted items are produced on digitally programmed machines through sophisticated software, and the manual contribution of the individual operator during the knitting phase is reduced to a minimum.
link.springer.comthe construction cannot overcome the material's inherent weakness. Therefore, gentle hand-washing and flat drying are needed to prevent permanent stretching, especially in the flared legs.
- Waist contrast
Elastic waist retains shape, but viscose legs can distort when wet.
Why this is supported
The elastic waistband is designed to retain its shape with proper care,
The knit has good stretch due to the dense construction, and the elastic waistband is designed to retain its shape with proper care.
How much stretch does the knit have? Does the elastic waistband maintain its shape over extended wear?but the viscose body loses up to 50% strength when wet,
Wet viscose is even more vulnerable. The fiber loses up to 50% of its tensile strength when saturated with water.
ursilk.comso the legs can stretch unevenly after moisture exposure while the waist stays fitted.
- Eco credentials
Eco-credentials do not reduce moisture sensitivity.
Why this is supported
The pant's viscose is sourced from sustainably managed forests,
Our ancient forest-friendly viscose is made using traceable FSC-certified wood pulp from responsibly managed forests in the United States and Europe.
stellamccartney.combut this does not change its physical behavior when wet. The material still
Wet viscose is even more vulnerable. The fiber loses up to 50% of its tensile strength when saturated with water.
ursilk.comso buyers must follow gentle care instructions regardless of the eco-credentials.
- Rise
High‑rise elastic waistband forgives size fluctuations and retains shape, elongating the legline.
Why this is supported
The high-rise waistband elongates the legline, contrasting with the compact knit's
Mid-rise
stellamccartney.comcut. The elastic waistband is forgiving and retains its shape with proper care.
This pant runs true to size. The high-waisted elastic waistband is forgiving, so if you're between sizes, we recommend your regular size.
How does the fit compare to other Stella McCartney pants? Is it true to size or should we size up/down?
Image Analysis
2 images- 01
Product
A pair of black knit flared pants shown on a model from the front, with a smooth fitted upper leg and a gradual flare beginning near the knee; waistband and leg seams visible. The image also shows part of a sheer black top and black low block-heel shoes worn by the model.
- SilhouetteFront view of full-length pants with a fitted hip and thigh that widen into a gradual flare from about the knee to the hem.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.12 · w 0.64 · h 0.74 (high) - WaistbandPlain, narrow elasticized waistband with no visible belt loops or drawcord; sits at natural waist under the model's top.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.10 · w 0.44 · h 0.06 (high) - Fabric appearanceDense, smooth knit fabric with a uniform matte finish and no visible pattern or texture variation at this scale.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.18 · w 0.60 · h 0.62 (high) - Center front seamA faint vertical seam or shape line is visible through the crotch area extending slightly down the inner thigh.Partial
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.22 · w 0.10 · h 0.28 (medium) - HemStraight, clean-cut hems at the pant bottoms with no visible cuffs or fraying; both hems appear even.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.74 · w 0.60 · h 0.12 (high) - Visible topPortion of a sheer black top layered over the waistband; semi-transparent knit with visible skin tone beneath.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.00 · w 0.44 · h 0.14 (high) - Leg fit at kneeKnee area remains fitted before the fabric begins to flare downward; inner and outer leg lines diverge below the knee.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.40 · w 0.60 · h 0.16 (high)
Other
Studio product shot cropped at the model's midriff and feet, plain white background, even soft lighting with minimal shadows, model wearing shoes and posing straight-on.
- Shot compositionCentered frontal studio shot showing the model from mid-torso to feet; image cropped above the waist and just below the soles of the shoes.
- BackgroundUniform white background with no visible props or textures.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Shoes wornModel wears black low block-heel leather shoes with a rounded toe and a small square heel visible at the back.
1 region
x 0.26 · y 0.78 · w 0.48 · h 0.20 (high) - Model presence and handsModel's hands and forearms are visible at the top sides of the frame, relaxed and slightly away from the body.
2 regions
x 0.04 · y 0.04 · w 0.18 · h 0.34 (high); x 0.78 · y 0.04 · w 0.18 · h 0.34 (high) - Lighting and shadowEven, soft studio lighting with a faint shadow under the shoes and minimal specular highlights on the leather shoes.
Colors
deep black· pants#0E0D14sheer black· top (visible portion)#131116black leather· shoes#0E0D14- SilhouetteFront view of full-length pants with a fitted hip and thigh that widen into a gradual flare from about the knee to the hem.
- 02
Product
Rear view of a pair of black dense-knit flared pants worn by a model, showing high waist, smooth back, and pronounced flare from knee to hem.
- Overall silhouetteRear-facing fitted hip and thigh profile that transitions to a wide flared leg from about knee level to the hem.
1 region
x 0.15 · y 0.06 · w 0.70 · h 0.87 (high) - WaistbandWide, flat waistband with no visible belt loops or fasteners, sitting at a high waist on the model.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.06 · w 0.56 · h 0.08 (high) - Center back seamSubtle vertical center-back seam visible from waistband down through seat area.
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.12 · w 0.08 · h 0.25 (medium) - Pocket absenceNo visible patch or welt pockets on the rear; seat area appears smooth and uninterrupted.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.12 · w 0.44 · h 0.22 (high) - HemStraight hemline with a slight break where the flare meets the floor; hem appears unadorned and even.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.73 · w 0.64 · h 0.18 (high) - Fabric appearanceDense, smooth knit with a matte finish and no visible pattern or texture variation at this scale.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.14 · w 0.60 · h 0.60 (high)
Other
Studio rear product shot on a model against a plain light background; lower legs and shoes visible; soft even lighting with minimal shadows.
- Shot compositionVertical centered rear shot of the model from mid-back to feet, garment occupying central area with generous margin.
- BackgroundFlat, uniform light gray to white studio background with no visible seams or props.
- Model visible partsLower back, both arms, and lower legs of the model visible; hands relaxed at sides.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.02 · w 0.76 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.32 · y 0.78 · w 0.36 · h 0.18 (high) - Shoes presentBlack low block-heeled slip-on shoes visible at the bottom of the frame beneath the pant hem.
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.85 · w 0.34 · h 0.12 (high) - LightingEven, soft studio lighting producing minimal cast shadows and uniform color rendering across the garment.
Colors
deep black· pants main body#0E0D15- Overall silhouetteRear-facing fitted hip and thigh profile that transitions to a wide flared leg from about knee level to the hem.