Wide-Leg Trousers That Float—But Do They Deliver?

If you, too, have fallen victim to endless Instagram reels of floaty palazzo pants on brownstone stoops, you’ve probably eyed the BTFBM high-waisted “dress” trousers (ASIN: B0DC9B48CD). Are these the answer to your city-casual prayers or a laundry room nemesis waiting to happen? Let’s walk through what these pants pull off, and where they seriously drop the ball—no TikTok filter required.

Fabric Roulette: Feels Luxe, Fights Back

First impression? Slick. The poly-elastane blend here feels silky, glides over curves, and won’t stick to you on humid subway platforms. The stretch is there (enough to squat without hearing stitches scream), but if you throw these in even a low-heat dryer cycle, you’ll watch the hem edge up like a caffeinated cat. Laying them flat across hardwood, I clocked a full inch lost in length after one go—so if you love the look straight out of the bag, commit to hang-drying forevermore. Also, this fabric is a wrinkle magnet—remove late and you’re stuck playing whack-a-crease with your iron or a steamer. (If you own one from dorm days, time to resurrect it.)

The bolder colors—emerald, espresso, navy—help hide the aftereffects. Pale shades, though? Expect every line from breakfast to boardwalk to show. I’ve watched more than one friend with beige palazzos ghost them after a single coffee spill or surprise bike seat smudge.

Sizing & Shape: Drama Up Top, Cling Down Below

The waistband looks forgiving and the zip closure should, in theory, give these a tailored vibe. But the sizing chart? It’s wishful thinking for anyone who’s ever needed to shop for both thighs and a waist at the same time. If you’re pear-shaped, the high waist feels great until you try to walk at a real city pace—then you’ll notice the fabric clinging with surprising vengeance around the hips and upper thighs. Sizing up sort of helps, but then you’ll fight the urge to belt or risk droopy butt.

And tall folks, listen up: after the not-so-gentle wash-shrink combo, these pants will sit a solid half-mast above your ankle bone if you’re over 5‘7”. Not the worst thing with chunky boots, but forget the whispery, dramatic flare you saw on the model. Prepare to hem or style aggressively.

Pocket Check: Tiny Wins

No useless “fake” pockets here—these actually exist and swallow keys, subway card, and lip balm. But try to move your phone (or anything bigger than a slim wallet), and the sleek line goes from elegant to bunched-in-a-strange-place, fast. They’re handy at the bodega—just don’t imagine Mary Poppins storage.

Fabric Fuss: Wrinkles, Shrinks, and Stains, Oh My

Let’s get real: these are not “get out of bed and go” pants unless your plan is to look like someone sat on a laundry pile. After a subway ride and just two regular office hours, I’ve counted visible thigh creases that refused to fade even with a hasty steam. The hemline, post-wash, is almost always shorter than where it started—no matinee magic here. You’ll absolutely want to baby these with gentle detergents and skip the dryer. And if coffee is your love language, take a pass on the lighter shades, unless you thrive on high-stakes living.

Where They Work: Brooklyn Brunch, Sure—But Not For Power Dressing

With white sneakers or sandals and a ribbed tank, these pants feel Brooklyn brunch-perfect, and you’ll look put together walking through Nolita. Worn with a sharp blazer, you get workwear-chic—until you sit. You’ll need to block out an extra ten minutes every morning to get them back into shape before you head out the door, so spontaneous dressers, beware.

Travelers: if steamers thrill you and you only wear brights, go for it. City girls, you can fit in—just keep that iron plugged in. If your idea of a dream pant is machine wash, dry, and straight onto your body, this is a hard nope.

The Final Ruling: Buyer Beware (or Steam Enthusiast Welcome)

Are these palazzos worth it? If you’re short-to-average height, want comfort at the waist, and actually enjoy a wardrobe routine involving hanging, steaming, and selective pocket use, they slot right in. The bold hues make them a statement, and for anyone with a smaller waist than hip, they’ll at least stay put on top—until you sit, then wrinkle central.

But if you’re tall, hate maintenance, or have thighs that want room, keep scrolling. Don’t delude yourself with the idea they’re “effortless” or “wrinkle-resistant”—the care is real, and the cut is unforgiving. Look for tech fabrics or a true fixed inseam pant instead if you refuse to fuss.

That’s the verdict—if laundry rituals are your fashion meditation, these may finally earn a hanger in your closet. Otherwise, step away, no matter how hard those influencer reels try to romance you.