WWD's August 2026 shopping story links today's low-rise foldover return to Y2K dancewear, and I trace that silhouette to Kitsilano, Vancouver. In 1998, Chip Wilson's Lululemon introduced its Boogie Pant; that year, the label's first retail space was inside a local yoga studio. Yoga Journal describes early yoga pants as second-skin flares with thick folded waists; its account of the early 2000s turns up two-tone pieces, playful prints, and bright bands. I like the route from studio clothes to something that can come along on an October coffee run.

Foldover pants don't need a full Y2K costume to make sense now. The fold can sit lower for a relaxed line or rise for more coverage, while the flare keeps the silhouette familiar. I would wear one with a close long-sleeve and a roomy jacket, then let a stripe or color carry the nostalgia. The rest of the outfit can stay quiet.

Spiritual Gangster's Euphoria Foldover Flare in Evergreen stays close through the leg; Fabletics' black Cloud Jersey flare reads quieter; Juicy Couture's Regal Blue knit brings contrast stripes; and Out From Under's Bec cropped kick flare mixes brown and yellow. Florence by Mills' black cotton blend softens the picture with relaxed hems. I would pair that last one with a thin sweater, or the striped pair with a plain sweatshirt and clean sneakers. Before settling on a fold, I would check the waistband pulled up and folded down, then compare where each version sits with the top I plan to wear.

A folded waist reads sporty or loungey according to what surrounds it. In the early 2000s, yoga wear borrowed its color language from the era around it, including two-tone pieces, playful prints, and thick colorful bands. I would keep that visual cue to one place now: let a contrast waist or a cargo pocket carry the outfit, not both plus a loud top.

Accouchée's Simply Cool black cotton jogger is the plain starting point; its black Comfy Cool faux-leather version has an over-bump panel and tapered leg. Edikted's olive Jolee pairs a ribbed contrast waist with utility pockets and drawstring hems, while the olive camo Lumielle goes wide and low. H&M's black cotton-jersey style has a broad adjustable waist and straight leg, and its charcoal wide-leg cut adds a front cutout.

I would style the joggers with a slim knit tucked just at the waistband, or use the faux leather with an oversized button-up and a long coat for early fall. Hype and Vice's gray Knicks Foldover Pant is the graphic option; Auden's blue Hacci pair is looser and ankle length. Check where the waist lands before deciding how to fold it, and match the hem to your shoes. What I would skip: when the waist already has contrast or a logo, I would leave the shirt print at home and keep the rest quiet.

Yoga Journal notes that early fold-over bands could fold down to a low-rise fit and were described as offering additional support. That history makes the waistband read as a piece of construction, not just decoration. For a lounge look, I would decide whether I want the fold to mark the waist or disappear into the line of the top.

Out From Under's gray Angel Kiss is the fluid jersey option; Haven Well Within's Nightfall rib knit has a roomy leg and full-length drape. The 24seven black-and-white abstract print gives its pattern a large canvas, while Princess Polly's brown-striped Past Life adds a linen blend and pockets. Motel's black Donata keeps the waist low with a side tie; SKIMS' Soot-black Stretch Cotton Jersey narrows through the hip before its flare. WellBeing + BeingWell's quiet gray-heather Monte stays fitted above its lounge hem.

I would pair a wide leg with a short cardigan or tucked tank so the waistband remains a deliberate line; a side-tie style gets a simple top and low shoe. The buying test is to check the folded panel both while standing and sitting, then confirm that pockets and a side tie still fall where you want them. What I would skip: if the waist is already doing visual work, I would avoid a competing belt or a top with a second busy stripe.

WWD links the low-rise cut's current revival to Y2K dancewear, which helps explain why the waist details on denim look intentional rather than unfinished. I would read the panel before choosing a top: a side tie or buttoned fold is already the focal point, so it wants a clean line above it.

Cotton On's Pisces Blue low-rise wide-leg jean is nonstretch cotton with a long inseam; the off-white Button Foldover jean has an asymmetrical button panel and side tie. Edikted's light-blue Stud style puts silvery studs along the fold, while ELOQUII's light-wash straight leg adds a distressed finish. For a dressier turn, rag & bone's black Shania is pleated with an elastic back; JW Anderson's navy trouser twists the front into a knot; WeWoreWhat's black-and-white tailored trouser uses heavyweight suiting; Accouchée's white non-denim option is designed for maternity.

I would build the denim around a fitted tee and a short jacket; with the pleated black trouser, I would use a fine knit and keep the shoe sharp. Before choosing, compare the listed rise and inseam with a pair you know, then check how the fold falls across the waist. What I would skip: if the panel is asymmetrical, I would avoid stacking a belt and a tucked-in blouse. Let one clever detail stay clever.

By the late 2010s, active-inspired basics had settled into everyday life, as Yoga Journal recounts. That gives this last group a life beyond a workout set. I would choose the leg shape around the shoes I actually wear, then decide how much of the waistband should show.

FP Movement's silver Never Better is a fitted mid-rise legging with an interior pocket; its heather-gray Take It Easy is cropped, drawstring, and cinched at the hem. BP's navy-indigo wide-leg legging has a 32.5-inch inseam, while Edikted's lilac Oriane takes the fold into a flare. JoyLab's blue stripe is a low-rise mini flare, and SKIMS' Kyanite cotton jersey ends at the calf.

For October, I would put the cropped jogger with a ribbed sock and loafer, the silver legging with a long sweater, or the blue stripe under a roomy sweatshirt. Compare the inseam with the sneakers or boots already in your closet, then check where the folded band hits while sitting as well as standing. A flare needs enough room at the hem to clear the shoe; a capri should finish where you want the leg to break.

I would choose the waistband before the color: first decide whether I want the low folded line of a Y2K flare or the higher, calmer shape of a lounge pant. Then I would choose leg volume, and finally decide whether the day calls for denim, a soft knit, or a fitted legging. That order keeps a playful pair from reading like a costume.

The other test is boring and useful: check the fabric composition, rise, and inseam on the product page, then make sure the fold and hem suit the shoes already by the door. The cut began in dance-adjacent studio clothes; it has since earned the right to come along for a very normal day.