LaBalancia High-Waisted Cigarette Trousers in Viscose

High-waisted cigarette trousers with a seam down the front

These high-waisted cigarette trousers by LaBalancia are slim from hip to ankle. A stitched seam runs down the front of each leg, and two small pockets carry gold-tone buttons. The fabric is 95% viscose with 5% spandex, which the maker calls elastic and pleasant to the touch.

They come in ecru, pink and black, in two sizes: XS/S at 90 cm long and M/L at 93 cm.

At a glance

The piece: cigarette trousers in three colours

LaBalancia wrote a separate text for every colour, and in a slightly odd translation it calls all three "cigarettes". It means cigarette trousers, the narrow straight cut that stops at the ankle. Model 209382 is the ecru pair, 209384 the pink and 209385 the black. Composition and size table are identical.

We list the ecru as White. In the photos it is a soft off-white. The pink is bright, closer to candy than to blush.

Who it's for

For you if you want smart trousers that feel soft. Viscose with stretch is comfortable to sit in for a day at a desk.

The cut suits you if you like to tuck in your top, since the high waist is the point of these trousers. There are only two sizes, and the waist is 70 or 74 cm, so this is a pair for smaller sizes. Check the chart before you fall for the pink.

Closer look: maker's data and photos

• Cigarette cut: slim leg that ends at the ankle (maker's data and photos)
• High waist with a waistband (photos)
• Stitched seam down the front of each leg (photos)
• Two small front pockets with gold-tone buttons (photos)
• Elastic fabric, 95% viscose and 5% spandex (maker's data)

The maker does not describe the closure. In the photos the waistband is smooth at the front, and we can't see a zip. Ask us if you want it checked.

Fabric and feel: viscose with stretch

The trousers are 95% viscose and 5% spandex. The maker describes the fabric as elastic and pleasant to the touch, and in the text for the black pair it adds that viscose breathes, which makes them suitable for warmer days.

In the photos the fabric is smooth and close to the leg, with a slight sheen on the ecru. With a light colour and a close fit, plain underwear in a skin tone is the safe choice. The maker says nothing about a lining.

Fit and sizes: two sizes, read the numbers

The maker's table gives XS/S a length of 90 cm, a waist of 70 cm and hips of 102 cm. M/L is 93 cm long with a waist of 74 cm and hips of 106 cm.

A double size has to cover two body sizes, and here the spandex does that work. Still, a waist of 74 cm in M/L is small for a size L. If your waist is larger than the number in the table, these trousers are likely to be too tight at the waistband. On the model the hem sits just above the ankle bone.

Size chart (cm)

Source: the maker's size table, the same for all colours. The maker labels waist and hips as "width"; the numbers read like measurements all the way round.

Styling: blouse tucked in, heels on

Every photo shows the same recipe: a printed blouse tucked into the high waist, a small handbag and heels. With the ecru pair it is a floral blouse and strappy sandals. With the black it is a bow-print shirt and slingbacks.

The maker also suggests a T-shirt and sneakers, and that works because the leg ends at the ankle. Try the pink with a plain white T-shirt, so the trousers are the only loud thing you wear. The black pair goes with a blazer for work.

Occasions

The maker names work and evening outings, and both casual and elegant outfits. We would add a lunch date and a christening. The ecru is a good summer alternative to white jeans when the dress code is a little smarter.

Care: follow the label

The maker's data has no care instructions, so go by the label sewn into the trousers. With viscose that matters, because it can shrink in a hot wash.

Hang the trousers by the waistband to dry, so the front seams stay sharp.

The wow detail: gold-tone buttons on the pockets

The pockets are small and sit high on the hip, and each one carries gold-tone buttons. You see them clearly on the black pair, where they shine against the dark fabric. Together with the seam down the leg, they give plain trousers the look of a tailored piece.

Fashion that gives back

5% of each sale goes to a cause you choose. Our causes are linked to 11 of the 17 SDGs, the global goals of the United Nations. Which one receives your share is up to you.

Our promise

Ships from the maker's wholesale partner in Poland, inside the EU, with tracking. The wholesaler lists up to 3 days to prepare an order; within the EU delivery usually takes 2–7 business days after dispatch. Delivery is free within the EU on orders from €69; below that it costs €4.95 in the Netherlands and €6.95 elsewhere in the EU.

You have 30 days after delivery to ask for a return, as long as the trousers are unworn and still have their tags. Our promise is plain: if what arrives does not match what this page says, send it back within 30 days and we refund you.

More trousers for work and weekends are in our trousers collection.