How to Care for Highwaist Bell Pants So They Keep Their Fit

By Basics in Natural and Recycled Materials | Published: 2026-11-01

Category: Tips & Care

A simple wash-and-dry routine for highwaist bell pants that protects the waistband and helps them hold their shape. Includes a step-by-step method and common mistakes to avoid.

Quick answer

Wash highwaist bell pants inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, then reshape them by hand and dry flat away from direct heat. This protects the elastic waistband and helps the fabric keep its fit.

Why the waistband and fabric need different handling

Highwaist bell pants rely on an elastic trim at the waistband and leg openings to hold their shape. Heat and agitation are the main enemies: hot water and a hot dryer can relax elastic over time, while rough tumbling can stretch seams and distort the fit.

The fabric blend matters too. Bamboo jersey, organic cotton rib, and velour each respond differently to water and heat, so a conservative approach works best across all three. If you own several pairs, check the care label for any fiber-specific limits before washing.

When to skip the machine

If the pants are made of velour, or if the care label says hand wash, treat them more gently. Machine washing can pill or flatten the pile on velour, and hand washing gives you more control over water temperature and agitation.

For any pair with delicate trims or a loose waistband, hand washing is the safer choice. Otherwise, a mesh laundry bag on a gentle cycle is a good compromise.

Step-by-step care routine

Sort by fabric and color: Separate the bell pants from heavy items like jeans or towels, and wash lights with lights and darks with darks. If you have a mix of fabrics from a pack, wash velour separately from jersey and rib to avoid lint transfer. Check the care label on each pair before sorting; if a label is missing, treat the pair as delicate.
Turn inside out and use a mesh bag: Turn the pants inside out to protect the outer surface, then place them in a mesh laundry bag. This reduces friction against other garments and helps prevent pilling, especially on rib and velour. Fasten any snaps or hooks if present, and close the bag before adding it to the machine.
Wash cold on a gentle cycle: Select a cold-water gentle or delicate cycle with a low-spin setting. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softener, which can coat elastic and reduce its stretch over time. Never use hot water or a heavy-duty cycle; both can stress the waistband elastic.
Rinse thoroughly and skip the wringer: If hand washing, rinse in cool water until the water runs clear, then gently press out excess water with a towel. Do not wring or twist the pants, as this can stretch the waistband and distort the bell shape. For machine washing, choose an extra rinse if available to remove all detergent residue.
Reshape and dry flat: Lay the pants flat on a drying rack or a clean towel, smoothing the waistband and leg openings into their natural shape. Keep them away from direct sunlight and radiators. Avoid hanging the pants by the waistband, which can stretch it out; drying flat preserves the fit.
Store folded, not hung: Once completely dry, fold the pants and store them in a drawer. Hanging can cause the waistband to lose elasticity over time, especially for highwaist styles. If you must hang, use a clip hanger on the waistband and avoid stretching.

Product facts

Surprise Pack - 3 Highwaist Bell Pants: The Surprise Pack includes three highwaist bell pants in an assortment of colors and fabrics: bamboo jersey, organic cotton rib, or velour. Because the pack may contain different fabrics, check each pair's label and adjust washing method accordingly.
Surprise Pack - 3 Highwaist Bell Pants