These cropped pants (with a 24 ˝ inch inseam) aren’t just for yoga, of course. They’re great for bike riding, or jogging. My favorite use would be for complete inactivity. You know, you get dressed for working out, then end up seeing a book sale on the way to the class and sit cross-legged for a couple hours in the pregnancy and childbirth section of Borders, wondering whether you should get The Baby Book by William Sears (you should) or Babywise by the Ezzos (um, a definite no).

Even when there’s a slight chill in the air, the little expanse of ankle and leg exposed by capris makes me feel all Audrey Hepburn in a Mediterranean clime. Which I imagine would feel pretty good. The contrast colored drawstring waistband of these pants fits under your belly, so they’ll serve you from that uncomfortable second trimester right through the fourth (did no-one tell you that yet? Parenting a newborn is like being still a little bit pregnant, according to author Vicki Iovine and seconded heartily by moi). And to leave the hospital with a healthy baby and something comfy to wear is a good feeling.

• 55% cotton/35% poly/10%lycra
• Cold Water Wash
• Use Cool Iron (do you really iron your workout clothes?)
• Made in USA
• With red waistband

The banded waist