Finally got to skate in all of these pants I got on sale (crazy sales, so I might be biased and going a bit easy on some of these compared to if I paid anywhere near full price).
From worst to best:
Vans Chino Loose Fit are way too huge. Wider waist than advertised, and comically long. I have to cuff them so many times, and then I just have these giant rings of fabric knocking around my ankles while skating lol. I have no choice but to get them hemmed. They're pretty heavy, so hopefully after hemming them they won't be so bad. They're also a bit loud when walking (crinkling/deep swoosh). These things are REALLY baggy if you're into aesthetic over function. Loosest pair of pants I've ever owned, and won't be wearing them again until I got the waist and legs hemmed. Really love the "Buckthorn Brown" color on these, the look of them is awesome.
Vans Chino Relaxed Fit are also a bit big in the waist (at least 1-1.5 inches bigger than advertised after trying to shrink them), but at least the length is cuff-able for me. These are a comfortable amount of baggy, rather than a performative amount of baggy. Probably what most other brands would consider "loose fit". Would recommend these over the Loose Fit for skating. They have some mobility issues, but will hopefully get better with wear/washes. I think these could be decent skate pants once they loosen up. Will probably get the waist hemmed. A bit heavy for my taste.
For both of those I had to choose between sizing up and down from my true size. In the future would absolutely size down on the Loose Fit, and would probably still size down on the Relaxed Fit. I'm seeing reviews online saying their sizing is really inconsistent even within the same fit, so might want to only buy those if you can try them in person first. Both pants are also a bit stiff, but hopefully that will go away with wear/wash.
Theories Lounge Pants these things are pretty nice. Heavier than the pants below but still lightweight. Not as fluid as as the pants below, but definitely not stiff. Sort of hinder movement a little bit, but not a dealbreaker... I don't know a ton about pants but I think a gusseted crotch is in order here since the stitching is what is hindering my legs having full independent movement. Pretty decent pair of pants though quality wise. My only major complaint is the side pockets are sideways (vertical opening) and start lower on the pants than normal pants. I'm not sure if they are very secure too since they aren't very deep, has me very concerned about my phone since the phone has to sit in it sideways... really unnerving. Pants are pretty loose looking, but it doesn't get in the way of function... only the crotch stitching affects movement. These are decent for skating, but aren't perfect.
Vans Elastic Range Relaxed Elastic are really nice. These ones actually fit true to size. Lightweight, cool, slightly stretchy, and move with you well. A bit crinkly sounding but it doesn't get in the way of movement. Seem like they are lower quality than Theories Lounge, but feel better for skating. Not a fan of how the material feels to touch (2% elastic), but these things move so well. Definitely recommend these for skating, but I'm concerned about durability in regards to friction.
WKND Loosies Ripstop (not denim/cords) are my favorite long pants I've ever skated in. Fit well, feel great, closest thing to skating in shorts I've had from a long pant. Lightweight, cool, and super fluid but not swishy. Good quality.Their back pockets are awful (wide open for pickpocket), but their front pockets are huge (and compartmentalized), so it makes up for it. Sucks the color is not my jam. It has some lame logo embossed(?) into the back pocket, but luckily for my colorway the embossing is the same color as the pants so you can't see it. Hope they release more of these in the future, but especially in black.
No idea on what type of durability these pants will all have. Let me know if anyone has questions about any of them.
This batch of pants has got me hooked on loose/lightweight/cool pants with elastic waists. Anyone have any recommendations for pants like this I should check out next?