“My co-workers hate culottes. Here are 7 pairs I’d recommend to them.”

Four images of the writer wearing different culottes in front of a green illustrative background.

NYT Wirecutter; source photos by Frances Solá-Santiago

Culottes — the mid-calf pants with enough volume to mimic a skirt — have been coming in and out of vogue since they first became popular in the ’60s. Today, says style expert Frances Solá-Santiago, all signs “point to a culotte revival.”

If you know what to look for, these pants can be practical, versatile, and styled comfortably all year long. The seven Frances is considering adding to her closet include a stretchy pair for comfort-maxxers and bell bottoms for style risk-takers.

“There’s no other style of pants that easily blends utility and flair”→

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›

Today’s best deal: Not-your-average diamond ring

Baby Gold

Our jewelry expert calls this 14-karat gold ring both “classic and surprising.” It features two sesame seed-sized diamonds for a subtle sparkle, and because the band is open, there’s a little wiggle room for sizing — extra nice if you’re giving it as a gift.

We found it for nearly $70 off→

What’s hot at Wirecutter

Three white noise machines pictured together.

We pitted white noise machines against jackhammers and trains

These four won out→

The very best pancake mixes

When you don’t have the energy to make pancakes from scratch, these mixes can be clutch→

The Blueair Blue Pure 511 on a blue background

A tiny-yet-mighty air purifier

This quiet, energy-efficient purifier is a good choice for dorm rooms, offices, or children’s bedrooms — and it’s on sale right now→

A green Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel folded into a square.

“This towel adds a little pampering to an ordinary shower routine”

It’s the softest, thickest towel we’ve ever tested→

More excellent deals we’re eyeing today

A woman wears the Harper Wilde Base T-Shirt Bra in medium nude shade.

Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

This bra is invisible under clothes — and a pleasure to wear all day long (yes, really).
Our experts call this plush, silky rug “a cloud-like landing.”
This handsome outdoor sofa has extra-thick cushions, and a sturdy teak frame that, in our tests, survived hurricane-speed winds.
These crisp, cool sheets come in an array of pretty prints.

One last thing: We used a battering ram to test smart locks

A video thumbnail featuring Wirecutter editor Jon Chase taking a battering ram to a door with a smart lock

NYT Wirecutter

On this week’s episode of Wirecutter Recommends, our smart-home expert debunks a few common myths about smart locks. And, yes, some doors were busted up in the process.

Smart locks are just as safe as regular ones→

Were you forwarded this newsletter? Sign up here for The Recommendation.

Independent reviews, expert advice, and intensively researched deals from Wirecutter experts.

Get it in your inbox.

Thanks for reading.

You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you.

If you received this newsletter from someone else, subscribe here.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance.

You received this email because you signed up for The Recommendation from The New York Times.

To stop receiving The Recommendation, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings.

Subscribe to The Times Get The New York Times app

Connect with us on:

Change Your Email Privacy Policy Contact Us California Notices

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018