I don't know if anyone is "fooled" by how they look, but these things were entirely worth buying--I'm already looking at getting a couple more colors. Since having baby number three, I've been having issues finding pants that fit everywhere. Some fit in the waist but are too baggy everywhere else; others fit on my hips and thighs but the waist cuts off circulation when I sit down. The drawstring waist in these offer the ability to keep them fitting well without being painful. They were extremely comfortable on my recent long flight--and no worrying about any metal bits or belts setting off alarms going through security!