Sorry, Jeans, I Only Wear Wide-Leg Trousers Now—26 Pairs I Really Rate
I used to be a jeans person. Honestly, pre-pandemic it would be a rare sighting if you caught me wearing anything other than my trusty blue—or black, or white—jeans. Every single one of my outfits revolved around the classic wardrobe staple—whether I was dressing up and adding heels and a blazer or down with boots and a knit or sandals and a vest top in summer. Of course, there's no denying that all of the above are still failsafe capsule wardrobe formulas, and from time to time I still turn to these enduring classics. However, rather than jeans, these days the most worn items in my wardrobe are my wide-leg trousers.
Yep, in recent years thanks to a combination of craving more comfort from my wardrobe post-pandemic, wanting my day-to-day looks to feel more polished since I turned thirty, and the explosion of wide-leg trousers as a trend across both the luxury and high street markets, I've gradually shelved my stiff denim in favour of their smarter tailored counterpart.
Ask any of my fellowBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing editors and they'll tell you that a pair of chic wide-leg trousers—paired with trainers, flats or heels—has become my daily uniform. So much so, that I've spent the last few years curating a rather extensive collection of the best wide-leg trousers around, trialling and testing styles from across my favourite affordable brands as well as some investment styles.
Not to toot my own horn, but this has made me somewhat of an expert in the field of wide-leg trousers, and my colleagues and friends often come to me for suggestions on which pairs to buy. The answer to their questions isn't always straightforward, however. Finding the perfect pair of wide-leg trousers to suit your body, budget, style and your day to day needs can be a search akin to finding your favourite pair of jeans—a tough process I'm sure we're all too familiar with.
That's why I thought I'd collect all the data I've gathered and provide you with the ultimate guide to the very best wide-leg trousers available for all budgets. Yes, The Frankie Shop's trousers are impeccable, with a timeless quality and design that makes them a worthy investment. But, not all of our budgets stretch that far. At the mid-range price point, I personally think Reformation is the brand to beat (I have their best-selling Mason Pants in three colours) and they also have options available in petite lengths and extended sizes. COS's wide-leg trousers are famously the best on the high street, with adjustable waist tabs in most designs that mean they fit perfectly. But Arket's are a close runner-up, with H&M and M&S offering the finest affordable versions. That's just scratching the surface.
Keep scrolling, and you'll find my poured-over list of the best wide-leg trousers to buy in 2024—from the perfect classic black style to summer-ready linen and cargo options—and there are styles to suit all body shapes, and all budgets. Below, you'll also find plenty of ideas on how the best-dressed influencers are styling their wide-leg trousers, too.
Best Overall Wide-Leg Trousers:
The ultimate pair of wide-leg trousers which come in multiple colours.
Best Wide-Leg Trousers for Curves:
Abercrombie's Curve Love range is perfect for those with a curvier bum and hips and a smaller waist.
Best Wide-Leg Trousers for Petites:
These are my personal favourite pair. I'm 5'2", and these fall at just the right length.
Best Silk Wide-Leg Trousers:
Best Linen Wide-Leg Trousers:
There are a lot of white wide-leg linen trousers out there, but these are the very best in my opinion.
Best Plus-Size Wide-Leg Trousers:
Reformation has such a great offering of wide-leg trousers in extended sizes, and I love this smart pair in particular.
Best Luxury Wide-Leg Trousers:
Best Cropped Wide-Leg Trousers:
Best Budget Wide-Leg Trousers:
Best Striped Wide-Leg Trousers:
Shop More of the Best Wide-Leg Trousers:
Wide-leg cargo trousers are everywhere, but I love COS's butter-yellow style the most. They feel cool but still smart enough for the office or a night out.
The quality of Everlane's timeless pieces is incredible, and I love that you can buy the matching blazer too.
How to Wear Wide-Leg Trousers:
Liv styles her taupe trousers with an M&S waistcoat.
I love the addition of a denim jacket.
A gorgeous linen trousers outfit.
Stripes are always chic.
Perfect for styling with the Adidas Sambas.
I love how Sasha has paired her wide-legs with a fresh white waistcoat.
Wide legs work so well as part of a suit.
Dress them up with heels.
Or style them casually with flip-flops.
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing brand.
Emily has worked forBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely withBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, teamBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.
Prior to joining theBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.
When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.
Emily is currently on maternity leave.
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