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The best wide-leg trousers that will be a staple in your workwear *and* weekend wardrobes
Good luck picking just one pair
Our secret to instantly elevating an outfit? Wide-leg trousers. It's safe to say they've been on regular rotation in our workwear *and* weekend wardrobes for a while now, and the silhouette is still big news for 2024 (hello oversized dressing trend). AKA music to our ears – and legs!
Yep, not only do they look unbelievably cool thanks to their larger proportions and often slouchy fit, but the freedom that comes from fabric that doesn't hug every inch of your lower half is even better. Don't get us wrong, there's a time and a place for every style of trouser, but we sure do love when comfort and style collide.
As to where you can wear said wide-legged bottoms? Well, the options are pretty much endless. There are breezy linen trousers that will take you from the beach to the poolside bar in no time, tailored pairs to make selecting a stylish workwear 'fit at the crack of dawn that much easier, and a whole lot of goodness – we're talking about you, cargo pants – in between.
Plus, with spring and summer slowly edging into the picture (we are counting down the days!), now's the perfect time to invest in something a little more breathable for your lower half. But, with the right fabric, hue and choice of top, you can wear the best wide-leg trousers year-round, making the most of the remaining autumn winter season whilst preparing for when things heat up.
Enough talk (honestly, us Brits could chat about the weather forever), it's time to see just what the world of wide-leg trousers has to offer. And what better way than by scrolling through our pick of the top 23 pairs to shop now? Go on. You know you want to.
Oh, and if you're actually looking for wide-leg jeans, we have a whole other edit for that, too. No need to thank us.
Abercrombie & Fitch Harper tailored premium crepe pant
It doesn't get much more timeless than simple black trousers. Trust us, if they fit well and look good on, you'll be wearing them for years to come.
Reformation's Mason pant has been a staple season after season, and it's no wonder why. The perfect loose tailored wide-leg fit, they make dressing for the office easy-peasy. Oh, and did we mention they come in 11 different colourways and patterns?
The Frankie Shop Maesa pleated woven wide-leg cargo pants
If we could add everything from The Frankie Shop to our bag, we would. But the Maesa pants are our numero uno. The combination of wide-leg silhouette with cargo style pockets is *chef's kiss*.
We're very into these checked cuties. Throw on a waist-skimming white tee, grab your fashion trainers, add a bag, and you're all good to go. Oh, and we forgot to mention: they're available up to size 22, too.
Nobody's Child Cream pinstripe wide leg trousers
Whether you go for the full co-ord set and wear your pinstripe pants with the matching oversized shirt or mix it up with a simple black tank top, one thing's for sure: your lower half will be comfy AF.
Butter yellow is low-key trending for SS24, just ask Sydney Sweeney. The asymmetric waistband adds extra style points, too.
Reiss Imogen wide leg elasticated waist trousers
Bottoms with an elasticated waist are already a winner in our books, but bottoms with an elasticated waist that happen to look pretty stunning too? No words...
We're obsessed with these chinos thanks to the soft pleating and oversized cut. Styled them dressed down with a tee and trainers to contrast against the stiffer fabrication.
On those days when comfort is key (every day?) but pyjamas are off the cards, these slouchy trousers with their mid-rise fit and soft draped LENZING™ Lyocell fabric (a sustainable alternative to cotton) are ready to please.
Good American Parachute pants
You've got to love parachute pants for being just as comfortable as they are cool. And they are ridiculously cool, RN. Also, don't panic, but if you like what you see, the other two colourways are pretty much gone, so best be quick.
When it comes to wide-leg trews, if you ask us – the wider the better. And in a rosy pink hue? Barbiecore is here to stay.
Should the rest of society feel as strongly as we do (hint: we're obsessed) about this pinstriped pair, they'll be sure to sell out in a second. Get 'em while you still can.
M&S Collection Cotton rich cord wide leg trousers
M&S does it again, this time in the form of DDG corduroy bottoms that would look 10/10 with a pair of black ankle boots, if you ask us.
River Island Studio Plus Cream pleated wide leg trouser
Chic doesn't have to mean super-spenny. These wide-legged wonders look phenomenal and are only £50 (£22 now that they're on sale).
Looking for something a little more playful? Kermit the Frog green and go-faster side stripes should do the trick.
Remain Birger Christensen Sama layered poplin-trimmed cotton Oxford wide-leg pants
We love the "borrow from the boys" aesthetic, and this exposed double waistband is an elevated way to nail the look. And at 50% off? It's official; the wide-leg trosuer gods have looked kindly on us.
Free People Lyla linen trousers
Linen is a summer staple, but we're not sure we can wait to wear these crinkled beauties. Originally priced at £118, yes you did read that sale price right. Race ya to the checkout!
Karen Millen Plus Satin back crepe pleat detail wide leg trouser
Say hello to your new favourite pair for special occasions. You're welcome.
Frame Le Tomboy stretch cotton-twill wide-leg pants
Wide-leg jeans lovers looking for something a little different, these cotton-twill trousers are perfect for ya with their mid-rise waist and '70s-inspired leg.
Is there anything that beats the feeling of slipping into a slinky pair of satin trousers? We think not. We'll be snapping these up in the black and brown colourways, too.
Courtney Smith is Fashion Assistant at Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK, where she works across both print and digital. She has been in the fashion industry for over nine years, initially as a model and later as a fashion assistant and writer in media. When she is not assisting on shoots with the likes of Tom Daley and Raye or bringing about a surge in online hula hoop sales, she can be found at the ponds getting in some quality time with her one true love: swimwear.
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
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