The Best Wide-Leg Jeans – According To Stylists And Grazia’s Fashion Editors

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate fusion of comfort and style, look no further than the wide-leg jean – a perfect blend of casual cool and business chic. While its resurgence may seem like a recent phenomenon, this trend actually harkens back to the late nineties and early Noughties, now enjoying a renaissance in 2024. Celebrities like the Hadid sisters and Rihanna have breathed new life into this fashion staple, making it a must-have item for modern wardrobes. To delve deeper into the wide-leg jean comeback, we caught up with Megan Watkins Head stylist at Silkfred, to uncover the reasons behind its resurgence, tips for styling, and recommendations for the best options on the market.

During the pandemic, most of us made a beeline for comfortable clothing and athleisure (even if exercise wasn't in the picture). 'Tracksuits, linen and cotton reigned supreme and we started to wonder how we ever endured the stiffness of classic jeans for an entire day,' says Watkins. 'Although most of us had ditched the skinny jeans for mom or boot-leg jeans a couple years prior to the pandemic, ultra-baggy silhouettes still hadn't come to the forefront. Once the lockdowns were lifted and we ventured back into the world again, we realised that although we had to ditch the tracksuits, we still wanted to keep that level of comfort. Enter: the slouchy jean.'

She also added that the rise in popularity of slouchy and wide-leg jeans can also be attributed to the rise of Y2K fashion trends. 'Micro skirts,baby tees, velour tracksuits, parachute pants and skater-style cargo pants also saw a return, and slouchy jeans help us recreate this silhouette in a more dressed-up fashion,' she continues.

What's more, baggy jeans are the ultimate wardrobe workhorse when you don't feel like wearing something body-skimming but still want to look the part.

How would you suggest styling wide-leg jeans?

It's all well and good having a pair of wide-leg jeans, but if you don't know how to style them, they will forever sit at the back of your wardrobe. The good thing about denim is, that it's uber versatile and works with virtually every colour, including 'the seasons hottest hue, which is red.' Megan suggests, 'as you are already creating volume on the lower half of your body, it is important to create balance up top. Although, an oversized blazer or long wool coat can look great with slouchy jeans, make sure the top underneath isn't also baggy. A simple slim-fit tee or cropped crew-necked cardigan is a failsafe everyday look.'

To incorporate the wide-leg jeans into your evening wardrobe, 'I would suggest pairing them with some pointy-toed slingback heels that peep out from under your cuff, a simple top that won't take away from the statement jean, such as a Y2K-inspired halter or bandeau. Finish the look off with a flower choker and a slicked-back hairstyle.

I've gone for the classic denim on denim look below, and teamed it with some timberland boots - they'll never get old!

How do I find a good pair of wide-leg jeans?

Feeling tempted? Well, to find the best wide-leg jeans you've come to the right place. The first thing you need to consider is the look you're after. 'It is important to determine how wide or baggy you'd like to go,' says Watkins. And in doing so you need to make sure that 'the waist is true-to-size as you want the leg to be baggy and not the waist. Otherwise it can look like you're just wearing trousers that are too big for you.'

Wide-leg jeans look good on everyone but if you're on the shorter or taller side this can be quite difficult. But fret not, we've got you covered.

For Petite (5'3 and under): Looking for retailers that stock shorter leg lengths will be your saviour, as jeans that are too long will swallow you up. We love ASOS, Next, Good American and Abercrombie & Fitch. Our beauty writer Sameeha is 5'1 and recommends shopping at Cos. Although they don't stock different leg lengths, the quality of denim, silhouettes and styles are worth going the extra mile. And there's always the tailor.

For Tall (5'8 and over): In order to achieve the wide-leg look as a tall girl, you need trousers that sweep the floor and either sit comfortably on or cover some of your shoe, otherwise it can look like a regular jeans. If you're 5'10 like me, lengths 34-36 (inseam length) allows for more bagginess without cutting you off. ASOS are really good at providing a variety of leg lengths.

Pro tip! 'If you find a wide-leg jean that you really like but the waist and leg length don't work for you - don't hesitate taking them to the tailors. Alterations are a great investment and you can keep getting them altered as you evolve!', says Watkins.

'Right now, I'm loving black wide-leg jeans as they are so easy to style and look ultra-cool with a black blazer and classic white shirt - the ultimate day to night look,' she continues.

Best Wide-leg Jeans At A Glance:

Best Petite Wide-leg Jeans: Abercrombie & Fitch, High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean

Best Tall Wide-leg Jeans: ASOS, Design Tall Soft Wide-leg Jean in Mid Blue

Best High-waisted Wide-leg Jeans: Levi's, Ribcage Wide-leg Jeans

Best Low-waisted Wide-leg Jeans: Arket, CLOUD Low Loose Jeans

As a seasoned team of fashion journalists, our days are filled with showroom visits, photoshoots and intimate conversations with industry insiders - and here are our favourite wide-leg jeans to buy now.

Shop: Best Wide-leg Jeans

Wide-leg Jeans FAQ

What body type should wear wide-leg jeans?

Wide-leg jeans are perfect for all body types, but particularly flattering for those with pear or hourglass figures as they balance out wider hips.

What is the difference between wide-leg jeans and flared ?

While both styles feature wider leg openings, wide-leg jeans maintain a straight silhouette from the hips to the hem, while flared jeans taper through the thighs before flaring out dramatically below the knee.

What shoes to wear with wide-leg jeans?

Wide-leg jeans offer versatility in footwear choices. For a casual look, pair them with chunky loafers or boots. You can spice up your wide-leg jeans with heels or wedges for a chic alternative.

Renee Washington, Grazia's Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.