The best wide-leg jeans are those that fit perfectly, with hemlines that hit your shoes at just the right point. When shopping for the perfect pair, note the difference between a wide-leg jean and flared or palazzo counterparts. Classic wide-legs are roomy through the entire leg, offering just enough volume without feeling theatrical.
The bagginess of a wide-leg silhouette offers a nonchalance that feels both elevated and cool. Cropped versions (which flatter petite frames) feel more casual and, by flashing a bit of ankle, are ideal for showcasing a great shoe, like a chunky loafer or mesh ballet flat. If you crave a little drama, go for an ultra-voluminous palazzo – the shape fits snugly on the hips with a loose leg that flares out from the waist, and often entirely conceals footwear.
From cuffed and tailored to styles for petite and tall frames, scroll to shop 26 of the best wide-leg jeans currently on offer.
Vogue’s guide to the best wide-leg jeans:
- Best clean and classic: Everlane The Way-High Sailor Jeans, £123
- Best high-rise: Citizens Of Humanity Paloma Wide-Leg Baggy Jeans, £300
- Best low-rise: Arket Shore Low Relaxed Jeans, £87
- Best for petites: Agolde Ren High-Rise Cropped Straight Jeans, £310
- Best for tall: Bottega Veneta High-Rise Boyfriend Trousers, £900
- Best cropped: Agolde Fran Cropped Mid-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans, £310
- Best cuffed: Levi’s Cuffed Selvedge Jeans, £130
- Best pleated: Nili Lotan Flora Trouser Jeans, £455
- Best mid-rise: Cos Volume Jeans, £95
- Best vintage wash: Nudie Jeans Clean Eileen Vintage Dreams, £145
- Best black: Cos Wide Tide Jeans, £85
Best wide-leg jeans with a mid-rise
Slouchy and oversized shapes steer mid-rise waists into modern territory. Try a twist on the casual style with Agolde’s criss-cross waist, or keep it classic with Cos’s Volume jeans.
Best clean & classic wide-leg jeans
Embrace clean, classic styles like the above from Uniqlo. A Vogue favourite, these boast a high waist and flattering cut, ticking all the boxes that everyday denim should. If indigo isn’t what you’re after, then consider the light denim, dark grey or light grey washes. Alternatively, look to Everlane for its sleek Way-High style.
Best wide-leg jeans with a vintage wash
The ultimate choice for a retro feel is a vintage wash. Arket’s Coral jeans (above) are the perfect relaxed fit with a subtle wide-leg and high-waist fit. Alternatively, opt for Nudie Jeans’s offering that comes with a repair guarantee, so you can wear them to death and then bring them back to life for free.
Best wide-leg jeans for petites
While there are carefully-crafted petite jeans available, some pairs are built to work well for a variety of heights with the simple addition of a turned-up (or down) cuff. Take the Ayla wide-leg jeans (above) that fit contributing shopping writer, Julia Storm, perfectly – at 5’3” they hang smoothly off her hips and graze just above floor level, creating the ideal relaxed silhouette.
Best wide-leg jeans for tall people
Look no further than jeans specialist 7 For All Mankind for jeans made with taller people in mind.
Best pleated wide-leg jeans
Pleats bring an extra dose of polish for dressier outfits or the office.
Best cropped wide-leg jeans
The ultimate laid-back take on the wide-leg silhouette. Pair them with ballet flats for spring and boots for winter.
Best low-rise wide-leg jeans
Far from Aughts styles, modern low-rise jeans are the perfect balance of relaxed and elevated. Consider the above pair from Arket, which have a gentle wide-leg and soft curve that work well to complement the body’s natural shape. Alternatively, opt for Agolde’s extra relaxed pair that will ooze cool when paired with a pointed toe shoe.
Best cuffed wide-leg jeans
Another fresh-take on a throwback detail. (Don’t underestimate the potential of a turned-up cuff to elevate an outfit.)
Best high-rise wide-leg jeans
High-rise jeans are a timeless, flattering fit and a capsule wardrobe essential.
Best cargo wide-leg jeans
This is how you get your cargo fix the denim way. Opt for Ganni’s two-tone style that flare outward at the cuffs, or try JW Anderson’s “twisted” take, that gently curves with the body.
Best wide-leg jeans with a double waistband
This subtle detail instantly transforms classic wide-legs into a modern staple.
Best black wide-leg jeans
No wardrobe should be without a pair of black wide-leg jeans. eBay is awash with great second hand denim, while Cos’s Tide jeans are a tried and true classic.
