All hail the wide leg trouser. With their leg-elongating abilities and stylish silhouette, it’s of no surprise that wide leg trousers continue to be one of the most flattering and popular wardrobe staples. They are especially great for mature women, because not only are they more comfortable than a skinnier-leg trouser, they look a whole lot chicer too. Similarly to a tummy-flattering dress, a pair of wide leg trousers offer great styling versatility, earning a worthy place in any mature woman’s wardrobe.
If you’re unsure on how to find the best wide leg trousers on the high street or how to style them, Senior Style Writer Emma White is on hand to help. Emma has been writing fashion content for all ages, including women over 50, for almost 6 years. She has worked on numerous photoshoots with mature women, helping them to look and feel good in what they are wearing. She is an expert when it comes to scouring the high street for the best pieces, from shopping the top trends to investing in timeless staples like winter coats and boots.
The best wide leg trousers at a glance:
Our favourite wide leg trousers: Albaray Flannel Pleat Front Trousers - buy now at John Lewis
The best wide leg trousers for party season: Monsoon Valery Wide Leg Velvet Trousers - buy now
Wide leg trousers can come in many different forms and fabrics. A more structured pair are very popular for creating a smarter look. While satin and velvet styles can be fun for an evening outfit - and make a great alternative to a wearing a special occasion dress. For a more laidback vibe you can opt for a drawstring waist and sporty detailing like side stripes. Whereas, if you want to keep it classic choose a cotton or wool fabric which can work for many different occasions and looks. During the summer months, linen wide leg trousers are always a winner. They're certainly a fashion favourite that can work all year round. We've rounded up our top picks from the high street, showcasing the many versatile styles available.
The best wide leg trousers to shop right now
Best classic wide leg trousers
www.johnlewis.com
A pair of neutral grey trousers will always look chic and can be styled in so many ways. This soft flannel style from Albaray are the perfect weight trouser for wearing during the autumn and winter months and feature stylish double pleating and a tailored waistband. Dress them up with silky satin shirt and a pair of kitten heels, or try a jumper or cardigan for a smart-causal outfit.
Pros
- Made with recycled polyester
- Versatile colour
Cons
- Dry clean only
Best party-ready wide leg trousers
www.monsoon.co.uk
With the festive season fast-approaching now is the time to update your wardrobe with party-ready staples that will see you through in style. That's where these gorgeous wide leg velvet trousers come in. They offer a luxurious look without compromising on comfort and also come in two other colours, including olive green and chocolate brown.
Pros
- Made with recycled polyester
- Super comfortable
Cons
- Not as versatile
Best wide leg trousers for going out
www.hush-uk.com
If you're after an elegant look without having to try too hard, these are the trousers for you. Silky satin instantly looks luxe and the beautiful gunmetal colour means you can style them easily with the rest of your wardrobe. The trousers are cut in a relaxed fit for a floaty ease of movement and the drawstring waist ensures a comfortable fit. Keep it causal by pairing with a t-shirt and trainers, or for a fancier look try a sequin top and ballet flats.
Pros
- Elasticated waist
- Versatile colour
Cons
- Might crease more easily
- Quite expensive
Best wide leg trousers for casual wear
www.marksandspencer.com
Channel your inner Sporty Spice with these side stripe trousers from M&S. The popular style has been flying off the virtual shelves, so if you're after a pair you'll need to act quickly. They are made from comfortable jersey fabric with added stretch for a flexible fit. If you're slightly more nervous about trying out the wide leg trouser trend, then these trews are a great way to dip your toe in. They don't have as much of an exaggerated silhouette, but will still elongate your legs and highlight your waist. Choose from midnight navy or classic black.
Pros
- Available in different lengths
- Made with added stretch
- Elasticated drawstring waist
Cons
- Not as suitable for smarter occasions
Best wide leg trousers for a retro look
www.nobodyschild.com
70s inspired fashion is still having a major moment and we are here for the retro revival. Corduroy trousers have been popping up all over the high street and they couldn't be more perfect for the autumn and winter months. Crafted from 100% organic cotton, these wide leg trousers from Nobody's Child offer relaxed tailoring that's great for daytime and evening wear. They feature a flattering high waisted fit and gorgeous double pleats at the front. Add your favourite blouse and boots and you're good to go.
Pros
- Flattering high waist
- Made from organic cotton
- Trending chocolate brown colour
Cons
- Quite a heavy material
Best printed pair of wide leg trousers
www.simplybe.co.uk
It's the animal print that has been taking the fashion world by storm. Leopard spots aren't going anywhere anytime soon and these wide leg trousers are such an easy way to wear the trend. Not only do they have a comfortable drawstring waistband, they are made from soft jersey fabric too. We love the high waist that helps to create an hour-glass figure.
Pros
- Bargain buy
- Flattering high waist
- Comfortable drawstring
Cons
- May not be as long-lasting
Best wide leg trousers for a pop of colour
www.boden.co.uk
These trousers from Boden are a bestseller or a reason. They offer a smart look whilst being super comfortable to wear thanks to a blend of viscose and elastane. Since they are fitted through waist, hip and thigh the trousers create a very flattering silhouette. We love the bold scarlet colour, but if red isn't your bag there are five other beautiful colours to choose from, including green and purple. The versatile trouser can be worn for pretty much any occasion, making it a worthy investment buy.
Pros
- Available in 5 other colours
- Available in different lengths
Cons
- If you prefer a looser fit around the thighs these may not be the trousers for you
How to style wide leg trousers
When it comes to styling your wide leg trousers, it’s all about getting the proportions right. Since they add more volume to your lower half, it is important to balance this out by emphasising your waist. Whether you are pairing the trousers with a t-shirt, jumper or shirt, tuck your top in at the front to define your waist. If you don’t like tucking in, look for a top that isn't too long in the body that will sit at the waistband of the trousers to create a flattering silhouette. Aim for a top that isn’t too oversized or baggy, to avoid looked drowned in fabric. Adding a belt can also help to enhance your waist.
Are wide leg trousers fashionable in 2024?
While trends come and go, wide leg trousers are a timeless style that will always look sophisticated. 2024 has definitely seen the leg-lengthening trousers grow in popularity, with the fashion crowd frequently donning the chic style. Its fashionable status is certainly evident on the high street too, with wide leg trousers taking centre stage in all of our favourite shops.
Can plus-sizes wear wide leg trousers?
One of the things we love most about wide leg trousers is that everyone can wear them, no matter your age, size or shape. We would recommend that curvier women look for wide leg trousers that aren’t too tight fitting across the thighs to ensure a flattering fit. Like with any size or shape, the same applies for curvy girls, that it’s all in the styling and keep the proportions balanced.