Wide-leg jeans (or denim in general) can be a hit or miss. However, according to stylists, most body types can get away with this style. It provides a classic silhouette that can transition from day to night, all while being easily paired easily with different tops.
According to Google Trends, searches for wide-leg jeans are on the rise, with around 41,000 searches within the past month. Why? Aside from their comfort factor, wide-leg jeans offer versatility and many look variations. We interviewed fashion experts to learn more.
Scroll below for tips on how to style, which footwear to don and what accessories to elevate wide-leg jeans with.
Editor-favorite splurge$69.99$138.00
How to find the right fit for jeans
Stylist Christina Stein follows certain rules when it comes to finding the right fit for her clients.
If you're curvy, Stein recommends opting for something tight at the top and wearing wide at the bottom.
"If you're shorter, you want to break your body into two thirds. I recommend a high-waisted pair for women who are petite since you will crop the top part of the body and make the bottom part of your body look longer," says Stein.
"I recommend getting measured as that will ensure your best fit. You don't want your jeans to be tight by your thighs. You want them to be flowy throughout. If you're in between sizes, opt for the bigger size as you can always tailor them to your preference," shares Stein.
Focus on identifying your waist size versus the length, says stylist Drew Cockrell. "There are brands that provide more elasticity in the denim, so it's important that you focus on jeans that have minimal elasticity so it looks firm," he adds.
Expert-approved wide-leg jeans
Not that simple: Wit & Wisdom ‘Ab’Solution Skyrise Wide Leg Jeans
- Very flattering
- Run slightly large
Size: 00-18 | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 30 in. | Material: 67% rayon, 28% nylon, 5% spandex
If you want a darker wash, opt for this pair featuring minimal details. It’s another option recommended by Meister for its simplistic yet affordable design. The length is not too long, allowing petite and tall women alike to wear this pair.
A luxe approach: Agolde Harper Mid Rise Wide Straight
- High-waisted silhouette
- Very classy
- Higher price point
Size: 23-34 | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 31.5 in. | Material: 80% cotton, 11% post-consumer recycled cotton, 1% elastane
Meister recommends this pair since it sits right on the waist, providing a cinched effect. While this brand falls into the more luxe category, Agolde is known for its sturdy construction and soft material. Pair these jeans with kitten heels for added height and to help elongate your legs.
Best wide-leg jeans, according to editors
A case for color: LOFT Monroe Wide Leg Pants
- Affordable pair of denim
- Regular, petite, tall options
- Certain fits might be too long
Size: 00-18 | Colors: 6 | Inseam: 30 in. | Material: 97% cotton, 3% spandex
Add some color to your closet with these denim pants that are available in six shades, from a rosy pink to a burgundy color that's currently trending.
"I currently own two pairs of these pants in two different colors that make it easy to pair them with multiple sweaters (now that it's fall)," says associate editor Sierra Hoeger. "They're comfortable, even when sitting at my desk for a while. The waistband doesn't feel restricting like other pairs of jeans I've worn."
The wider the better: Hollister Women’s Low-Rise Medium Wash Baggy Jeans
- Feels durable
- Baggy style
- Watch out for length sizes
Size: 000-20 | Colors: 20 | Lenght: Short, regular and long | Material: 100% cotton
Editorial assistant Annie Shigo recently received this pair from Hollister and has become her new favorite jeans. “They feel so much more expensive than their price tag. I normally hate low-rise jeans but these fall perfectly on my waist and the legs fit like a glove. I love the baggy look and they aren’t too baggy since they still sit nicely on my curves. I am pretty short (5 feet, 4 inches) and these are the first regular pants that hit me right where I want the pants to end,” says Shigo.
Commerce editor Amanda Fama also tried this pair in a lightweight medium wash and was worried they wouldn’t fit her standards.
“As someone who prefers high-waisted jeans, I was hesitant to try this low-rise, wide-pair from Hollister. To my surprise, they’re incredibly comfortable. Although the low-rise cut feels a bit snug, the legs are wide and breezy. I’m a fan!”
To further test the fit, we also asked our deputy editor Alexandra Deabler to choose a pair. “I like the loose fit a lot, they’re comfortable that way. But they just need to be lower. They’re kind of like between low and mid rise,” says Deabler who is an advocate of the low-rise trend.
Editor’s note: Our pick is almost out of stock, but we found another similar option below.
Hollister Low-Rise Medium Wash Super Baggy Jean
Jeans on the edge: Silver Jeans Co. Mid-Rise Wide Leg Cargo Jeans
- Spacious pockets
- Comfortable fit
- Ideal for tall women
Size: 22-36 | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 31-33 in. | Material: 94% cotton, 5% polyester, 1% elastane
This brand specializes in high-quality jeans with modern designs and silhouettes. I have a similar pair with a straight leg that I've been wearing on repeat for about two months. But this one in particular blends the edgy vibe of cargo pants with the comfort of a wide-leg fit, featuring two side pockets for instant access to your essentials. Not only can you wear this through every season, but pairs well with booties for a grunge look.
Dark (wash) and moody: Wesc Jay Wide Leg Jeans
- Easy to put on
- Easy to wash
- Editor recommends sizing up
Size: 26-38 | Colors: 1 | Inseam: N/A | Material: Does not specify
The vintage-like wash is what initially drew Shigo to these jeans — and she further notes that the unisex sizing helps to make them fit oversized and baggy, which is a plus in her book.
Add some stretch: NYDJ Teresa Wide Leg Pants
- Material smooths your shape
- Feels lightweight
- Not long enough
Size: 00-18 | Colors: 2 | Inseam: 33 in. | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
One thing about NYDJ jeans is that they offer a slimming silhouette and a comfort level similar to sweatpants. The trick? It's in their stretch composition. This pair offers the classic element of trousers with the structure of shapewear, thanks to their Our Lift Technology. The material comes with a slimming panel that sculpts and smooths your shape. Personally, I love NYDJ jeans for their lightweight construction and uncomplicated design that pairs well with most tops.
Perfect pleating: Madewell The Harlow Wide-Leg Jean: Airy-Denim Edition
- Lightweight material
- Roomy
- Editor recommends sizing down
Size: 23-33 | Colors: 2 | Inseam: 30 in. | Material: 61% cotton, 39% TENCEL™ lyocell
"The perfect lightweight denim does exist!" says senior editor, Jess Bender. "I’m a huge fan of Madewell’s Harlow pant silhouette, so when I heard the brand also made them in jean form, I immediately snatched a pair up. The pleating is a chic touch that is perfect for work ‘fits — I like pairing them with a flowy sweater or blouse and a belt to accentuate my waist a bit — and the material and wider leg opening gives them an extra breezy feel."
Back to basics: Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean
- Hits below the ankle
- Fit true to size
- Feel tight when sitting down
Size: 23-33 | Colors: 3 | Inseam: 30-32 in. | Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane
The classic silhouette of this pair allows versatility to mix and match with tops, T-shirts, button-down shirts and more. I've loved these jeans from the moment I tried them on. While they feel tight at the belly button when you sit down, they offer great construction and a clean cut.
I opted for the Enmore wash, as this can be easily styled with other slouchy tops. Plus, they're wide without being extra baggy, which is the perfect amount of width you want if you're wearing boots.
Hoeger also owns these jeans in a darker wash, and she notes their her most-worn pair. "They're the right amount of form-fitting in the waist and thigh, then widen out when you get to the ankles," she says.
"I have way too many pairs of jeans, but I couldn’t resist snagging this pair recently," says senior partnerships editor Francesca Cocchi Zabloudil, who also owns this popular pair of jeans. "The denim feels so high quality, and I love the flattering silhouette on my petite frame. They’re the kind of jeans that are actually comfortable, so I can already tell I’ll be reaching for them over and over again.
Lift that back: SPANXshape EveryWear Wide Leg Jeans
- Easy to put on
- Super stretchy
- Sizing up is recommended
Size: XS-3X | Colors: 1 | Inseam: 30-35 in. | Material: 87% cotton, 11% polyester, 2% elastane
"When I saw that there was no zipper or button and these were essentially pull-on pants, I was nervous. However, they were so easy to pull on and felt like butter. They are my first pair of Spanx pants and I will definitely be shopping them for denim, from now on," says Shigo.
True to oversize: Parke Low Rise Baggy Jean
- Multiple colors available
- Not the most inclusive sizing
Size: 23-32 | Colors: 5 | Inseam: N/A | Material: 100% cotton
These jeans are “designed to be oversized,” according to the brand. “These jeans have become a new staple in my fall wardrobe,” says production coordinator Camryn Privette. “I love how baggy and wide they are without being too oversized and unflattering. The material is super moveable and comfy to the touch. These will be in my rotation for years to come!”
Frequently asked questions
According to Meister, wide-leg jeans are a versatile style for several body shapes and sizes. In general, wide-leg or flare cuts create an elongated silhouette and offer a slimming effect on the body. But if the wide-leg has a high-waisted fit, Meister says they can "help create the look of a cinched-in and defined waist."
"The best body types for wide-leg jeans include women with wider hips or mid-section, wider thighs or straight legs with less curves," says Meister.
"This style creates balance and proportion as well as emphasis on the natural curves of the waist and booty. Wide-leg jeans are a more comfortable fit than traditional skinny jeans. They have more of a relaxed fit in the thighs and waist and can be a great alternative to wearing the more restricting straight cut or skinny styles," adds Meister.
Additionally, women who have bigger thighs and legs can benefit from this style. "It's a very forgivable style that most body types can wear," says Cockrell.
Since you're adding volume to the bottom half of your body, Meister recommends opting for form-fitted tops such as bodysuits, tank tops, fitted T-shirts or cropped jackets to help balance the look.
Stein prefers cropped tops to balance the heaviness of the wide-leg bottom. "Highlight the smaller part of your waist by wearing tighter tops or a bodysuit."
In other words, when pairing wide-leg jeans, always focus on balancing the proportions with tighter pieces on the top.
Meister advises wearing heels, platform loafers or sneakers for a more flattering look. "These styles help balance the proportions of the flare or wide-leg style. If you are on the petite side, some kind of platform or heel paired with a flare or wide leg is best," says Meister.
However, if you're on the taller side opt for a shoe "that pops under the flare or wide leg. A chunkier shoe looks best paired with this style and will balance the look," adds Meister.
Also, you want to opt for the longer length. "There's so much you can do with that extra length of hem. You can cuff it and roll it, and opt for a chunky pair of shoes or combat boots," says Cockrell.
How we chose
We asked stylists for their best denim recommendations and which brands offer a better fit. Shop TODAY editors also tried different pairs while considering availability and size inclusivity. Finally, I [Espinal] selected designs that offer a great fit and construction across the board
Meet the experts
- Christina Stein is a stylist and founder of Style By Christina.
- Drew Cockrell is a personal and celebrity stylist based in Los Angeles.
- Jana Meister is an on-air stylist based in Kansas City with over 10 years of experience.
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