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The best wide-leg jeans should show off your figure, not swallow it whole. While some people feel intimidated to try the more relaxed style, editorial stylist Jessica Minkoff says, “You just have to be willing to take a little bit of a fashion risk, as a baggier pant is definitely more statement-making than one that is more streamlined. The bonus is that baggy jeans are super comfortable and you can wear them from day to night simply by changing your shoes.”
Many fashion icons donned wide-leg silhouettes, from Brigitte Bardot casually wearing capri-length iterations to Rihanna rocking the long, baggy silhouette practically everywhere. Like any truly exceptional pair of jeans, it’s all about finding the golden fit for your frame and outfit goals.
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Why We Love It: This wide-leg style has the same vintage appeal as the classic Levi’s Ribcage jeans. Except this iteration comes with a roomier shape. Additionally, the all-cotton construction strikes the perfect balance between structured and flexible. You’ll have no problem sitting in them for hours on end. Wear these jeans dressed up with a blazer to the office or a plain white tee and sneakers on the weekend.
Who It’s For: If you’re one for classic styles, the Levi’s wide-leg jeans are like wide-leg jeans with training wheels. The high-rise and tailored legs feel familiar, but the opening is just wide enough around the feet to push you out of your comfort zone.
Size: 23–34 | Material: Cotton | Inseam: 30, 32, 34 inches
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Why We Love It: These Old Navy wide-leg jeans have structure without being too rigid, which is key when looking for a pair of jeans you’ll want to reach for over and over again. They come right off the rack with a broken-in fit, offering a nice balance between style and comfort. Associate Editorial Director Shannon Bauer is a fan, saying, “I love that these have a wide leg without compromising the fit around the waist and hips.” Despite their more palatable price, Bauer says her two pairs have held up for years.
Who It’s For: Whether you prioritize comfort or prefer a relaxed style, this wide-leg jean with a looser fit in the hip and thigh area will be your perfect match. Another plus: The expansive size range, which has regular, tall, and petite options for those who require a different length and inseam. Bauer warns they may stretch a bit with wear, however, “Once you wash them, they bounce right back,” she says.
Size: 0–30 (regular); 4–18 (tall); 2–18 (petite) | Material: Cotton, recycled polyester | Inseam: 31, 35, 29 inches
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Why We Love It: Finding a stellar pair of black jeans isn’t always a fair game. (Who knew there were so many shades of the dark hue?). However, Alexi-Rae Cheson, a senior stylist at Moda Operandi, assures us that cool-girl designer brand Agolde, often spotted on celebs like Taylor Swift, makes the quintessential pair. The cotton and polyester construction feels relaxed and soft. Additionally, Hush, a jet-black hue, is very opaque.
Who It’s For: The brand intends this fit to graze the ankles, making the wide-leg jeans perfect for complementing a loafer and sock combo, or a 1-inch square-toe heeled boot. However, anyone taller than 5 feet, 8 inches may need to stick to a low-heeled sneaker.
Size: 23–34 | Material: Cotton, elastane | Inseam: 27 inches
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Why We Love It: This ‘70s-inspired jean from Aritzia’s Denim Forum has a super-high rise, wide-leg combo that hugs midsections and flares out gradually from the legs, offering a flattering fit. Crafted from 100 percent Italian-sourced fabric, the cotton jeans mold to your body over time, ensuring a unique fit that not all denim can provide.
Who It’s For: Instead of cutting legs off, making shoppers appear shorter, the pants are full-length. Short legs will appear miles long in the longer style, especially when paired with a block heel.
Size: 23–32 | Material: Cotton | Inseam: 30 inches
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Why We Love It: Way more flexible than many mid-section squeezing jeans, these petite-wide leg jeans from Spanx are ideal for anyone 5 feet, 4 inches and under. They come in several washes—dark indigo and charcoal—in sizes XS–3XL with regular, petite, and tall inseam options. According to Associate Editorial Director Zarah Kavarana, the compressive mid-section rivals her favorite leggings. “They feel a little tight when you put them on, but once they’re fully up and on your body, they’re comfortable—again, think: leggings,” she explains.
Who It’s For: “A dark, inky wash screams versatility; from days at the office to date nights, these are the jeans I reach for practically every occasion,” says Kavarana. Remember that the button and zipper fly are nonfunctional (the pants slip on and off easily as a result), but the jeans have functional back pockets that contour the bum.
Size: XS–3X | Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Inseam: 30, 32, 35 inches
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Why We Love It: While white jeans are inherently the best choice for giving your look a grown-up edge, Madewell elevates the look even further with these trouser-like pants. Rather than falling in a straight, rigid line down your body, the cotton-lyocell blend fabric gives them movement. Think: Less like jeans, more like dress pants. Still, the soft fabric is comfortable and easy to wear, so don’t worry about feeling too buttoned up.
Who It’s For: Personally, I hate wearing anything other than shorts and skirts in the summertime, but these lightweight pants changed my mind. Between the flowy fit and loosely woven fabric, the brand made these wide-leg jeans with summertime plans in mind.
Size: 23–33 | Material: Cotton, lyocell | Inseam: 32 inches
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Why We Love It: Often spotted on celebrities like Jennifer Garner and Meghan Markle, Mother Denim is one uber-popular label. It is known for figure-flattering cuts and booty-contouring fabrics, and these Mother wide-leg jeans are no different. It features a high waist, wide legs, and a rigid feel that, admittedly, takes a few wears to break in. But once you do, you’re left with a fit that’s uniquely yours.
Who It’s For: Don’t discount investing in a trendy style like a barrel leg. It’s a fresh take on the cropped jean styles of yore, and it pairs well with so many shoes.
Size: 23–34 | Material: Cotton | Inseam: 27.5 inches
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Why We Love It: Slvrlake is one of Cheson’s favorite labels for wide-leg jeans. “The washes on these are some nostalgic blues that I absolutely love,” she explains. The low-rise fit is designed to sit on the waist and relax at the legs. No matter which of the seven washes you choose, you’ll enjoy knowing that each pair is locally made in Los Angeles from organic denim that has been sustainably sourced.
Who It’s For: “Consider this another great pair that can work from day to night and is so versatile,” says Cheson. They’re cut from rigid denim, so they won’t be incredibly soft; however, they’re relaxed enough that you won’t even mind.
Size: 23–32 | Material: Cotton | Inseam: 34 inches
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Why We Love It: Between its slightly worn hems and perfectly faded indigo wash, someone might think you sourced these from an excellent vintage seller. In reality, you’ll never want to let these quality jeans go, and you likely won’t have to thanks to durable construction. AG crafts its mid-rise jeans with Japanese denim for a non-stretch fit. The fabric is also less likely to fray over time, so you’d better get used to hanging onto this classic pair of pants.
Who It’s For: If you’re a little intimidated by the capri pants resurgence, but still like a cropped look, counter the trend with this more timeless style. Perfect for warmer weather, they flare out just above the ankle, calling attention to your low-rise sneaker or fisherman sandal.
Size: 22–33 | Material: Cotton, lyocell | Inseam: 27 inches
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Why We Love It: “Not only are wide-leg jeans trending, but studded jeans are starting to have a moment,” says New York City-based creative director Taylor Quitara. She adds that these little trendsetters stand out because “The wash on this pair plus the placement of the studs is so beautiful.” The baggier fit adds to their cool factor—we love how they slouch in all the right places without looking too oversized.
Who It’s For: Incorporating two trends into your wardrobe at once can be daunting, but we like how these Reformation pants feature a classic straight-leg silhouette and versatile dark wash to make the gamble feel less life-altering.
Size: 23–34 | Material: Cotton, lyocell | Inseam: 32 inches
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Why We Love It: Gap is a great place to find high-quality items that don’t break the bank. Case in point: These Gap wide-leg jeans. Available in regular (with short, regular, and long inseam options), tall, and petite, there’s bound to be a perfect fit for most people.
Who It’s For: Tall shoppers are lucky to even find jeans that don’t look like they’re bracing for a flood. Finally, the Gap High Rise actually allows our taller friends to participate in the floor-skimming trend (P.S. That also means you can wear higher heels with these pants.)
Size: 24–35 | Material: Cotton | Inseam: 32, 29, 30, 32.5, 34 inches
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Why We Love It: Everlane’s Way-High Sailor jeans are comfortable and movement-friendly, and are perfect for hugging curves. They still possess the heavier weight and stiffness that high-quality denim is known for. The style is available in two inseam options (27.5 and 29.5 inches) and is made with regenerative cotton, which the brand claims is less harmful to the environment. Also nice: The pockets are pretty deep but slim, so they lay flat and don’t add bulk.
Who It’s For: While these don’t come at an investment price, we’d still consider these Everlane jeans for a shopper who plans to hold onto the style for as long as possible. Even after numerous washes, the fabric retains its shape and doesn’t fray.
Size: 23–33 | Material: Cotton, elastane | Inseam: 27.5, 29.5 inches
What to Keep in Mind
- Wash: Opting for a few shades lighter or darker in your wide-leg denim can change the entire appearance. For example, “An authentic, lived-in vintage wash gives off that effortless, lived-in vibe, while a darker, more pressed wash feels modern and minimal,” says Anne Crisafulli, EVP head of merchandising at J.Crew.
- Rise: Your height can help determine the right rise. Those shorter than 5 feet, 7 inches may want a mid-rise pair that hits right below the hip to avoid looking ill-proportioned. However, high rises will always play you favors. “A higher rise is a must—it really accentuates the waist and creates a flattering silhouette,” says Crisafulli.
- Inseam: Inseam is simply based on your height. A general rule of thumb: Take a measuring tape and measure the distance between your crotch and your ankle. When it comes to styling, Crisafulli suggests “Pairing a high-rise with a long inseam that pools slightly at the feet for an elongated effect.” If you want to show off your shoe’s top, try a longer, wide-leg style. A cropped length is ideal for warmer months and pairs well with sandals and flats.
Your Questions, Answered
What are the best shoes to wear with wide-leg jeans?
“Right now, a ballet flat feels like the most versatile piece of footwear to own and pairs perfectly with a pair of wide-leg jeans,” says Crisafulli. Although the wider space at the bottom might seem like there’s room for error with your footwear choices, wide-leg jeans are very versatile. “Just steer clear of anything too bulky or clunky, as it can throw off the balance of the silhouette,” says Crisafulli. Quitara recommends “a slim retro sneaker or classic loafer,” rather than a chunky platform if you prefer flats.
How do you style wide-leg jeans?
Minkoff suggests matching the jeans’ oversized look with a cropped, voluminous blouse or an asymmetrical top to play with shape. “This combo is perfect in my opinion because it’s imperative to balance out the bagginess of the jeans with something more form-fitting on top, otherwise you will drown in your look,” says Minkoff.
Why Shop With Us
Irene Richardson is a fashion and beauty writer for the InStyle team. She researched the best wide-leg jeans, tapped the InStyle editorial team for their recommendations, and interviewed the following fashion experts:
- Jessica Minkoff is a fashion and retail consultant who’s worked with brands such as Cinq à Sept, Larroudé, and Bergdorf Goodman. She also teaches fashion journalism at NYU.
- Anne Crisafulli is the EVP head of merchandising at J.Crew.
- Alexi-Rae Cheson is a senior stylist at Moda Operandi. She previously worked for Net-a-Porter and Outnet, and currently accepts celebrity and personal style clients.
- Taylor Quitara is a New York City-based creative director.
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