The Best Wide-Leg Pants for Women

Buying Guide

Skinny jeans have enjoyed a long day in the sun, but trends are changing. Consumers are realizing the benefits of wide-leg pants, especially as high waistbands and crop tops continue to be all the rage.

Body image is an ongoing issue for young women, and the images of other women they see only worsen things. Ads with slim models in super-tight clothing lead to comparisons, and the skinny jean trend only made it more tempting to compare. Runways have been awash in wide-legged trousers, and younger fashionistas have made clear on TikTok that they’re over skinny jeans and ready to embrace the new look.

One of the best things about wide-leg pants is that they’re flattering for a wide range of figures. You can cover the waist area with a long jacket or sweater or pair them with one of the many cropped tops that are popular today. The key is to try a variety of looks and see what works best for you.

But beyond that, wide-leg pants are simply comfortable. They work well for dressier situations where skinny-leg pants might not have been as suitable. You can find wide-leg pants made from cotton or polyester that feel soothing against your skin. Some even add a little spandex to give you stretch.

There are a variety of waistband types available in wide-leg pants, as well. You can find some with elastic waistbands and others that come with belts. If you’ll be wearing shorter tops or tucking your blouses in, you might want to pay close attention to the waistband so it will add to your look. Also note care instructions, since some pants require handwashing and others force you to wash in cold water only and line dry.

For those with long torsos and short legs, the wide-leg pants trend can be especially good news. The high waist can extend the leg, shortening your torso. You don’t have to choose a wide-leg pant to get the benefits of a higher waist, but the look definitely lends itself well to that style.

• If wrinkles are a concern, you might want to stick with polyester over cotton. Cotton can tend to need ironing and wrinkle up over the day. However, cotton can be buttery soft to give you a level of comfort you might not get with polyester.
• Machine washability isn’t a given with wide-leg pants. Some need to be hand washed, which can be tricky if it’s a pair of pants you’ll wear often.
• Unless you plan to have your pants hemmed, you’ll need to measure the inseam of any pants you’re considering. This will ensure they aren’t too short or too long.
• Wide-leg pants come in a variety of size options. If you need plus-size pants, you can find them, but you can also find them in extra-small sizes.
• Some pants feature one-size-fits-all sizing. Check the dimensions to ensure they’ll fit and give you the look you prefer.
• If you go for a pair of wide-leg pants featuring a thinner material, make sure it won’t be so thin that your undergarments show.
• You can find wide-leg pants in various colors and patterns in addition to more neutral colors.
• Not all wide-leg pants have side pockets. This can be a valuable feature, so pay attention to that if you prefer pockets.
• It can be tempting to assume your shoes won’t be noticeable in wide-leg pants, since they tend to extend outward around the foot. But don’t skimp on footwear when you’re putting your outfit together. When you’re seated or moving, your shoes can show. High-heeled shoes can look especially good with dressier wide-leg pants.