The reign of the skinny leg jeans is well and truly over, making way instead for relaxed and wide leg cuts.
The best style of denim for a laid-back look, these were practically made to be worn with a pair of chic sandals through spring or heeled boots in winter.
The best thing about wide leg jeans are their ability to chameleon. Team with a plain white tank and you’ve got your entire weekend wardrobe sorted. Level up with a blouse or oversized shirt and you’ve got effortlessly smart-casual for the office.
We love wide leg jeans in vintage-wash blue, faded denim and cream. Here are our top picks to shop now.
Best All-Rounder Wide Leg Jeans
Sailor Jeans
from $159.95 at Rolla’s
With a length that will skim ankles on tall women and just hit the floor if you’re more petite, the Sailor jeans from Rolla’s are a great all-rounder – they have the details to make them feel more work-appropriate (and a wash that’s dark enough to not feel too faded), with a comfortable, high-rise waist.
Key features:
- Super high-rise waist
- Patch pockets
- Ankle and long lengths
Best Affordable Wide Leg Jeans
Wide Leg Jeans
$30 (usually $69.99) at Cotton On
Cotton On have come through with their denim collection for 2021, with all the right cuts featured (and, in great news, flattering modern cuts for curvy ladies, too).
Their wide leg jeans feel great on, and are wonderful if you’re a tall woman as they have long leg length.
Key features:
- Mid high-rise waist
- Relaxed fit
- Made with 30% recycled cotton
Best Baggy Wide Leg Jeans
Sade Baggy Jeans
From $71.98 at Neuw
You’ll want to wear these loose fit, baggy jeans all day, everyday. Comfortable and flattering thanks to an ultra-high rise cut and tapered fit, they’re the perfect way to pull off the ‘90s shape, stylishly.
Key features:
- Super high-rise waist
- Finished with signature stitch and fob ring
- Available in eight colours
Best Fashion Wide Leg Jeans
5 Pocket Jeans
$320 at Scanlan & Theodore
Scanlan & Theodore have released the most-perfect refined denim this season.
A classic indigo blue wash, this style fits straight through the leg and flares at the end, making for a super flattering cut. They’re at the top of our wishlists.
Key features:
- High-rise waist
- Zip fastening
- Belt loops
Best Retro Denim Wide Leg Jeans
Dazie London Fever High Waisted Wide Leg Jeans
$89.99 at The Iconic
If you’re after retro vibes when it comes to wide leg jeans, Dazie have your back.
Their London Jeans are a classic indigo blue colour (although they also come in off white), perfect for adding subtle ’70s flair to your outfits.
Key features:
- High-rise waist
- Button and zip fastening
- Also available in off white
Best Black Wide Leg Jeans: Dr Denim
Dr Denim Echo Jeans
$129.95 at The Iconic
With the washed black denim hue and ankle crop fit, these jeans are both super comfortable and a great choice if blue denim isn’t your thing.
Key features:
- High-rise waist
- Mid-weight rigid cotton denim
- Belt-looped waistband
Best Designer Jeans: The Row
The Row Essentials Eglitta Boyfriend Jeans
$1591 at Net-A-Porter
We are loving the denim cuts from The Row right now – these super wide, super baggy jeans are the 90s denim we never knew we needed.
Key features:
- Mid-rise waist
- Slouchy fit
- Button and zip fastening
Best Light Denim Wide Leg Jeans
Playback Jeans
$219.95 at Ksubi
Ksubi do some of the best washed out and light denim we’ve ever seen.
These jeans are on the narrower side if you’re still struggling to let go of your skinny jean era in an ultra-flattering cut.
Key features:
- Mid-rise waist
- Relaxed straight leg
- Branded hardware and woven pocket tag
What body type should wear wide-leg jeans?
There’s no right or wrong when it comes to jean silhouettes anymore. However, people with wider hips and thighs might feel more comfortable in loose-fit and baggy styles. Wide-leg jeans often come in various lengths – look for ankle or crop styles if you’re on the shorter side or let full-length bootcut fits show off long legs.
Are wide-leg jeans in style in 2024?
Wide-leg jeans have been trending for a while now. This season, there’s a penchant for even wider, baggier silhouettes. Balance the proportions by wearing oversized styles with slim-fit or cropped tops.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
