Wide leg pants are having a moment, and it’s about time. After years of squeezing into skintight denim, we’re collectively exhaling into a silhouette that actually lets us move. And breathe. And eat lunch without unbuttoning.
This isn’t just another flash-in-the-pan trend. Wide legs are the wardrobe staple we didn’t know we needed–versatile enough to take us from rushed mornings to lazy Sundays, and everywhere in between. They’re the sartorial equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, but infinitely more stylish.
Sure, your initial reaction might be skepticism. “Aren’t these just glorified pajama pants?” you ask. Well, yes and no. They’re comfortable enough to nap in, but polished enough to wear to that parent-teacher conference you forgot about until the last minute. (It’s me!)
The beauty of wide leg pants lies in their chameleon-like ability to adapt. Pair them with colorful sneakers for a quick grocery run, or dress them up with heels for date night. They work just as well for chasing toddlers as they do for chasing promotions.
They’re also universally flattering. The right pair will have a knack for highlighting your best features while smoothing over the parts you’re maybe not so keen on. High waists cinch, flowing legs elongate, and suddenly everyone’s looking like they’ve got legs for days. (I’m 5’2″. This is an illusion I’ve been chasing for decades.) You might have to try a few pair to find your perfect match, but with so many to choose from, I promise it’s out there.
So whether you’re a seasoned fashion enthusiast or someone who just wants to look put-together without too much effort, it’s time to embrace the wide leg revolution. We’ve rounded up some of the most raved-about styles in the category along with some personal faves. Many of them are available in a wide range of sizes to customize the fit so you can simply get to slaying–as usual. Your fall wardrobe starts here!
Our favorite wide leg pants
Old Navy
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$40
A true affordable icon in the category, Old Navy’s wide-leg version of their Pixie Pants checks all the boxes. They get rave reviews for their flattering fit with a leg that’s not overly wide and a thicker fabric that smooths everything out. Flat pockets and a seam down the leg help to elongate even my short stems and who doesn’t love an elastic waist? I mean, they’re practically sweatpants! Pull them on with a long sleeve tee and some fresh sneakers or pair them with a cute sweater and heels for a more professional look. They’re incredibly versatile and come in petite, regular and tall in four neutral colors as well as a timeless houndstooth print.
Maeve
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$120
The Colette Cropped Pant from Anthropologie’s Maeve label just may be one of the most universally beloved pant styles in recent memory. And why not? The timeless cut looks incredible on everyone and because they have just the right amount of stretch they’re insanely comfy without bagging out after a day of wear. For me though, it’s the detailing that has me hooked. The wide hem? Love. Patch front pockets? Adorbs. Eye-catching and oh-so-flattering vertical seaming across the back waistband? SOLD.
P.S. Because they’re so beloved, they’re offered in literally 17 different colors and standard, tall, petite, and plus sizing. They’re also available in full length if that’s more your style.
Aritzia
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$148
The Effortless Pant from Aritzia is another oft-recommended style that we personally love. The gentle pleats give a more polished, menswear-inspired style which looks super fresh when dressed down with a sweatshirt and sneakers. Their Japanese Crepette fabric washes perfectly, works in all seasons and doesn’t even wrinkle. For all those reasons, they’ve lasted multiple seasons with no sign of quitting any time soon. In short, they’re kind of the perfect pant! (But they do come in a ton of colors if you start to get tired of the same thing.)
Quince
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$49.90
Few brands have consistently impressed me as much as Quince. I’ve written about my love for their cashmere sweaters and athletic wear, and lived in their tanks this summer. Another style that’s high on my list this fall is their Ultra-Stretch Ponte Super Wide Leg Pants. Allegedly a best-in-class dupe for a $200 Instagram famous pair that’s stalked me for ages, they get glowing reviews for quality, fit, and a price tag that’s almost 75% cheaper. The elastic waistband and stretchy ponte fabric makes them equally great for work or hanging out and since they don’t wrinkle they’re great for travel too.
Levi’s
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$62.65 $89.50
Of course they’re pros in the denim department, but don’t sleep on Levi’s chinos. This mid-rise style pairs so easily with tees and sneakers and has just enough stretch to allow for impromptu soccer games at school pick up. They’re available in two inseam lengths and four neutral colors.
Carve Designs
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$99
If you’re looking to go gently into wide-leg territory, check out this super soft cord option from Carve Designs. The relaxed fit and cropped length is casual but still polished and looks equally on point with heeled boots or practical flats.
Madewell
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$118
This Madewell best-seller has racked up hundreds of reviews calling them everything from “the dictionary definition of snatched” to “unicorn trousers” and honestly, we’d have to agree. The drape doesn’t overwhelm your frame and the pleats aren’t too poofy. The only thing to note is that they don’t offer much–if any–stretch in the waist, so be sure to measure or try them on.
Beyond Yoga
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$114
Wide leg trousers, athleisure edition. From Beyond Yoga’s fall collection, I admit I’m personally obsessed with the Status Wide Leg Trousers. The elastic waist makes them feel like you’re wearing pajamas even though you actually look like a million bucks. They’re lightweight and perfect for everything from errands to airports!
Athleta
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$87.20
Similarly, this flowy, breathable style from Athleta’s popular Brooklyn collection blends sporty with sophisticated. The airy fabric is ideal for travel since they take up zero space and dry almost instantly. I love how chic they look with a long jacket!
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