We’ve Tried on Hundreds of Wide-Leg Jeans Between Us—We’re Certain These 8 Are the Very Best

When it comes to the width of jeans, it almost feels like we’re spoiled to a point where decision fatigue sets in.

In saying that, the best wide-leg jeans are the styles that run straight like a column down the leg, before gradually billowing into a slight protrusion at the hem, leaving plenty of room for trendy footwear styles and breathing space for your ankle by consequence.

Still, this shape is one that has been erroneously overlooked, with the style set opting for more trendy alternatives like arch jeans, barrel legs or even novel colours like khaki. But like the workhorse that they are, the best wide-leg jeans will never feel dated or draw emphasis. Instead, they will silently plod along doing what they do best and providing a foundational starting point upon which an impactful outfit can be built.

You need only look to the off-duty wardrobes of style icons like Zendaya, Margot Robbie or Kendall Jenner to realise that, irrespective of your personal taste, wide-leg jeans are a complement to almost every sartorial basic you already own—classic white t-shirts, gorgeous knits, sleek gathered loafers, satin ballet flats, chic sleeveless tops.

The spaciousness that defines wide-leg jeans, however, is subjective to the wearer. For petites, extremely protruding cuts might puddle too much on the ground, prompting those amongst us with shorter statures to experiment with innovative styling techniques like cuffing jeans to reveal a contrasting lining.

Others, myself included, might prefer their wide-leg jeans to adhere closer to the figure, with the trim ever so gracefully gliding along the floor, making them the perfect pair of trousers to wear with knee-high boots or sturdy winter flats while concealing everything but a glimpse of your chosen shoe.

From the denim that’s just as comfortable as your preferred choice of tailored trousers to the expensive-looking high-street pieces that earn fashion editor’s tick of approval, keep scrolling below for the best wide-leg jeans, as tested, vetted and endorsed by Who What Wear’s editorial team.

The Best Wide-Leg Jeans, as Tested By Who What Wear Editors

1. Arket Cloud Jeans

Style Notes: Arket, for the uninitiated, is a Scandi fashion brand that’s become a mainstream haunt thanks to the way the brand bridges affordability with the sleek minimalism and considered craftsmanship that really defines these labels. It should come as no surprise then, these the Arket Cloud jeans focus on marrying the soft cotton touch of sumptuous denim with a discreetly editorial-forward shape. The cut, at first glance, is very unassuming. However, the longer you wear them, the more you realise there’s so many thoughtful elements embedded into the fit. For instance, the leg gradually expands from the waist, which provides a really natural broadening silhouette. Still, they sit right on the sweet spot between the dip in your waist and hip bones, making them a true mid-rise. As Who What Wear UK contributor Emily Dawes said after reviewing them, “the soon-to-be cult jeans are a wardrobe investment that will continue to get better with age”.

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2. H&M Wide High Jeans

Style Notes: If you were to stop any ardent fashion editor and ask them where they’d get the best value for money when investing in denim, you’d probably be surprised to learn that the main store they’d recommend is H&M. Another Swedish brand—though its universality might have you thinking otherwise—you can always rely on this juggernaut to fit any sartorial gap that’s arisen. That’s why we turned to the high-street titan when it came to carefully and critically examining the best wide-leg jeans on the market. And while there are many genuinely great options to choose from, it’s the Wide High jeans that win out every time. Owned by no less than three Who What Wear editors, shopping editor Florrie Alexander revealed that the bold leg shape merges well with an array of structured footwear styles, including pointed-toe boots and chunky loafers.

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3. Citizens Of Humanity Ayla Jeans

Style Notes: When it comes to denim, American and Japanese markets really lead the charge. Of this variety, Los Angeles is a location that’s really cementing itself as a trendsetter and pioneer in crafting the perfect jeans. Perhaps the proximity to the celebrity style set is also what is making these local brands garner global interest, but when countless stars suddenly start wearing one label, we here at Who What Wear stop and pay attention. This was the case for Citizens of Humanity and its Ayla jeans. A little closer to home, this wide-leg pair earned endorsement from local tastemakers like Monikh Dale, Jessica Skye and Marianne Smyth. But to junior branded content editor Humaa Hussain, it’s not the fact that so many style insiders own this pair that makes them a worthy addition to your wardrobe, but the “graceful cascade down the leg” that occurs when you wear them. Non-stiff but structured, these are worth every cent.

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4. Zara Cross-Over Jeans

Style Notes: Whenever I’m stumped with sartorial woes, I always turn to the knowledge of the wider Who What Wear team—we are experts in this category and have come up against every styling challenge imaginable. So, as someone who adores charting the latest trend shifts in but rarely wears denim themselves, I sought the advice of senior shopping editor, Marina Avraam. She immediately pointed me in the direction of Zara’s High-Waist Wide-Leg Crossover jeans. “This designer passing pair has replaced every other pair I earned.” High praise, yes, but one that’s undoubtedly warranted thanks to their snug fit and best-seller status.

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5. Levi’s Superwide Jeans

Style Notes: Whenever I spot something that’s been worn in high rotation by sleek dressers I see on my feed, I can always count on Social Media Editor Megan Storey to have already secretly road tested it first. (That’s the perks of being chronically online!) So, when it came to collating recommendations for the best wide-leg jeans, she referred me to her go-to Levi’s. “Will you ever see me in skinny jeans again? Well, never say never, but I am a wide-leg jean convert,” Storey said. Honestly, the wider the better, which is why I love this pair of Levi’s. Not great for a rainy day, as I’ve learnt the hard way. But for maximum impact, I think the floor-skimming look is so chic, especially with a pointed-toe flat or a kitten heel.”

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6. Aligne Loose Wide-Leg Jeans

Style Notes: As it turns out, I’m not the only member of the Who What Wear team that’s been made a wide-leg jean adherent after succumbing to the comfort and all-purpose characteristics innate to this shape. “I usually go for a straight wide leg jean, it’s just a bit more true to the classic silhouette you saw in the early 2000s (I’ll never not be thinking of those photos of Jamie Dornan and Keira Knightley), but I’ve been swayed by these Aligne ones with a slightly flared cut,” says Rebecca Rhys-Evans, Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor of Branded Content. “I’ve sized up so they’re extra baggy, but with my 5″3′ height, it does mean I need to wear a heel of some sort. I love their ‘in-between’ waist, they’re low, but not too low, and the mid-wash powder blue hue goes perfectly with suede and leather.”

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7. M&S Wide-Leg Jeans

Style Notes: I know I speak for the entire Who What Wear staff when I say you’d be hard pressed to find denim, knitwear, outerwear or underwear—really any fashion foundation—that doesn’t pique our interest at M&S. Denim is just one category that the high-street favourite really excels at, with the combination of designer-inspired shapes and inexpensive price point just so appealing for both aesthetics and affordability. Who What Wear contributor coined the retailer’s pair of wide-leg jeans as one of the top five pairs of jeans for women in 2025. This critical recognition assures its worthiness in your wardrobes, but if you’re not convinced, you will be after wearing these out.

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8. COS Volume Wide-Leg Jeans

Style Notes: While COS’s Arch jeans are the London-based retailer’s denim crown jewel, special mention must be awarded to these Volume High-Wide jeans. As shopping editor Florrie Alexander says, this pair takes a more nostalgic form with a lower cut along the waist and flared finish. But as someone who wears jeans six out of seven days of the week, it was the distressed wash and casual ground-skimming length that really caught her eye. “They’re just so easy to wear.”

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Shop More Wide-Leg Jeans

Are Wide-Leg Jeans Trending in 2025?

Wide-leg jeans are certainly trending in 2025. Of course, there’s recent outings from fashion icons like HaileyBieber and Sienna Miller that prove that wide-leg jeans have well-earned a place in covetable wardrobes. The former recently wore an affordable GAP pair with a simple tank top and humble flip-flops in back-to-back outings, making a case for loose and lax shapes to merit a celebrity favour. The London-based actress paired hers with a more autumnal ensemble consisting of the new Gucci Giglio bag, suede button down and apple red glossy clogs from Miu Miu.

What to Look Out for When Buying Wide-Leg Jeans?

Fabric is an essential part of determining the quality of wide-leg jeans, as this is what dictates the weight and structure of the pair. When purchasing, you should look for a composition that is predominantly cotton, organic or regenerative if possible. Not only is this the more sustainable option, but this make-up will ensure your wide-leg jeans keep their shape and have a bit more of a firmer form. (Even though you might compromise on elasticity and stretch.)

Another thing to factor is length. It’s often the case that the longer the leg, the wider the jeans, which might not be the intended silhouette. I always recommend trying on jeans with shoes to really assess if the pair you’re considering buying is best for you. Not only will this give you a more accurate height, but it will also help you notice any obvious tailoring requirements before you bite the bullet and buy.

How We Tested

Who What Wear editors are meticulous about every single fashion item they endorse, so when it came to testing the best wide-leg jeans, we were rigorous and comprehensive to ensure we were delivering only the most curated of insights. Looking at sales data, industry approval and virality, we whittled down a select edit of styles that warranted a try on. From there, we road tested each for weeks at a time to really determine the best wide-leg jeans. Ranking by comfort, price, silhouette, popularity and shape, we’ve pulled together a list we can firmly stand behind.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.