I’m a Wide-Leg Jean Devotee—These Are the Most Flattering Pairs You Can Buy

As winter begins to fade and spring starts to make its way back into our wardrobes, it's finally time to swap our wool trousers for lighter, trans-seasonal fabrics. Luckily for me, as a denim-obsessed fashion writer, this means it's time to wear more denim.

As it's quite literally my favourite fabric, I can confirm I've spent a lot of time analysing denim trends and trialling the best pairs of denim to invest in. And although I have a strong preference for baggy jeans, I've yet to find a pair that works as well as my go-to wide-leg silhouettes.

Often seen as divisive due to their voluminous shape, these jeans effortlessly combine the comfort of a baggier pair with the elegance of a slightly more structured silhouette, resulting in a stylish and very comfortable pair.

While some people are keen to embrace the skinny jean renaissance, we are well aware that others are not. This is why we've decided to put our expert knowledge to the test and source the best wide-leg jeans. From distressed pairs to classic light and dark washes, these jeans are distinguished by their voluminous look, which widens from the thighs and puddles over the feet.

Offering comfort due to the lack of fabric pressing against the skin, and style points with its flattering silhouette that helps petite girls, like me, appear slightly taller, they are a great capsule wardrobe investment for everyday wear.

From the pairs to invest in now to the best shoes to wear with them to avoid any wardrobe mishaps and make the most of this shape, keep reading.

What are wide-leg jeans?

Commonly mistaken for other classic silhouettes, wide-leg jeans are surprisingly easy to identify. Aside from checking the jeans’ circumference (wide-leg styles typically measure around 20"), you can also distinguish them by the point at which the leg begins to flare.

Wide-leg jeans sit slightly tighter at the waist and fall loosely through the thighs, unlike baggy jeans, which feature a relaxed fit throughout and are often low-waisted, or flared styles, which widen only from the knee down.

What shoes to wear with wide leg jeans?

The answer may surprise you, but you can really pair any style of shoes with wide-leg jeans. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and your desired look.

Petite women like myself often go for platform soles or heeled boots, for added height and to make sure my jeans are not dragging on the floor behind me.

During the colder months, I also opt for cowboy boots so the flattering pointed-toe peaks out while keeping my legs warm. But, for the warmer months, I'll be opting for ballet flats and heeled sandals.

Ready to give them a go? Below, our top picks to invest in now.

Shop the best wide leg jeans