Wide-leg trousers continue to reign supreme as one of fashion's most enduring silhouettes, dominating both designer runways and social media feeds season after season.
Championed by style icons including Victoria Beckham, Trinny Woodall, Frankie Bridge and Catherine, Princess of Wales, the trend shows no sign of slowing down - not only are wide-leg trousers effortlessly chic, but they're also universally flattering and incredibly comfortable.
Right now, airy linen, soft cotton blends and fluid crepe designs offer both style and breathability when temperatures rise, especially during the heatwave. Their versatility is part of the appeal too: pair them with sleek heels for a polished look, or keep things casual with a crisp white T-shirt and your favourite trainers for easy everyday dressing
- The linen editor's pick: M&S Linen Rich Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers, £28 / $54.99
- The navy editor's pick: H&M Wide Linen-Blend Trousers, £16 / $39.99
- The neutral editor's pick: Reiss Eden Wide-Leg Twill Trousers, £128 / $230
- The striped editor's pick: Boden Kensington Linen Trousers, £69.50 / $220
- The chocolate brown editor's pick: & Other Stories Tailored Linen Trousers, £87 / $129
- The premium editor's pick: Serena Bute Twill Serena Trousers, £375 / $565
Celebrities and royals wearing wide-leg trousers
Trinny loves her wide-leg trousers, frequently stepping out in them as far back as 2017. The Trinny London founder usually styles hers dressed down with a pair of trainers, but I've also seen her wear them with platform heels. She often adds a sequin blazer or dresses in one colour for a chic tonal outfit.
Also a favourite of Frankie Bridge, from cargo styles to striped wide-leg trousers, she usually goes for a high street pair, pictured above in a black tailored style by Stradivarius.
Fashion royalty Victoria Beckham demonstrates her love for wide-leg trousers in both her street style and eponymous fashion collections, while actual royalty Princess Kate wears hers for public engagements. We've seen her multiple times in the same (sadly now sold out) navy pair from Jigsaw, which she's styled with a contrasting white blazer and stiletto heels. When the Princess of Wales is seen in a trending piece, we know it has longevity and is likely here to stay.
How I chose the best wide-leg trousers
- Fabric: Wide-leg trousers have become a timeless capsule wardrobe piece, so it's worth investing in a pair made from a high-quality fabric that you can wear year after year. As summer is here, you will want to choose something lighter like a linen-blend, and I've taken this into account in this edit.
- Versatility: I know some people like to wear theirs with trainers while others prefer heels, so I've found styles suited to both.
- Price: My edit includes pieces at a wide range of price points, from luxe pairs from Serena Bute to affordable wide-leg trousers from M&S.
The best wide-leg trousers for summer
M&S Linen Rich Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers
Editor's Note:
Marks & Spencer's wide-leg linen trousers look much more expensive than their price tag, and with their elasticated drawstring waist, they're adjustable and so comfortable.
Available in UK sizes 6-24 and four different lengths, it's easy to find your perfect size. Plus, they come in six different colours.
Reiss Eden Wide-Leg Twill Trousers
Editor's Note:
I love these luxe wide-leg trousers from Reiss styled with an oversized white shirt. Made from a lightweight twill fabric, they have smart front pleats and a comfortable elasticated back waistband.
Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Wide Leg Pants
Editor's Note:
If you're looking for a classic pair of tailored wide-leg trousers you can wear all year round, Abercrombie's Sloane pair are bestsellers for a reason. Available in four different lengths and waist sizes 23-37 inches, they're flattering and high quality.
H&M Wide Linen-Blend Trousers
Editor's Note:
H&M's wide-leg trousers are made from a lightwieght linen blend. They have a relaxed fit with a comfortable elasticated, drawstring waist, and discreet side pockets. Get the matching shirt too for a stylish throw-on outfit.
Serena Bute Twill Serena Trousers
Editor's Note:
Serena Bute's collection of wide-leg trousers and tracksuits are the epitome of understated luxury. The Serena Trousers are one of the core styles of the London-based brand and this mid-weight twill pair in cream with a subtle side stripe are perfect for summer.
Boden Kensington Linen Trousers
Editor's Note:
Another summer-ready pair - I love these striped wide-leg trousers from Boden. Made from 100% linen, they sit at the natural waist and fall to a relaxed fit. They come in several different colours and there's a chic matching top available.
River Island Wide Leg Trousers
Editor's Note:
River Island's wide-leg trousers have a smart, tailored cut and a comfortable elasticated waistband. The popular pair is available in three different lengths and five different colours.
Reformation Mason Pants
Editor's Note:
Reformation's Mason pants are fitted at the waist with a relaxed fit through the hips and thigh. They're made from a lightweight woven fabric that's comfortable all year round. I love this cream pair worn as a tonal outfit, but they're available in five other colours, from black to khaki.
& Other Stories Tailored Linen Trousers
Editor's Note:
If you're shopping for a tailored linen pair, & Other Stories' wide-leg trousers have a sharp silhouette and smart pressed creases. Made from 100% linen, they feature slanted side pockets and welted pockets at the back.
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