I know Y2K fashion is making a comeback and all, but mark my words: I will never, *never* go back to wearing skinny jeans. I’m a wide leg girlie all the way now, and won’t give up their easy, breezy, comfort without a fight. Besides, with the countless cut and style options available in the wide world of denim—from boot cut, non-stretch, and straight leg to cargo jeans and jeggings—finding the perfect pair of jeans is painstaking enough already, which is all the more reason to stick with the style that works for you once you’ve found it, regardless of the trends.
In This Article
Best wide leg jeans at a glance:
- Best overall: Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean ($128)
- Best cropped: Everlane The Mariner Jean ($90)
- Best utility: Pistola Penny Utility High-Rise Wide-Leg ($158)
- Best low-rise: Agolde Low-Rise Baggy Jeans ($198)
- Best high-rise: Joe’s The Mia High Waist Wide Leg Jeans ($198)
- Best oversized: Revice Oversized Jean ($89)
- Best white wash: Banana Republic Côte Wide-Leg Jean ($150)
- Best black wash: Gap High Rise Stride Jeans with Washwell ($63)
- Best gray wash: Everlane The Baggy Jean ($90)
- Best medium wash: Gap Low Stride Jeans with Washwell ($80)
- Best distressed: Lucky Brand Low Rise Super Wide Leg ($40)
- Best stretch: Rails The Getty High Waist Wide Leg Jeans ($149)
- Best casual:MOTHER The Roller Wide-Leg Jeans ($258)
- Best barrel: Levi’s Barrel Women’s Jeans ($192)
- Best trousers: Just Black Denim The Trouser ($118)
- Best retro: Frame Le Hardy Wide Leg Jean ($268)
- Best patterned: Desigual Daisy Cropped Culotte Jeans ($72)
- Best splurge: Veronica Beard Taylor Wide-Leg Jean ($89)
- Best budget: Zara High Rise Wide Leg Jeans ($49.90)
That’s why I’ll never stray from my beloved wide leg jeans. Beyond having a timeless, relaxed silhouette that can be dressed up or down, they come in a variety of styles that’ll suit your ever-evolving wardrobe needs—from high, mid, and low-rise styles to cropped, baggy, and distressed options for a more casual look. Most importantly, though, wide leg jeans are really comfortable and can be slipped on without breaking a sweat (which I can’t say about my now defunct skinny jeans). All of this means you can never have too many pairs of these bad boys in your closet. We took the liberty of finding the very best pairs you shop online right now.
What body type should wear wide-leg jeans?
Wide-leg jeans are an excellent choice for all body types. Whether you choose to wear them high-rise, mid-ride, or low-rise, you can easily find a pair that fits well and feels comfortable and stylish.
Are wide-leg jeans in style?
In short, yes! Wide-leg jeans are certainly in style. “The wide-leg jean trend is alive and well, especially in the past-floor-length, puddle-pant style,” says fashion stylist Abby Young. “A more recent adaptation has been the lowering of the waistline to a mid-rise and even a Y2K-reminiscent low-rise boyfriend jean, which can accent your hips and lengthen your torso,” she notes.
What is the difference between mom jeans and wide-leg jeans?
The difference between mom jeans and wide-leg jeans comes down to the fit and leg style. “Mom jeans have a high-rise and a relaxed fit, which was a departure from the skinnies of previous seasons,” says Samantha Brown, a principal stylist. “Wide-leg jeans have more volume and directly reference the Y2K style and trends,” she adds, noting that they’re much wider through the leg and hemline compared to mom jeans.
Best overall
Our top pick for the best wide-leg jeans overall is the Madewell Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean. These jeans are constructed from a comfortable stretch cotton, feature a more relaxed fit, and come in six different denim washes, so you can easily find a pair that matches your wardrobe needs. The jeans are also available in one of the best size ranges on our list with offerings in petite, plus, standard, and tall silhouettes. We love them because they have a worn-in feel—like a perfect pair of vintage jeans—which make them the ideal pair of jeans for everyday casual wear.
Available sizes: 23-33, 14-28 (plus),
Material: Cotton, elastane
Rise: 10 ¾ inches
Closure: Zipper
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- They look like a pair of vintage jeans.
- The size range.
- The added stretch.
- The relaxed fit.
Cons:
- They don’t have a stiff denim feel, which some might prefer.
Best cropped
For a cropped style, consider The Mariner Jean from Everlane. This vintage-inspired jean features an ultra-high rise silhouette with an accessible zipper closure and comes in a dark and light wash. Constructed from regenerative cotton with a little bit of elastane for stretch, these jeans have that sailor feel with a more lived-in, relaxed fit.
Available sizes: 23-33
Material: Regenerative cotton, elastane
Rise: 12 ⅛ inches
Closure: Zipper
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- The relaxed fit.
- The ultra-high-rise silhouette.
- The stretch.
Cons:
- We wish they were cropped a little more.
Best utility
If you love the look of cargo pants but want something a little more subtle, consider the Pistola Penny Utility High-Rise Wide-Leg, which is our top pick for the best wide-leg utility jeans. These jeans boast a relaxed high-rise fit with oversized utility front pockets in a gorgeous medium blue wash. Since they’re constructed with a little bit of elastane, they have some comfortable stretch to them, too. Plus, they have a raw hem which adds some nice texture.
Available sizes: 24-33
Material: Cotton, spandex
Rise: 12 inches
Closure: Zipper
Care: Wash cold
Pros:
- The ultra-high-rise.
- The raw hem.
- The large front pockets.
Cons:
- The back pockets are a little small.
Best low-rise
Agolde’s Low-Rise Baggy Jeans have an effortlessly cool look that makes for the perfect contrast against a cropped tee or knit sweater. The stylishly slouchy legs offer plenty of wiggle room, while the button-fly and rigid, high-quality denim recall the look and feel of vintage jeans.
Available sizes: 23-34
Material: Organic cotton
Rise: 12 ½ inches
Closure: Zipper
Care: Machine wash cold
Pros:
- The relaxed fit.
- The 100 percent cotton material.
Cons:
- They cost almost $200.
Best high-rise
The Mia High Waist Jeans are a must for nights out and trips to the office alike. Featuring a sky-high waist and full-length legs, these retro-inspired jeans are pretty much begging to be worn with a gorgeous pair of heels or chunky boots.
Available sizes: 23-34
Material: Cotton, elastane
Rise: 11 ½ inches
Closure: Zipper
Care: Not listed
Pros:
- The fit.
- The slightly flared hemline.
- The wash.
Cons:
- They cost almost $200
Best oversized
If you’re shopping for a pair of oversized wide-leg jeans, Young recommends the Revice Oversized jean, which she notes has amazing “quality, sturdiness, and an asymmetrical waistline.” We love them because they come in several denim washes, have some chic distressing that allow you to dress them up or down, and cost under $150. Additionally, these wide-leg jeans are constructed from 100 percent cotton for a more rigid denim feel.
Available sizes: 23-32
Material: Cotton
Rise: 11 ¾ inches
Closure: Zipper
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- The asymmetrical waistline.
- The 100 percent cotton denim material.
- The quality.
Cons:
- We wish they were slightly more high-waisted.
Best white wash
Featuring an elegant high-waist, crisp pleats, and ultra-wide legs, these Banana Republic jeans have a polished, tailored look that’ll set them apart from the other jeans in your wardrobe. The luxe, Italian denim is structured, and has a soft-wash texture that lends itself to daily wear. Plus, the off-white wash works seamlessly with any outfit.
Available sizes: 24-35
Material: Cotton
Rise: 12 ¼ inches
Closure: Fly zip
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- The thick hemline.
- The pleated detail.
- The cotton construction.
Cons:
- They might be a little too baggy for some preferences.
Best black wash
Gap’s High Rise Stride Jeans are form fitting at the waist and hips, and gradually taper out to create an easy, wide fit down the legs. Designed to feel like a coveted piece of vintage clothing, they offer minimal stretch that slowly adapts to your shape with continued wear—for that one-of-a-kind fit. According to the reviews, Gap shoppers love the jean’s leg elongating effect, and the fact that they can be dressed up with heels for a cool work day look.
Available sizes: 24-35, regular, tall, and petite sizing
Material: Recycled cotton, elastane
Rise: 11 inches
Closure: Zipper
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- The sizing.
- The high-rise fit.
- The recycled cotton material.
Cons:
- We wish it came in more washes.
Best gray wash
If you love the look of a gray wash, consider the Everlane Baggy Jean, which comes in a dark gray color as well as a light blue denim and medium blue denim. Designed from organic cotton and TENCEL™ Lyocell x REFIBRA™ material, these jeans also have a more eco-friendly construction compared to others on our list. And, the relaxed fit makes them an excellent pick for everyday wear.
Available sizes: 23-33
Material: Organic cotton, TENCEL™ Lyocell x REFIBRA™
Rise: 12 ½ inches
Closure: Zipper
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- The eco-friendly materials.
- The different denim washes.
- The relaxed fit.
Cons:
- They might be too long for petite sizes.
Best medium wash
Gap’s Low Stride Jeans come in a classic medium indigo wash that won’t disappoint. Designed with a low-waist and relaxed, loose fit, they’re a no-fuss, comfortable option you’ll be glad to have in your closet. The unfinished hem also adds an edgy touch!
Available sizes: 24-35, regular and tall
Material: Cotton
Rise: 10 inches
Closure: Zipper
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- The 100 percent cotton construction.
- The medium-wash.
- The low-rise fit.
Cons:
- They’re sold out in some sizes.
Best distressed
For a distressed look that gives off major Debby from The Wild Thornberrys energy, look no further than this pair from Lucky Brand. Complete with a low-rise waist and a super wide leg, these effortlessly cool jeans have just the right amount of distressing—artfully torn knees and scuffs around the front pockets.
Available sizes: 24-35
Material: Cotton
Rise: 11 ½ inches
Closure: Zipper
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- The detail.
- The ultra-wide leg fit.
Cons:
- They’re sold out in some sizes.
- The back pockets are a little small.
Best stretch
With their soft fading, subtly distressed hem, and rigid non-stretch denim, the Getty Jean has that gently worn-in, retro look that only gets better and better with time. They can be styled casually with sandals or sneakers, or dressed up with heels or ankle boots. One thing to note, though, they run small according to reviews, so we’d recommend sizing up for the best fit.
Available sizes: 23-32
Material: Cotton, lyocell, elastane
Rise: 11 ½ inches
Closure: Zipper
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- The comfortable stretch.
- The denim wash.
Cons:
- We wish they were more relaxed.
Best casual
If you’re shopping for the best wide-leg jeans to wear with casual ensembles, the MOTHER Roller Wide-Leg Jeans are our top pick for this category. Constructed from a blend of cotton, modal, and polyester, these jeans have a lightweight feel with a relaxed fit and casual raw hemline. On top of that, the faded wash gives them that lived-in look, which pairs well with your favorite t-shirt and sneakers for the perfect weekend look.
Available sizes: 24-32
Material: Cotton, modal, polyester
Rise: Not listed
Closure: Zipper
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- The raw hem.
- The faded wash.
- The lightweight design.
Cons:
- They’re expensive.
Best barrel
For fans of an oversized look who don’t necessarily want anything too baggy, Levi’s Barrel Jeans are a fashion-forward solution. They feature a wide yet rounded out ‘barrel’ shaped leg that’s a cross between a paper bag and wide leg style. So you get the comfortable, relaxed fit you crave without committing to a super wide look.
Available sizes: 23-32
Material: Organic cotton
Rise: Not listed
Closure: Zipper
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- The vintage wash.
- The relaxed and comfy fit.
Cons:
- They’re a little on the pricey side for Levi’s.
Best trousers
Love the look of trouser jeans? These Just Black Denim trousers are destined to become your new favorite. Constructed from cotton with two percent spandex for stretch, these jeans are perfect for the office because they look crisp and clean but are actually one of the most comfortable jeans we’ve ever tried on (and they keep their comfort while sitting for long periods of time). They’re jeans you can easily dress up or down, depending on your wardrobe needs, and they go with just about anything, too.
Available sizes: 24-31
Material: Cotton, spandex
Rise: 11 inches
Closure: Zipper
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- The cropped silhouette.
- The comfortable high-rise.
Cons:
- The jeans are ultra stretchy, which some might not prefer.
Best retro
Between the high waist, double button accent, and front slit pockets, these ’70s-inspired jeans bring retro flair to any outfit. The fitted waist gives the retro, wide leg flares a modern touch that instantly elevates any outfit. According to reviews, they run a bit long—but that’s nothing a high heel or trip to the tailor can’t fix.
Available sizes: 23-34
Material: Stretch denim
Rise: Not listed
Closure: Zipper
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- The retro design.
- The thicker hemline.
Cons:
- They’re on the pricey side.
Best patterned
Spice things up with these adorable cropped wide-leg jeans featuring embroidered daisies. The Desigual Daisy Cropped Culotte Jeans feature a retro culotte silhouette in a medium wash with the more adorable little daisy detailing. The ultra-high-rise design boasts lots of comfort and the raw hemline makes them the perfect pair of jeans for a casual look.
Available sizes: 34-44
Material: Cotton
Rise: Not listed
Closure: Zipper
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- The adorable daisy pattern.
- The ultra-high-rise design.
- The raw hem.
Cons:
- We wish they came in more denim washes.
Best splurge
If you’re going to invest in a good pair of jeans, make it this pair by Veronica Beard. They’re beautifully made of a no-stretch, light wash Japanese denim that’ll never go out of style. They’ve got a classic look that’s a perfect match with anything in your wardrobe, and they can be worn just about anywhere—so you’re bound to get your money’s worth.
Available sizes: 23-32
Material: Cotton
Rise: 11 ¾ inches
Closure: Zipper
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- They’re a non-stretch denim.
- The relaxed fit.
- The versatility.
Cons:
- Some sizes are currently sold out.
Best budget
For a budget-friendly wide-leg jeans option, consider the Zara High Rise Ride Leg Jeans which cost under $50. These jeans have a retro feel with their button closure, welt pockets, and cropped silhouette. We love that they could pass as trousers and work well in both an office and after-hours for more casual everyday wear.
Available sizes: 25-32
Material: Cotton
Rise: Not listed
Closure: Button
Care: Machine wash
Pros:
- The under $50 price tag.
- The button detailing.
- The welt pockets.
Cons:
- We wish they came in more washes.
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