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13 Best Wide Leg Pants of 2024, According to Style Pros

Pair these easy wide leg styles with an open-toed heel or ballet flats and you're out the door.

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best wide leg pants
Philip Friedman

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After the long reign of skinny and slim pants, wide leg trousers are now having their moment. Not to be confused with flared leggings or gauchos (*shiver*), wide leg pants are their own category that's on their way to becoming the default work pants. "Wide leg pants are a more voluminous style that begin to flare out slightly at the hips with the flare extending all the way to the hem, creating a more defined waist and wider leg opening," explains Good Housekeeping Institute Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine.

Navigating the wide array of pants on Amazon or popular brands' websites like Abercrombie & Fitch and Aritzia to find the best wide leg pants that fit can be a tall order. That's why our editors narrowed down the options so you can spend less time online shopping and more time wearing your online order. Our experts have evaluated every pant style and fabric from the best sweatpants and jumpsuits to the best jeans and faux leather pants.

To round up the best wide trousers, we pulled top-performing styles in previous evaluations that consumer testers loved for their fit, feel and appearance, as well as considered popular pants from brands we love. GH Institute editors and Lab analysts even modeled select styles, as pictured above and below. Read on to find the right wide leg pants for your style and budget.

1
best value wide leg pants

Quince Stretch Crepe Pleated Wide Leg Pant

Stretch Crepe Pleated Wide Leg Pant
Credit: Quince

Quince is all about creating high-end looks that are more affordable for the average buyer who may not want to spend over $100 on a pair of trousers. At under $70 with a 4.5-star online rating, these wide leg pants offer a budget-friendly way to look chic at the office.” We like that the pair is available in a good selection of neutrals including navy (pictured), olive and sand in addition to the traditional black. The front pleats are work-appropriate and you'll appreciate the comfortable polyester-spandex blend when you're sitting at your desk for long periods. One five-star review says, "They drape in a very flattering way, but the material is so high quality that they’re still very professional."

2
best high-waisted wide leg pants

Aritzia The Effortless Pant Wider

The Effortless Pant Wider
Now 20% Off
Credit: Philip Friedman

Artitzia's original Effortless Pant (our Lab analyst is pictured modeling it here) got a thumbs-up from our experts. The brand's recent release, the Wider, has a similar flattering fit with an extra-wide cut leg (hence the name), although it's only available in eight colors so far — whereas the former has four additional hues. We haven't tried the Wider yet, but given the positive feedback on the Effortless Pant, we feel confident this one will soon become another crowd favorite. GH Institute's Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin wears her pair with a cropped cardigan (hello, high waist) and ballet flats. "I appreciate the deep pockets. The zipper construction and the extra fastening buttons feel high quality and give me a secure fit," she reported. However, Saguin did find the pants to run rather long.

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3
best tall wide leg pants

Madewell The Tall Harlow Wide-Leg Pant

The Tall Harlow Wide-Leg Pant
Credit: Madewell

Madewell is another brand known for its wide leg styles, including the Harlow pant available in tall, petite , plus and now curvy. Of the nine colors it comes in, you'll be sure to find a pair that coordinates with your wardrobe. We like that the pants are machine-washable for easy cleaning (fewer trips to the dry cleaner is always a win). Plus, the unique button tabs along the waist add a little fun to an otherwise simple silhouette.

But ultimately it's the length that's impressive. One online reviewer writes, "Taller gals, rejoice, lots of length for you here. Great pants that make me feel grown up." The reviewer explains that they wear the 33-inch-inseam pants with high-top sneakers and the hem is about floor length, noting that the regular 30-inch may be long enough, but the tall version is good for wearing with heels.

4
best plus-size wide leg pants

Universal Standard Stephanie Wide Leg Stripe Ponte Pants

Stephanie Wide Leg Stripe Ponte Pants
Credit: Universal Standard

With a 4.6-star online rating and a broad size range (it's available in three inseams and sizes 4XS to 4XL), the Stephanie Wide Leg by Universal Standard is a popular choice among plus-size shoppers. The high-waisted pant comes in eight shades, each with a variation on the colorful stripes that go down the sides. We like the elastic waistband so you can pull them on fast without fussing with a zipper and buttons. There are also two back pockets. Online reviewers love these pants' comfort and versatility. One five-star review puts it simply: "The only problem I have with the Stephanie Pants [is that] I want to wear them every day!"

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5
best wide leg pants for travel

Athleta Venice High Rise Wide Leg Pant

Venice High Rise Wide Leg Pant
Credit: Athleta

Whether you're traveling by car, bus, train or plane, a great pair of travel pants can be integral to feeling comfortable. Wide leg pants are inherently loose-fitting throughout the leg, which makes them a good choice for traveling. We like the Venice pant because of its stretchy fabric, which can wick away sweat and dry quickly, according to Athleta. It has over 950 online ratings with one five-star review noting, "I recently wore them traveling and they are perfect because they do not wrinkle."

6
best curvy wide leg pants

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love Sloane Tailored Pant

Best Seller
Curve Love Sloane Tailored Pant
Now 25% Off
Credit: Good Housekeeping

This pleated pair from Abercrombie & Fitch is a best seller for a reason. The A&F Curve Love line features an extra two inches through the hip and thigh, compared to the Sloane Tailored Pant. "These pants were really empowering; they fit instantly and they allow me to sit and stand without feeling constricted," reported one consumer tester, who also said they were the perfect length. However, they also noted that the fabric quality could be a bit better because it attracts lint easily and isn't the softest. But at $90, you can expect that the material will not be as long-lasting compared to the more expensive pants on our list. While there are 24 colors to choose from, there is limited inventory since this is a hot ticket item — we suggest you add a pair to your cart while you can.

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7
best lightweight wide leg trousers

Alo Yoga High-Waist Pursuit Trouser

High-Waist Pursuit Trouser
Credit: Philip Friedman

Similar to other athleisure brands, Alo Yoga isn't just for workout gear; you can find casual workwear styles for beyond the pilates studio. Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst Grace Wu tested these wide leg trousers and gave them perfect scores for fit and appearance as well as how the material felt on her skin. "None of my other work pants are this comfortable!" reported Wu. In terms of styling, Wu said, "Either cropped tops or oversized tops would look best to maintain the effortless, trendy style these pants exude." She noted that the pants are lightweight and not warm enough for colder temperatures. Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour, wearing the Pursuit Trouser here, also loves the brand's Flip It Trouser, but finds the style isn't as versatile — plus a few sizes are sold out online right now.

8
best business formal wide leg trousers

Theory Demitria Pant in Good Wool

Demitria Pant in Good Wool
Now 53% Off
Credit: Theory

In need of a more refined style for an important meeting or a work trip? Theory has you covered, although at a higher price. These are the most expensive wide leg pants in our round-up, but if you're looking to invest in high-quality pants with timeless style, these are the ones for you. Made from wool and elastane, the mid-rise trousers have pressed creases for a polished look and side pockets for convenience. Our editors and consumer testers haven't tried the Demitria Pant yet, but there are more than 200 online reviews. One five-star review writes, "They are such a perfect fit and they look so sharp and elegant." Note that some reviewers found the pants run long but once hemmed, the fit was great.

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9
best petite wide leg trousers

Spanx The Perfect Pant

Best Seller
The Perfect Pant
Credit: Spanx

General Manager of the GH Institute Laurie Jennings tried the Perfect Pant and found the fabric "has a really nice amount of stretch that feels supportive in the spots where you need support." She also felt that the pants were flattering and the 30-inch inseam even made her look taller. She wished the front and rear pockets were real, though. If you aren't a huge fan of high-waisted pants, these wide leg trousers may not be the way to go. The best seller is available in classic navy, charcoal heather and classic black but some colors currently have limited inventory.

10
best cropped wide leg pants

Maeve The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants

The Colette Cropped Wide-Leg Pants
Credit: Anthropologie

If you want to add a pop of color to your wardrobe, Anthropologie is the place to shop. These top-rated cropped wide leg pants have a 4.6-star rating across more than 470 online reviews. Multiple reviewers have ordered more than one pair and say that the pants run true to size. Each of the seven colors is unlike your typical striped or polka-dot pattern. The floral print pictured is ideal for a spring outfit while the assorted lettered design feels versatile enough for any season. And if a boldly patterned pant isn't your vibe, fear not. Anthropologie has as a wide collection of wide leg styles on its site.

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11
most classic wide leg trousers

J.Crew Wide-leg Pant in Italian Ponte

Wide-leg Pant in Italian Ponte
Now 35% Off
Credit: J.Crew

J.Crew is home to traditional styles you can wear to the office or a backyard party. While you may not necessarily sport these trousers at your neighborhood block party, they will certainly get enough wear otherwise. Akin to your "little black dress" (a.k.a "little black wide leg pant"), the trouser is available in regular, petite and tall sizing. One online reviewer called them, "Probably the most comfortable pant J.Crew has made in a long time," while another writes, "They look polished, are incredibly comfortable and the ponte doesn't crease." We wish that the price tag was a bit lower, but you can expect to spend upwards of $150 for a long-lasting pair of trousers.

12
best linen wide leg pants

Reformation Olina Linen Pant

Olina Linen Pant
Credit: Reformation

While we haven't tested these pants for ourselves yet, we have included Reformation clothing in previous shopping guides, like the best plus-size wedding guest dresses. While Reformation can be expensive, we find the styles to be timeless so you can be sure you won't be buying into fashion fads. If you are about to hop on a plane to a warm climate, these linen pants have a a relaxed fit that's perfect for lounging poolside. The drawstring waist with subtle ruching gives them a casual flare. Note that these 100% linen pants need to be washed cold and dried flat, so you may want to wear them multiple times while on vacation and wash them when you get home.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

double line break
abercrombie and fitch sloane tailored pant
Philip Friedman

Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she collaborates across categories to ensure our shopping guides reflect accurate product information. She has written on a wealth of style articles including the best women's suits, summer wedding guest dresses and the best pants on Amazon. Elizabeth is obsessed with her pair of Abercrombie & Fitch's Sloane Tailored Pant (pictured) and would wear them to work everyday if socially acceptable.

Headshot of Elizabeth Berry
Elizabeth Berry
Updates Editor

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

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