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22 Best Wide Leg Jeans, According to Style Experts

Petite, curvy and plus-size jeans for the perfect fit.

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VerifiedExpert consulted: Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director
best wide leg jeans

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My first ever pair of jeans (or, as my dad calls them, "dungarees") were the ever-so-classic skinny jeans. And so there I stayed, wearing skinny jeans from American Eagle and Abercrombie & Fitch. It wasn't until I worked as a sales associate at Madewell that I began to confidently experiment with bootcut, flared and wide leg jeans. Our on-staff style pros predict wide leg jeans — loose-fitting pants that become wider at the bottom — will remain popular for at least a few years. That's why I rounded up the trendiest styles that are backed by positive reviews from testers and satisfied shoppers alike.

Experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab evaluate the best jeans for every body type, including petite and tall denim styles. When researching the best wide leg jeans, we looked to previous testing data as well as consumer tester feedback to find top-tested denim brands. From there, we tapped GH staffers for personal favorites and scoured shopper reviews to determine the best wide leg styles from popular brands like Levi’s, Gap and J.Crew.

After three years working at the "denim bar," I've learned that sometimes the pair of jeans you're most unsure about (but bring into the dressing room anyway) can often become your new favorite denim style. Experimenting with a new cut is still scary, though, so let our expert-approved picks guide you.

1
best overall wide leg jeans

Levi's Ribcage Wide Leg Women's Jeans

Ribcage Wide Leg Women's Jeans

I arrived late to the Levi's trend. After listening to Emma Chamberlain's podcast episode on timeless clothing pieces, I became convinced the popular brand was worth trying. My favorite jeans shorts are from Levi's and I can't help perusing denim racks at thrift stores in search of 501s. But for a wide leg style, our jean experts named this the best overall in our guide to all jeans. It's just under $100 and available in classic light, medium and dark washes. The high-waisted pant is designed to be waist-defining and leg-lengthening while still feeling comfortable.

Sizes: 23–34 | Rise: 12" | Inseam: 30", 24", 34" | Material: Cotton | Colors: Light wash, dark wash, medium wash, black and white

2
best value wide leg jeans

Old Navy Extra High-Waisted Wide Leg Jeans

On Sale
Extra High-Waisted Wide Leg Jeans
Now 51% Off
Credit: Old Navy

Old Navy is a popular denim retailer because its jeans are budget-friendly, on-trend and comfortable. I'm obsessed with these two-tone wide leg jeans that are over 50% off right now. Online shoppers can't get enough either, saying the jeans have a high-end flare and fit true to size. One satisfied shopper wrote, "The length was great and I am tall and curvy. I am able to wear my cowboy boots, flats or sandals with these jeans!"

Sizes: 00–30 | Rise: 12" | Inseam: 29", 31", 34" | Material: (Recycled) cotton, recycled polyester | Color: Multi wash

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3
Best Low-Rise Wide Leg Jeans

Abercrombie & Fitch Low Rise Baggy Jean

Best Seller
Low Rise Baggy Jean
Credit: Abercrombie & Fitch

I haven't been able to convince my friends of the low-rise trend, but GH staffers agree with me on this one. "I find many jeans may say they are low-rise, but actually hit more mid-rise. These are actually low-rise and fit great," reported Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst Emma Seymour. Commerce Editor Jacqueline Saguin is also a fan: "These jeans have become a mainstay in my wardrobe." Like Seymour and Saguin, I found these jeans hit just right, but felt they ran big and I ended up sizing down compared to my go-to size in A&F trousers.

Sizes: 23–37 | Rise: 8.5" | Inseam: Extra short, short, regular, long, extra long | Material: Cotton, elastane | Colors: Medium with raw hem, dark with raw hem, light destroy, light, dark with cuff hem and more

4
Best Cargo Wide Leg Jeans

Denim Forum The Farrah Hi-Rise Cargo Jean

The Farrah Hi-Rise Cargo Jean
Credit: Denim Forum by Aritzia

Similar to Levi's, Aritizia is a top brand for me when it comes to denim shorts. Their long pants are just as stellar, fitting snugly like a nice glove. Cargo pants have predominantly been a miss for me, but a jean version is a style trend I am willing to try. You can easily slide your smartphone in the two side pockets and the clean hem creates an effortless look. Online shoppers find the Farrah jeans to be cute and comfortable although note that the cotton construction can run tight and the length isn't ideal for shorter or taller individuals.

Sizes: 23–32 | Rise: Not listed | Inseam: 30" | Material: Cotton | Colors: 7 Yrs Bleu Taboo, 5 Yrs Kiss N Tell Blue, black eyeliner, bleach blue, 15 Yrs Brl Thr Blue

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5
Best Petite Wide Leg Jeans

Loft Petite High Rise Wide Leg Jeans

Petite High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Now 30% Off
Credit: Loft

I may wear a size tall, but half of my friends scour retailers for petite jeans that don't drag along the floor. We included Loft's wide leg jeans pictured here in our guide to the best petite jeans. Testers found Loft jeans to be lightweight and comfortable to wear — and we appreciate the affordable price point (even before sales). This relaxed jean is a wardrobe staple that features a flatting high waist and stretchy elastane. One five-star review even called these pants the "perfect wide leg jeans."

Sizes: 24–34 | Rise: 11 3/4" | Inseam: 29" | Material: Cotton, lyocell, elastane | Color: Bright Mid Indigo Wash

6
Best Classic Wide Leg Jeans

PAIGE Sasha Organic Cotton Wide Leg Jeans

Sasha Organic Cotton Wide Leg Jeans

PAIGE is a classic higher-end denim brand that you can find for less at discounted retailers like Nordstrom Rack. So while the $260 can be tough to swallow, know that under $100 picks exist on Nordstrom's sister site. But if you want to splurge, the Sasha wide leg jeans are a stylish option that have a little bit of stretch and quite a lot of rise. Satisfied shoppers praise the fit: "These have the perfect high rise and hug my hip perfectly, plus have a great drop into the baggy 90’s inspired leg."

Sizes: 23–32 | Rise: 12" | Inseam: 31.5" | Material: Organic cotton, elastane | Color: Magnifique

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7
Best Splurge Wide Leg Jean

Rag & Bone Miramar Wide Leg

Miramar Wide Leg
Credit: Rag & Bone

While I don't own a pair of Rag & Bone jeans yet (a girl can dream), I have tried on quite a few baggy pairs at thrift stores. Can confirm that the brand does slouchy jeans well. The Miramar wide leg is designed to be softer than your favorite pair of leggings and features high-stretch denim. I love the idea of an elastic waist to avoid any feeling of being constricted. Satisfied shoppers confirm the jeans are comfortable as well as stylish, and even ask Rag & Bone to release the style in white and black washes.

Sizes: XXS–L | Rise: 11" | Inseam: 31.5" | Material: Cotton | Color: Lenox, noosa

8
Best Mid Rise Wide Leg Jean

Lucky Brand Mid Rise Sweet Wide Leg Jean

On Sale
Mid Rise Sweet Wide Leg Jean
Now 25% Off
Credit: Lucky Brand

Aren't you lucky to find a pair of Lucky Jeans on sale for under $100. These pants are marketed as the comfiest mid-rise jeans thanks to their relaxed fit and high-stretch fabric construction. The brand recommends you machine wash cold with like colors and tumble dry low, plus make sure to turn inside out. Pair the medium-to-light wash with a basic tee and you have a quintessential outfit ready to go.

Sizes: 24–35 | Rise: 9" | Inseam: 30", 32" | Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Color: Free cruising wash

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9
Most Stylish Wide Leg Jeans

Free People We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans

We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans

Good Housekeeping Director Stephanie Dolgoff believes barrel jeans to be nearly universally flattering. "They have a curved cut, so the outer seam is cut wide but on a curve, which creates extra fullness in the leg," explains Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine. They are almost balletic in style, explains Dolgoff, because "while they are obviously jeans and sort of skater girl type, they are also like a flowing skirt." I was only just watching style influencer Lindsey Rem's recent YouTube video in which she highlighted barrel jeans as a summer 2024 trend. Now is your chance to try out the trending style Dolgoff received so many compliments on.

Sizes: 24–33| Rise: 12.12" | Inseam: 24", 26", 29" | Material: Cotton, lyocell | Color: Luke green, falcon gray, ultra light beam, milk, rambler and more

10
Best Wide Leg Jean with Plus Sizes

Lee Women's Legendary Trouser Jean

Women's Legendary Trouser Jean

Lee is another household name in the denim business that has competitive pricing. This fashionable jean is designed to be on par with a trouser and is available in plus sizes 16W through 30w as well as three inseams. A cotton blend gives it some stretch while extra length along the hem ensures you can pair these wide leg jeans with a comfortable heel. One hundred percent of shoppers reported they would recommend these to a friend, with more than one customer going back to buy a second (or third) pair.

Sizes: 16W–30W | Rise: 12.12" | Inseam: 30", 32", 35" | Material: Cotton, spandex | Color: Elevated retro blue, inner strength blue

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11
Best Cuffed Wide Leg Jean

Citizens of Humanity Ayla Baggy Cuffed Crop

Ayla Baggy Cuffed Crop

Sometimes I will cuff my jeans to give my outfit a preppy edge — or to convince myself I'm wearing an entirely new pant. Similar to Rag & Bone, Citizens of Humanity is a luxe brand that sells effortlessly "clean girl" essentials, including this cuffed and cropped pair of jeans. We like that you can choose from nine different washes and that the cuff isn't sewn into position, so you can unroll the hem for a full-length look if you so desire. The jeans have a relaxed fit and are designed to sit naturally on the hips.

Sizes: 23–34 | Rise: 12 3/8" | Inseam: 32" | Material: Regenerative cotton | Color: Pashmina, pagoda, gemini, skylights, quartz gray and more

12
best relaxed-fit wide leg jeans

Good American Good Skate Loose Jeans

Good Skate Loose Jeans

(S)he was a skater girl in these loose-fitting jeans that feature a high waist and an oversized leg. Our style pros highlight the distressed insert outseam for a slightly casual, boho vibe as well as a gap-proof waistband for a secure fit. One five-star review said these relaxed-fitting jeans have a "superb fit and flow." Note that customers found the jeans to be on the more rigid side, but added that they can loosen up over time.

Sizes: 00–32Plus | Rise: Not listed | Inseam: 34" | Material: (Recycled) cotton, elastane | Color: Indigo667

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13
Best Sustainable Wide Leg Jeans

Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans

Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Credit: Reformation

Reformation is known for its clean-cut staples and sustainable practices that aim to minimize waste and provide transparency to shoppers. These slouchy wide leg jeans will make you feel good inside and out thanks to its comfortable and flattering fit. "I love them as an everyday jean and often pair with a plain white tee," says Saguin. Note that the jeans can run a bit long for shorter folks and the denim is heavier than other styles.

RELATED: The Best Sustainable Denim Brands

Sizes: 23–34 | Rise: 12 3/4" | Inseam: 32" | Material: Cotton | Colors: Chesapeake studded, Colorado, di latte (studded), Galveston, Galway and more

14
Best White Wide Leg Jeans

Mango High-waist Wide Leg Jeans

High-waist Wide Leg Jeans
Credit: Mango

While you can stick to classic blue washes, there is always the option to experiment with white or black denim. These white jeans by Mango are only $70 and are made with cotton and elastane for a comfortable fit. We like the subtle frayed hem that nods to the yesteryear of ripped jeans. You'll look extra chic in an all-white outfit; just make sure to have a stain remover nearby for potential coffee spills at work.

Sizes: 1–14 | Rise: Not listed | Inseam: 28.34" | Material: Cotton, elastane | Colors: White, sand, medium blue, black denim, dark blue

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15
Best Baggy Wide leg Jean

AE Dreamy Drape Stretch Side Stripe Super High-Waisted Baggy Wide Leg Jean

Dreamy Drape Stretch Side Stripe Super High-Waisted Baggy Wide Leg Jean
Credit: American Eagle

Perhaps only second to Abercrombie & Fitch in impressive comebacks, American Eagle is back and better than ever with their clothing and jean selections. "They looked so big and so wide when I picked them up…I was nervous. But I was so pleasantly surprised," says contributing writer Amy Schlinger, NASM-CPT. While Schlinger ended up having these baggy jeans hemmed, she was finally convinced of the wide leg jean trend and even noted that the side strip made her legs look extra long.

Sizes: 0–20 | Rise: 11.25" | Inseam: 28", 30", 32", 34", 36" | Material: (Recycled) cotton, lyocell, polyester, elastane | Colors: Hi-low indigo

16
Best Stretchy Wide Leg Jeans

Spanx Wide Leg Jeans

Best Seller
Wide Leg Jeans

Known for its popular shapewear and tummy-controlling swimsuits, Spanx also sells flattering denim styles from shorts to flared jeans. These best-selling wide leg jeans feature four-way stretch as well as core-shaping technology that will have you looking snatched whether you wear the relaxed-fit pants on a dinner date or out on the town with the girls. But more than anything? You can simply pull these on sans zipper — just note that the brand says they run long.

Sizes: XS–3X | Rise: Not listed | Inseam: 30", 32", 35" | Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Colors: Raw indigo

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17
Best Cropped Wide Leg Jeans

Maeve The Colette Cropped High-Rise Wide Leg Jeans

The Colette Cropped High-Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Credit: Maeve by Anthropologie

My all-time favorite cropped, flowy pants were by Anthropologie, which is why I am not surprised the top-rated Colette cropped wide leg jeans have over 970 online ratings. Multiple five-star reviews called this a cute pair of jeans, with one satisfied customer raving: "These jeans hug you in all the right places while also having the perfect wide leg." The front two pockets are an adorable touch, but also a helpful detail for stowing away an office ID card or a tube of lip gloss.

Sizes: 23–34 | Rise: 8.5", 11.75", 12.25", 12.5", 12.75", 13.5" | Inseam: 24", 26", 29", 25" | Material: Cotton, lyocell, elastomultiester, elastane | Colors: Raw indigo

18
Most Comfortable Wide Leg Jeans

Gap High Rise Stride Wide Leg Jeans

High Rise Stride Wide Leg Jeans
Now 41% Off
Credit: Gap

Assistant Commerce Editor Isabella Cavallo and myself are both fans of Madewell jeans, but they are not the most budget-friendly pick. That's why we recommend Gap jeans for a similar style that's a third of the price (when on sale). "The high waistband and stretchy denim make these my comfiest jeans that I own," Cavallo says. She notes that the waistband loosened over time, though, so you may want to opt for a size down. Still, paired with a fitted or cropped top, these jeans create a perfect hourglass silhouette.

Sizes: 24–35 | Rise: 11" | Inseam: 29", 30", 32", 32.5", 34" | Material: (Recycled) cotton, elastane | Colors: Medium with raw hem, dark with raw hem, light destroy, light, dark with cuff hem and more

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19
Best Loose-fitting Wide Leg Jean

Agolde Low Slung Baggy

Low Slung Baggy

Seymour is obsessed with these ultra-relaxed jeans that sit low on the hips. "The dark gray wash goes with everything and the thicker denim is very flattering," she says. If you want to opt for a traditional blue denim or lighter wash, fear not — there are close to a dozen colors to choose from. Agolde is a pricier brand, but a top-quality pair of jeans can last you years to come.

Sizes: 23–34 | Rise: 12.5" | Inseam: 30.5" | Material: Regenaritve cotton | Colors: Milkshake, fragment, void, libertine, image and more

20
Best High-waisted Wide Leg Jeans

Zara TRF High Rise Wide Leg Jeans

TRF High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
Now 85% Off
Credit: Zara

The rise of high-waisted jeans can be just as controversial as its partner in crime (low-rise jeans). I find high-waisted jeans to be super comfortable and an easy way to style shorter tops. But they're definitely prone to bunching up and I'm convinced some are so high, the edge of my bra could meet the top. Such concerns are null with this pair of Zara jeans that Seymour owns but in a ripped style. "I love the shape as it’s fitted through the waist then goes out so it’s not overly baggy," she says. Seymour found the fit to be perfect and observed that the jeans held up in the washer and dryer.

Sizes: 25–32 | Rise: Not listed | Inseam: Extra long | Material: Cotton, lyocell | Colors: Blue, black, light gray, light blue and blue

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.

Headshot of Emma Seymour
Expert consulted:Emma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director

Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance. 

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