I Wore These Baggy Jeans to the Office. Now My Co-Workers Can't Stop Buying Them.
Plus, we asked a fashion stylist to share her best tips for nailing the trend.
Tested by Emma SeymourTextiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Associate Director
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Give me the choice of shorts or jeans, and I'll take the latter every time. That's because baggy jeans are arguably the most effortless and most comfortable way to wear denim. And believe me when I say I've cycled through my fair share of jeans ... skinny, capri, flared — you name it. Coming from someone who worked in a clothing boutique in college, witnessing passing fads, and who reports on shopping trends for a living, nothing competes with the slouchy, roomy fit of baggy jeans.
Luckily, fashion stylist Catherine Bibeau sees no signs of the baggy jean trend slowing. "Baggy jeans with more of a fitted waist and a bell bottom are super popular right now with TikTok trends and throughout editorial magazines," according to the stylist. "You’ll notice a mix of dark wash and light wash throughout the season this year as denim is going to be hot!"
I also gathered a brain trust of style experts, including our own in-house textiles pro Emma Seymour, and tapped their impeccable taste and styling tips. From wide-leg to low-rise options or boot cut to tapered, these picks puddle into our curated list of baggy jeans for every body type.
Banding a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants among staffers on my floor, these Abercrombie jeans flattered across different heights and sizes, becoming part of an unofficial work uniform. It comes in five (!) inseam lengths — extra short to extra long — to ensure anyone from below 5 feet to over 6 feet can find their ideal fit. I also love dialing up the slouchiness with the Ultra Loose version of these.
TESTER NOTES: When I think of the quintessential baggy jeans, nothing quite compares to these. The low-rise pair has quite literally stopped my co-workers in their tracks to ask me where to get one of their own. When I get dressed in the morning, I can't help but reach for these pants because of A) how easy they are to style with a basic tee and B) how comfortably and loosely they fit on my hips. For sizing, I sized down one full size and opted for the short — as I do for all of Abercrombie's bottoms — even though I'm 5'4. Upon finding the right size, they fit perfectly!
Universal Thread Women's Mid-Rise 90's Baggy Jeans
At under $22, Universal Thread makes some of our favorite baggy denim for less. They're made with 100% cotton for a more structured silhouette. And we're impressed by the Target brand's size range, which spans sizes 00 to 30 and three different inseam lengths. It also has a mid-rise fit, so you can easily style it with cropped tops or full-length shirts.
TESTER NOTES: "I always struggle to find a pair of jeans that hugs my curves right without being too tight, too loose or just has a weird look. I love styling these gray high-rise jeans with a T-shirt for an edgy and chic look! They are so comfortable and versatile!" — Valerie Agyeman, contributing dietitian
Levi's Ribcage Wide Leg Women's Jeans
Maybe you already own a pair or two of Levi's. Since 1853, the brand has been a trailblazer for jeans, weaving good quality denim with timeless silhouettes. This ribcage style fits the bill, rising high on the waist and billowing into a loose fit.
I love the vintage-inspired design. And its dark blue wash pairs well with a plain button-up for work ensembles, while its classic medium wash dresses down for off-duty outfits.
TESTER NOTES: "I have owned these jeans in the white color for a few years, and I love them. They look more beige/tan than white, which makes them perfect with a nicer blouse or sweater to wear to work and paired with a crop top or tank top to wear out and about. I used to wear these jeans all the time to internships in college because they're so loose and comfortable but still looked somewhat professional. Now they are my favorite pair of jeans for autumn because they fit the dark academia type of style!" — Isabella Cavallo, assistant commerce editor
American Eagle Dreamy Drape Stretch Super High-Waisted Baggy Wide-Leg Jean
All ages raved about these Dreamy Drape jeans when we put a call out for the best baggy jean recommendations. American Eagle is one of our favorite clothing brands for size-inclusive pants, underscored by this pair's soft, lightweight denim that ranges from 000 Short to 20 Long. True to the style's name, it has a slouchy fit and ends with a frayed hem for a fringe of casualness.
TESTER NOTES: "I love how chic and stylish these jeans look, especially with a simple tee. They're so easy to style and so comfortable. I've even worn these on a few flights! I reach for them year-round, even in the summer because of how breathable and lightweight they are (without feeling flimsy). They still look new after a year of frequent wear." — Courtesy of a Good Housekeeping tester
Universal Standard Donna High Rise Curve Straight Leg Jeans
Spanning sizes 0 to 40, Universal Standard's sample size is 18. It's constructed with a bit of stretch to prevent gaping in the waist or sagging at the hips. These jeans feature a straight-leg shape that bags at the ankles, so I'd opt to pair these with slim footwear like loafers and mules.
TESTER NOTES: "These baggy straight-leg jeans are super comfortable and offer a loose fit, thanks to the stretch fabric. I'd recommend even sizing down one size! I love the look, but one thing to note — the open holes on the legs can easily catch on drawer knobs and rip the fabric (I've had to patch up a couple of spots.)" — Lauren Matthews, group executive digital content director
Free People We The Free Good Luck Mid-Rise Barrel Jeans
Consider "barrel jeans" a new take on wide-leg jeans. Falling into the oversize category, the exaggerated silhouette has extra volume throughout the leg area, tapping Western trends, per Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine.
These pair well with simple flip-flops or sandals to keep the jeans the focal point. Not to mention, it comes in 18 styles, including cargo green to chic black.
TESTER NOTES: "I was searching for the perfect pair of baggy jeans and finally found them. These jeans have been my go-to since Day One, with the cut and shape being ideal for my shorter frame. They're incredibly flattering and versatile, easily dressed up or down. I sized up for a more low-rise look, but the rise is highly adjustable with a belt. Whether worn low-rise or adjusted higher, these jeans consistently deliver on style and comfort, making them my favorite and most versatile pair." — Sophie Park, commerce content strategy manager
Gap takes the thing I love most about baggy jeans (i.e. comfort) and kicks it up a notch. Made from a Tencel blend, its ultra-soft fabric — reminiscent of jeggings — feels lightweight and flowy and less structured than other jeans on this list. They hit mid-waist, meaning you can experiment with different shirt lengths. Whether you wear regular, tall or petite, the pair also comes in three coordinating inseam lengths.
TESTER NOTES: These pants put the "wide" in wide leg. Combined with its comfy, drapey fabric, the exaggerated silhouette looked chic and flowy. I'm obsessed with the dark indigo wash because it looks professional around the office. Contrasting elements can easily elevate an outfit, which is why I paired the casual button down and jeans with a pointed kitten heel. They hit the perfect length, but were an inch too long when I wore them with flats. That said, I found the perfect fit by sizing down from my typical size and opting for a short.
Reformation Cary High Rise Slouchy Wide Leg Jeans
Don't make the same mistake I did by sleeping on Reformation's jeans. Many know the brand for its coveted dresses that seem straight out of a bridal catalog. However, their denim is well-crafted and equally stylish. This pair's relaxed fit lends an effortless coolness that can be amped up with a pair of strappy heels.
TESTER NOTES: Within mere seconds in the dressing room, the fit of these jeans had me sold. They hug my waist and hips like they were made for me, yet fit slouchy in the legs. They strike a harmonious cord of effortless comfort. I love wearing my pair to the office, balancing professional elements — like a blazer and heeled boots – with casual denim. Good news for tall folks: These jeans run on the long side. Regular or short-sized wearers, like me, may need to get their pants hemmed a little bit.
Baggy meets wide leg with this DL1961 pair. The jeans' light wash and ultra-flared bottoms nod to retro styles that look straight out of the '70s. The sanded front crease adds to the worn look of it all. These fit extra high and tout a 33-inch inseam. I love pairing bell bottom-esque styles with platform shoes because they give the illusion of mile-long legs.
TESTER NOTES: "I've always been apprehensive about wide-leg and baggy jeans, especially in a lighter wash, but I instantly fell in love with this pair the first time I tried it. The legs are some of the widest I've seen, and may even feel like "too much" at first glance, but they make for an effortless, showstopping look. I love pairing them with everything from sneakers to heels and a simple T-shirt and like that I don't need to think too hard to make them look good. Note that I hemmed these because the 33-inch inseam was a little too much for me." — Grace Wu, product analyst
Ever bought a pair of jeans only to tug them on and discover they look like capris? That's not even a concern with these Zara jeans. Made with tall shoppers in mind, this high-rise, wide-leg pair has an extra-long pant leg. Those with more height will have more room to play with billowing shapes, as this style won't drown their frames as much. These jeans fit great on our 5'8 staffer, without any hemming required.
TESTER NOTES: "I randomly bought these a few years ago and they are my most worn pair. They have a snug fit through the waist that creates a great shape, while the long inseam fits my tall frame perfectly. I have a distressed pair, and I love the ripped look, too." — Emma Seymour, Textiles Lab associate director
Jacqueline (she/her) was a commerce editor for Good Housekeeping from 2021 to 2024. Prior to joining GH, she was a style and beauty reviews fellow at Insider, testing viral trends, reviewing sustainable brands and more. She's a graduate of the University of Florida's School of Journalism, with a specialty in magazines and mass communication.
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.
Zinus Memory Foam Mattress Review
The Best Cooling Blankets
The 15 Best Tinted Sunscreens
The 7 Best Enzyme Cleaners for Pet Stains
