Put A Tailored Spin On The Baggy Trend With The Best Wide-Leg Jeans of 2023
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InStyle / Reese Herrington
Whether it be hip-slung styles paired with a suede kitten heel or a more tailored take with a pointed-toe boot, there are so many variations of the wide-leg jeans. (Contrary to popular belief, they're a quiet OOTD staple.) Still, the roomy silhouette, also seen on trousers, can be intimidating to try — particularly if you don't know how to look for your perfect pair.
To assist you, we researched for you, having consulted experts and tried on a variety of styles from brands like Wrangler, Levi's, Loft, and more.
Related: The 19 Best Jeans for Women That Are Actually Worth Buying in 2023
Best Overall: Levi’s Ribcage Wide Leg Women’s Jeans
What We Love: They’re so versatile.
What We Don’t Love: They run a bit long for those with shorter frames.
Levi’s straight-leg Ribcage jeans come in an equally tall version (not to worry — we’re still talking an ultra-high rise of 12 inches) but in a roomier shape. They have a sculptural ease and come in six different washes, from true-blue to darkly shaded. Overall, they're classic, just like the brand itself. (Don't forget, the label has been championed by Kendall Jenner, Blake Lively, and even Princess Diana.) We love that they define the waistline, create the illusion of longer legs, and are structured without being too stiff in the legs and the seat. It's also great that they can be dressed up or down, whether it be with a blazer to the office or a plain white tank and sneakers on the weekend.
Size: 23–34 | Material: Cotton, recycled otton | Inseam: 30–34 inches | Washes: 6
Best Budget: Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Wide-Leg Jeans New Moon
What We Love: How inclusive the sizing is.
What We Don’t Love: These fit more as a mid-rise than high.
We love how this budget-friendly pair of Old Navy jeans is classically appealing without being too rigid. Instead, they have a smidge of structure, creating a broken-in fit. As for the silhouette, these jeans strike a balance between baggy and constructed, where they’re more loose-fitting in the hip and thigh area, which — ironically enough — is sometimes hard to find in wide-leg pants. We also appreciate the brand’s expansive size range, with regular, tall, and petite options for those who require a differing length and inseam, as well as sizes running from 2 to 18 in petite and tall and 0 to 30 in regular. Reviews rave about how great they look on all frames because of their tailored sizing, and we totally agree. We've tried them in the petite size, and they fit exceptionally well.
Size: 0–30 regular, 4–18 tall, 2–18 petite | Material: Cotton, recycled polyester, recycled cotton | Inseam: Regular, tall, and petite | Washes: 1
Best Splurge: Alice + Olivia Dylan High-Waisted Wide Leg Jean
What We Love: They have a retro vibe without seeming costume-y.
What We Don’t Love: If you're shorter, you will likely need these hemmed.
For those who fear going too wide, these '70s-inspired flare-like jeans by Alice + Olivia strike the perfect balance of proportions. We love that the brand got down to the details, too, by rounding them out with front seams to elongate the legs as well as a hidden front closure and slit pockets reminiscent of tailored bell bottoms. They also offer a bit of stretch of a curve-hugging appeal, making them a soft alternative to those all-cotton denim thrift finds that are simply too rigid or stiff.
Size: 24–32 | Material: Cotton, elastane | Inseam: 34.75 inches | Washes: 2
Related: The 12 Best Flare Jeans of 2023 for That Retro Feel
Best Plus-Size: Good American Good Waist Palazzo Jeans
What We Love: How comfortable these jeans feel.
What We Don’t Love: We wish there were more color options.
If there’s one thing we love about superstar Khloe Kardashian’s Good American line, it’s how each piece comes with a form-hugging fit. Despite the name, these are unlike traditional palazzo pants, as they're tight around your waist and thighs. Still, they're not too constricting, and — as a bonus — they flare out at the knee, resulting in a cascading effect that accentuates the body's natural curves. The high waist is leg-lengthening, too, while a classic true-blue color creates a timeless appeal.
Size: 00–22 | Material: Cotton, elastane | Inseam: 35 inches | Washes: 1
Best Petite: Loft Petite High Rise Wide Leg Jeans
What We Love: How high quality these jeans look and feel.
What We Don’t Love: They run slightly large.
It’s no secret that Loft is a beloved brand known for its versatile workwear, comfy sweaters, stylish dresses, and accessories. Also in that impressive lineup? This petite wide-leg style. We love that they aren’t overly voluminous, so they don't overwhelm the body. Rather, they're a “just right” pair — just right in length for just about anyone, given that they come in tall, petite, and regular sizing.
Size: 24–36 regular and petite | Material: Cotton, lyocell, elastane | Inseam: 28.5 or 30 inches | Washes: 1
Best Tall: Frame The 1978 in Celeste
What We Love: With a 34 inch inseam, women who are five foot nine and above will love how these pants will look on their legs.
What We Don't Love: Due to the long hem and extra high-rise, the pants may feel a little overwhelming for everyday wear.
If you're wondering where all the celebrities are getting their jeans from, the label is called Frame. The high-end, sustainable brand has been seen on the legs of Jennifer Lopez, Katie Holmes, and Karlie Kloss.
Co-author of this roundup Bianca Kratky owns a pair of Frame denim as well and feels as though these jeans have ruined her for all other brands due to their superior stitching, denim quality, and style. The pair that she owns have an inseam length of 35 inches, just 1 inch longer than this option. She deems it a great length for anyone who is 5 feet, 9 inches tall and above. And if you're like Kratky who is 5 feet, 8 inches, they're the ideal jeans to wear with some heels and have the pants gracefully hit the floor, lengthening your legs to look impossibly long. On top of being very long, these also come with a super high-rise, which may make them a little overwhelming for everyday wear.
Size: 23–34 | Material: Cotton | Inseam: 34 inches | Washes: 2
Best High-Waisted: Wrangler Worldwide 661 High Rise Wide Leg Jean
What We Love: These are a slimmer fit wide-leg jean.
What We Don’t Love: The pricing for each wash varies.
Everyone seems to have embraced a cowboy-inspired era this year, with studded belts making a comeback and Jackson Hole-inspired attire featuring Western-inspired ensembles all over Instagram's Explore page. When discussing Western-inspired wear, it would be remiss not to mention Wrangler — the iconic, centuries-old, trusted denim brand. These Wrangler jeans are reminiscent of its rugged, casual aesthetic but still feel fresh with a flattering rise, a contoured waist, and a fitted seat available in four different colorways.
Size: 24–35 | Material: Cotton, polyester | Inseam: 28 inches | Washes: 5
Best Cropped: Rolla's Women's Sailor Jeans
What We Love: There are 18 colorways to choose from.
What We Don’t Love: The rise might be a bit high if you have a shorter torso.
Petition for every pair of jeans to be as fun as these from Rolla’s, the Australian denim brand that has been worn by the likes of Bella Hadid and Heidi Klum. They're typically characterized by a high waist and bold stitching around the pockets and the hem. The denim feels more restrictive than other jeans made with a higher spandex content, but the shape will stay intact over time.
While most wide-leg jeans are wide from top to bottom, these ones have a more slim fit near the thighs — a feature that stylist Ashleigh Ashton seeks out when shopping for wide-leg jeans. "I often look for the high-waisted ones with a slim fit that hugs my hips and thighs then flares at the bottom for a boost of confidence," she says. "I’d pair these with white ankle booties, brown turtle neck, and a brown oversized faux fur jacket for a bit of drama."
Size: 23–34 | Material: Cotton, elastane | Inseam: 29 inches | Washes: 18
Best White: Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean
What We Love: You can get ‘em in plus, curvy, tall, and regular.
What We Don’t Love: They run slightly on the larger side.
Sometimes, finding a good pair of jet-black jeans is difficult, and it feels as though there’s an overwhelming amount of almost-but-not-quite-black options. We can confirm, though, that this pair from Madewell has a stark color — and it doesn’t wane with wear. And still, the color isn’t the only thing that makes this pair of jeans a closet staple; this vintage-inspired, high-rise style is as comfortable as they are striking with a loose but lean silhouette. Available in five categories of sizing (petite, plus, standard, tall, and taller), they’re made to be flattering on virtually everyone.
Size: 23–33 standard, petite, tall; 14–28 plus | Material: Cotton, elastane | Inseam: 27 inches | Washes: 1
Best Wash Options: Citizens of Humanity Paloma Baggy
What We Love: If a medium wash isn’t your thing, they come in several other colors.
What We Don’t Love: They run long.
This baggy-legged silhouette from Citizens of Humanity calls to mind the 1990s, with a mid-to-low waist, roomy leg width, and sturdy denim fabric. It's no surprise that the Los Angeles-based denim label has nailed the look, given its popularity among fashion editors, entrepreneurs, actors, musicians, and models — think everyone from our fellow editors to Amanda Seyfried and Rihanna. We love that they’re clean and sophisticated, making them easy to style, too. We recommend wearing them with an oversized sweater and sneakers to elevate your cozy-chic game.
Size: 23–34 | Material: Cotton | Inseam: 32 inches | Washes: 9
What to Keep in Mind
Material
Wide-leg jeans come in a variety of fabrications, but most of the time, they're made from 100 percent cotton or with a touch of elastane for stretch. Those with some stretch are more comfortable but can lose their shape over time, while non-stretch jeans retain their structure but can be uncomfortable if you start to bloat after a hearty meal. If you opt for a rigid denim that's solely made from cotton, like the Frame The 1978 jeans, you can expect it to look in the same condition for years to come. Meanwhile, those with a little elastane, like the Alice + Olivia Dylan High-Waisted jeans, will stretch and mold around your body better, offering a little more comfort.
Waist
Wide-leg jeans tend to fall into one of several categories: high-waisted with a slim fit through the waist and hips; high-rise (just below the ribcage) with a roomy fit; or a mid- or low-rise (at or below the smallest part of your waist) with a very slouchy fit. To elongate the look of your legs, opt for a high-waisted style like the one from Levi's. If you’re short-waisted or have long legs, consider a lower, looser version paired with a fitted tank top or baby tee.
Inseam
The word inseam gets thrown around a lot, but we're taking a moment to really define what it means so you can get your measurements just right. The inseam is the length from your crotch to the hem of the pants. It is not the length from the waist to the hem, so make sure you're measuring correctly if you're hoping for an accurate reading. Those on the taller side will benefit from a long inseam length, like the option from Frame which is 34 inches.
Your Questions, Answered
What are wide-leg jeans?
Wide-leg jeans refer to a style of pants where the circumference around the legs are non-fitted from top to bottom. They differentiate themselves from bell-bottom jeans or boot-cut jeans which begin to flare out from below the knee.
How should wide-leg jeans fit?
The unique shape of wide-leg jeans sometimes makes them more difficult to shop for the right fit. "The waistline of your pants should ideally align with your body's natural curves, with high-waisted styles that sit above your natural waistline doing wonders in elongating the silhouette and highlighting the waist," says stylist Michaela Leitz. When it comes to the length, Leitz suggests finding a length "that falls just above your shoes or at the ankle as it creates a polished, sophisticated appearance." Unless intentionally cropped, wide-leg pants look better when they're longer and hit the low point of your ankle as Leitz suggests.
How do you style wide-leg jeans?
There are a variety of ways you can style wide-leg jeans, but if you're just starting out with the style and don't know where to start, Leitz has a few tips for you: "First, accentuate the waistline with a bold, statement belt. Next, pair it with a fitted, ribbed turtleneck in a complementary color, as the snug fit of the top balances out the flowing pants" — so '70s. Finally, she would finish the look with a blazer and a pair of pointed-toe heels (we like an ankle bootie, such as these from Aeyde).
Which shoes look best with wide-leg jeans?
Shoes are possibly the most vital part of the outfit to consider when wearing wide-leg pants. Leitz agrees. "Heels are a classic choice for this style of jeans, and opting for chunky or platform heels adds height and lends a polished sophisticated look," she says. However, if your day doesn't call for something dressy, you can reach for low ankle boots or sneakers, ideal for running errands in comfort.
What is the best length for wide-leg jeans?
As Leitz already mentioned, the best length for wide-leg jeans are the ones that fall to your lower ankle where it meets the top of your shoe. If you know you're going to wear heels, feel free to opt for something a little longer, reaching all the way to your heel. This will help to create an elongated look on your legs. For something cropped, like the Rolla's Sailor jeans, expect them to fall just below your calves, allowing your booties to show.
Why Shop With Us
Philadelphia-based freelance writer Morgan Sullivan has written for multiple publications, including Cosmopolitan, Teen Vogue, and Glamour, focusing mainly on beauty and fashion. Bianca Kratky is a commerce writer at InStyle with three years of experience covering fashion and beauty.
To write this article, they interviewed stylists Michaela Leitz from Confidence & Style, Ashleigh Ashton, whose work can be seen on Vogue Arabia and The Cut, and fashion blogger Jaclyn De Leon.
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