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Fashion
Go big or go home: 11 of the coolest wide-leg jeans to wear now
By Lucy Reber &Lauren Cunningham
11 months ago
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5 min read
Wide-leg jeans can seem a bit intimidating at first, but they’re incredibly wearable, promise.
Isn’t it funny how a jean style can instantly conjure up the mood and feel of an era? A cuffed workman style in indigo denim will instantly make you think of 1940s land girls, while the flare is a byword for effortless 1970s style. Imagine Jane Birkin looking fabulous in hers, worn with a simple T-shirt and rustic basket bag in a French marketplace. Skinny jeans reigned supreme through the 00s – think Kate Moss at Glastonbury in 2004, wearing hers styled with a floaty boho dress and boots – a look that inspired countless outfits. Definitely a few of mine.
For the longest time, it seemed that Topshop’s Jamie jean was the pair to own, and I swore it was skinnies for life for me. I was wrong of course, fashion moved on – as it does – and despite my fierce loyalty, so did I. Since my skinnies days I’ve been a boyfriend-jean wearer, flirted with Levi’s ribcage style and become a fan of the slightly more niche cropped bootcut. Recently, though, I realised that rather than being wedded to one specific style, I can have a couple on repeat. Clearly, I am becoming more open to trying new things, and it feels good.
What I’ve realised is especially freeing is that I used to dress to ‘suit my shape’, which I think is where my reliance on skinnies was rooted. Personally, it’s a relief to reflect on how times have changed, with body neutrality and body positivity movements empowering people – me included – to try new things. I’m very happy to be prioritising styles I like over how they make me look.
It is now comfort and a bit of sartorial joy at the top of my wishlist when shopping for denim. These days I want jeans that are nice to wear and match my vibe, and I feel like I have found the perfect style for now. Enter the wide-leg jean, my newest denim love and the only style I’m currently wearing. Here is my round-up of the best.
Nobody's Child mid wash blue denim super wide-leg jeans
Nobody’s Child may be most famous for dresses, but the brand’s jeans offering should not be overlooked. This extra-wide-leg shape is for those wanting to lean into the laidback style and pairs perfectly with a simple cardigan, T-shirt or big, baggy blouse.
Shop Nobody’s Child mid wash blue denim super wide-leg jeans, £69
Levi's ribcage wide-leg jeans
The denim OGs, Levi’s has really come up with the goods with this relaxed style. Cut with a high-rise waist and slightly wide leg, wear these with a slim-fit retro polo shirt and Converse baseball boots for the ultimate in off-duty chic.
New Look Curves blue high-waist adalae wide-leg jeans
Yes, you (like us) may have shopped in New Look during your teenage years, but the brand’s current offering is incredibly chic. Alongside crochet dresses and platform sandals you’ll find great everyday basics like these wide-leg jeans and an impressive Curve range stocking sizes 18-30.
Shop New Look Curves blue high waist adalae wide-leg jeans, £31.99
Agolde Nolan high-rise wide-leg jeans
If you’re looking for a luxury jeans label, Agolde is sure to tick a lot of boxes. Made from regenerative cotton (a farming method that’s much better for the planet) with a lightly vintage feel, they’re quite the striking jean. Style these with a skinny rib long-sleeved T-shirt, giant white trainers – Nike Air Force 1s will do the job – and a tiny shoulder bag.
Shop Agolde Nolan high-rise wide-leg jeans at Net-a-Porter.com, £340
M&S the wide-leg jeans
Breaking up the sea of blue options, black denim is a great style opt when wanting something a little different. Plus, they can usually be worn in place of black trousers – a sneaky, comfy style switch for more formal office environments.
Reiss Olivia wide-leg contrast stitch jeans
Although jeans have, in recent years, become more acceptable to wear for more formal occasions, darker washes still seem a little more luxe. This deep blue Reiss pair is perfect for days you want to look a little more elevated, plus they comes in a petite length too, meaning more people can enjoy them.
Guess bellflower wide-leg denim pant
These jeans are not only the perfect classic blue denim, but they have also been made with a fibre made of wood pulp from sustainably managed forests and recycled cotton scraps. Wear with a vintage band T-shirt, large gold hoops and old-school flip-flops for a downtown LA feel.
Jigsaw balfour long wide-leg jean
For anyone with long legs, jean shopping can be somewhat tricky. So discovering Jigsaw’s long pair, with an inside leg length of 84cm, is sure to help put your mind at ease.
Good American good waist palazzo jeans
Good American’s core focus is creating fashion pieces for everybody, ranging in size US 00-32 (UK 2-36). This great size range is the first thing we love about the brand, but its soft, comfy jeans are a close second. Made from a blend of cotton, tencel and elastane, pick this pair if you truly want your jeans to fit like a glove.
Mother the hustler roller fray
Well-washed denim is perfect for summertime, offering a lighter, brighter take on the old classic blues. With frayed hems and small distressed details, this pair is designed to look immediately well-loved (as all denim should in my opinion).
Gap high-waisted wide-leg jeans
Good ol’ Gap was once the high street staple we turned to for all our everyday basics, and it seems to be having a resurgence. Recently collaborating with luxury label Dôen, the American brand is back in the limelight and these wide-leg jeans have definitely caught my eye.
Images: courtesy of brands
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