The 15 Best Wide-Leg Pants

Caroline Goldstein, an editor at The Zoe Report, swears by these cropped, wide-leg sweater pants from The Drop. She says: "I've been reaching for these sweater pants on WFH days when I want to feel a bit more polished than usual, and I swear I'm more productive in them than I am in my sweats. They come in handy beyond office hours, too; I'll slip on a pair of high-top Vans and a puffer jacket to run errands, or some chunky platform boots and a cropped sweater for dinners out. And they’re unbelievably soft — they feel just like cashmere.” Grab them in one (or more) of four sophisticated shades: black, brown, pink, or ivory.

• Available sizes: XX-Small — 3X
• Available colors: 4

Nothing says minimalist-chic quite like linen. It’s breathable, only gets better with age (and a few rumples), and there’s a certain je ne sais quoi about the distinctive rough-soft feel and weight of it. If you can’t get enough of this durable, eco-friendly fabric, these linen-cotton-blend drawstring pants — which feature roomy pockets and come in several muted tones — are sure to become your go-to for lounging around the house. But that’s not all they’re appropriate for — they’re a low-key, yet polished choice for errands and warm-weather dinners alike.

• Available sizes: 1X — 6X
• Available colors: 5

“Elastic waist” and “dress pants” aren’t generally used in the same sentence, but these chic, cropped, high-waisted slacks are here to change that. Equally cool with loafers, mules, pumps, or sneakers, they’re the perfect dress-up-or-down option for the office, dinner with friends, or a business-casual lunch date. Made from a machine-washable blend of rayon, nylon, and spandex, they’re stretchy enough to be comfortable while maintaining a polished, tailored silhouette. They’re also great for travel — one Amazon reviewer was pleased to find that they stayed wrinkle-free when packed in a suitcase.

• Available sizes: X-Small — 4X-Large
• Available colors: 5

Nobody does jeans quite like Levi’s, and these dad jeans are no exception. Made from imported, premium-quality denim, they’re loose through the hip and thigh, sitting just at the waist, which gives them that effortlessly cool, vintage-inspired look. They come in three shades that match with everything — light, medium, and black — and I wouldn’t judge you for snapping up one of each.

• Available sizes: 23 — 34
• Available colors: 3

If you’re anything like me, you’ve gotten a little too used to the cozy feel of sweatpants over these past few years — but that doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. Made from a ribbed, mid-weight micromodal knit that’s soft and stretchy, these cropped, high-waisted pull-on pants from Simon Miller feature a playful lettuce-edge hem and a comfy elastic waistband that’ll have you reaching for them daily. But they’re not just for lounging — pair them with kitten heels and a fitted crop top for a chic yet laid-back going-out look.

• Available sizes: XX-Small — X-Large
• Available colors: 2

Made from a viscose-spandex blend that’s stretchy, soft, and lightweight, these pull-on palazzo pants feature a swishy wide leg and a foldover waistband for extra comfort. They’re easy to move in, making them a perfect choice for the dance floor or yoga studio — though they’re equally well-suited to running errands, brunch with friends, or some Netflix-and-chill at home. Black, brown, khaki, and gray are classic color options that match with everything; though if you want to sartorially spice things up, try them in paisley, floral, or tie-dye.

• Available sizes: 16 Plus — 24 Plus
• Available colors: 8

Here’s another pair of chunky, ribbed-knit sweater pants for your consideration (because there’s no such a thing as owning too many sweater pants), and a favorite of The Zoe Report editor Adeline Duff’s. “I love that these sweater-like pants — despite being as comfy as joggers — can easily be dressed up with a nice sweater and boots,” she says. “They’re nice and thick, so they’re great for winter, and they’re super stretchy and easy to move in. My new favorite travel pants for sure!” Pick up the coordinating camisole and cardigan as a no-brainer (and on-trend) matching set.

• Available sizes: XX-Small — 5X
• Available colors: 3

Leather pants are a coveted wardrobe staple for the fashion-conscious, adding instant edge and glamour to any ensemble — but when crafted from genuine leather, they can be a real investment (and, of course, not vegan-friendly). Enter these sleek, high-waisted faux-leather pants — at under $40, they’re a total steal. Made from a polyurethane-polyester blend that closely resembles real leather, they’re easy to clean and so much more comfortable than they appear. They come in two lengths — one designed for taller frames, and one regular length — and a wide array of colors. You can’t go wrong with classic black, brown, khaki, or Burgundy, but for a look that’s straight out of Euphoria, try them in lime green or royal blue.

• Available sizes: XX-Small — Large
• Available colors: 16

These cropped, mid-rise flares from Rebecca Taylor are crafted from a wool-blend twill that’s warm yet lightweight — a true three-season hero — and their dark navy hue is a chic neutral that pairs well with everything (yes, even black). Though they’re perfect with a button-down and heels for a date or work event, try them with patent-leather loafers and a slouchy pullover sweater, like the model wears above, for a look that’s slightly more casual.

• Available sizes: 0 — 16
• Available colors: 1

These pleated, wide-leg palazzo pants take on this year’s menswear-inspired trend, and the fitted high waist achieves a look that’s very ‘70s-does-‘40s, à la Diane Keaton in Annie Hall. They’re easy to dress up or down, and the outfit possibilities are endless: Pair them with a fitted mock-neck top and block-heeled ankle boots for a dinner date; tuck in a button-down shirt and cinch the look with a leather belt for work; throw on with a crop top and slides in summer... you get the idea. Between the flowy fit and breathable polyester material, they’re just as comfortable as pajamas — but a whole lot chicer.

• Available sizes: X-Small — 2X
• Available colors: 25

Looking put-together when there’s a sub-zero wind chill is never an easy feat, but these high-waisted, wide-leg trousers will keep you cozy and polished. Made from a soft, heavyweight wool blend, they’re perfect for those frigid winter days when staying toasty and looking stylish feel at odds with one another — and you can easily layer them over a pair of tights or long underwear for extra warmth. Amazon shoppers rave about the quality and fit, too. You can’t go wrong with classic black, but you may want to opt for the chocolate brown shade for a 2022 update on your neutrals collection.

• Available sizes: X-Small — XX-Large
• Available colors: 2

If a pair of pants exists for the sole purpose of flaunting those incredible vintage cowboy boots you’ve been wondering how to style, it’s these denim culottes from FRAME. These stretch-free jeans have a cropped, 24-inch inseam, meaning you can embrace the wide-leg-pants trend and the knee-high boots trend at once — two birds, one stone. They’re super-cool with a color-block pullover sweater, like in the picture above, but in summer, try them with a white T-shirt and ballet flats for a touch of French-girl chicness.

• Available sizes: 23 — 34
• Available colors: 1

If there’s one thing better than a cropped flare, it’s a stretchy cropped flare. These playful pinstriped pants from Scandinavian brand Ganni may be a no-brainer for the workplace, but they’re also ridiculously comfortable, thanks to a lightweight, poly-viscose-elastane construction. Their neutral gray color makes them so easy to style, while the pinstripes add a hint of cheeky flair. Try them with a graphic tee and chunky lug-soled boots for a casual, urban-chic look, or pair them with loafers and a silk blouse when you want to look a bit more polished.

• Available sizes: 6 — 10
• Available colors: 1

Functional, versatile, and oh-so stylish, there’s no wrong way to wear these pleated, pull-on palazzo pants (pleats are a fashion-world staple, after all). They’re particularly perfect for warm-weather travels — they’re ultra-lightweight and loose-fitting, allowing for ample air flow, and their wrinkle-resistant construction makes them a cinch to pack. Try them layered over a bodysuit or paired with a fitted crop top — and watch your friends’ eyes widen when you reveal that these flowy pants are not, in fact, a skirt.

• Available sizes: Large Plus — 4X-Large Plus
• Available colors: 1

These slouchy, early-aughts-inspired boyfriend jeans feature the exaggerated wide-leg silhouette that’s so in right now. Artfully placed slits lend an undone, lived-in look, and a high-waisted fit offers just enough definition while remaining loose-fitting in the leg. The 16 washes on offer each feature unique distressing details, so you can choose just how grunge-y you’d like to go. Team your denim with a baby tee and that worn-in pair of Chuck Taylors you’ve had forever.

• Available sizes: X-Small — X-Large Plus
• Available colors: 16