Every Stylish Person I Know Owns a Pair of Tailored Trousers—7 Pairs That Meet My High Standards
Tailored trousers are a staple piece in so many capsule wardrobes, but which are the best around? I set about to find out.
Whilst there are those who slip into a silky satin skirt on any given day or rely on a throw-on dress for instant polish, I've always been drawn to trousers. Seven days a week, I find myself switching between fluid satin trousers, floor-skimming denim and of course, perfectly tailored trousers. As soon as tailored trousers expanded their reach beyond the workwear uniform and into our everyday attire, stylish people took note. And ever since, this particular style has been a staple in every great capsule wardrobe around. Now, I've set myself the challenge of hunting down the best tailored trousers around.
Florrie wears the COS Relaxed Fluid Wide Leg Trousers (£95)
Personally, I don't think that tailored trousers get enough praise. Moving seamlessly through various occasions, this wardrobe foundation is a failsafe every time. Heading out for coffee? Pull on a smart wide-leg pair with an easy T-shirt and bomber jacket. Getting ready for a sophisticated night out? Layer in a satin top and a pair of elegant heels. From work to play, this piece seamlessly moves from relaxed to formal in an instant. As a shopping editor with almost a decade of experience, I figured I should put my expertise to use and bring together the very best styles in one concise edit.
Ava wears the Reformation Mason Pants in Black (£188)
From the high street to high-end, designers across the board have all turned their hand to the trusted tailored trousers, and the results are seriously impressive. Whether you're looking to stick to more affordable styles or ready to invest in a luxury pair, I've tracked down recommendations, searched through our sales data, and tested firsthand a series of excellent options, and now, I'm bringing them to you.
Maxine wears the Abercrombie & Fitch Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pants (£65)
If you're looking to bolster your capsule wardrobe with a pair of tailored trousers, keep scrolling to explore the best styles below.
Megan wears the ASOS Oversized Balloon Barrel Leg Trousers (£46)
SHOP THE BEST TAILORED TROUSERS
Best Wide Leg Tailored Trousers: COS
Season after season, COS reminds us of its tailoring prowess. Whether it's a restock of the consistent best-sellers or a contemporary cut to join its refined roster, the brand has an eye for smart tailoring. The Relaxed Twill trousers are probably the best known style, consistently selling out and restocking, thanks to the classic cut, wide-leg shape and perfectly draped form. One detail I love about COS's tailoring is the adjustable tabs in the waistband, which allow you to change up the fit as you need. The other pair of COS trousers I depend on are the Relaxed Fluid Trousers, which have a comfortable Tencel Lyocell fabric.
Cut: Wide
Rise: High
Sizes: 4-16
Best High Street Tailored Trousers: H&M
If you're interested in both affordability and style, then it's time to consider H&M. The high street brand has the innate ability to be one step ahead of the trends, whilst also focusing on great wardrobe foundations. Currently, our readers are most interested in the Tailored Twill Trousers, a classic straight fit with sharp creases down the front. The look is the epitome of smart, especially for the £33 price tag.
Cut: Wide
Rise: Mid
Sizes: 4-22
Best Designer Tailored Trousers: The Row
If you're ready to invest in a luxury addition, look to the minimalist makings of The Row. As experts in all things understated, the brand pays particular attention to design details of cut, silhouette and fabric, exuding a high-end feel with every stitch. The Igor has been a best-selling pair of the brand since its initial release, and tracking down an in-stock pair can become a part-time job. Thankfully, there's a selection of sizes available right now.
Cut: Wide
Rise: High
Sizes: 2-18
Best Petite Tailored Trousers: Reformation
As a petite editor, I've been faced with plenty of great tailored trousers that need hemming before they can join my wardrobe. Thankfully, my 5'2" frame suits the Reformation Petites Mason Pants perfectly. I adore the feel of the trousers, as the wide-leg cut and Tencell Lyocell fabric is incredibly fluid, making for a very chic (and comfortable) silhouette. The brand has recently brought petite lengths to its best-selling jeans, which I've personally tried and tested. The Mason pants are also available in regular lengths and extended sizes.
Cut: Wide
Rise: High
Sizes: 4-16
Best Curve Tailored Trousers: Abercrombie & Fitch
As a group of editors, we range in aesthetics, heights, and sizes, but the varied offerings of these tailored trousers mean the Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pants are frequently spotted around our office. My colleagues who wear the curve line rave about the fit of the pair, that offer extra space around the hips and thighs. The pair comes in a wide size range from 4-26, and also has four leg lengths from extra short to long, an offering which many curve collections don't include. In terms of colourways, there's a series of reliable neutrals along with playful pinstripes and checked options.
Cut: Wide
Rise: High
Sizes: 4-26
Best Tapered Tailored Trousers: ME+EM
ME+EM is exactly the kind of brand we'd expect to have on a best-tailored-trousers list. With a focus on clean lines, classic designs and contemporary details, there's a selection of great tailoring to be explored. In terms of brilliant cuts, it's the pleat-tapered style that has really caught my eye. Bordering both barrel legs and tapered cuts, it takes a great eye for design to create such a striking shape. Plus, the 100% wool composition adds a structured edge to the pair.
Cut: Tapered
Rise: Mid
Sizes: 6-16
Best Straight-Leg Tailored Trousers: Toteme
Toteme's design ethos centres around well-made pieces that will withstand moving trends and bolster any great wardrobe. Naturally, the tailored trouser selection is excellent. This pair is part of the Garderob, a curated selection of pieces specifically designed to support your outfit builds and hold their place for years to come. With an eye for refined cuts, Toteme designs this pair without pleats to retain the silhouette, adding creased fronts to add a smart edge. This pair is made from recycled polyester and RWS wool.
Cut: Straight
Rise: Mid
Sizes: 2-16
Best Balloon Tailored Trousers: ASOS
Every time that social media editor, Megan, wears these trousers to the office, she receives a host of compliments. The contemporary cut and refined olive shade perfectly balance eachother, ready to be styled up with soft knits, simple neutrals, or bolder shades as you please. The bold front pleating is an added accent that sets this pair apart, bringing added volume to this striking pair.
Cut: Barrel
Rise: High
Sizes: 8-16
Shop More Tailored Trousers We Adore
The other COS pair I adore.
Truthfully, I haven't stopped thinking about these dated trousers from Zara.
This shade is all I can think about. Plus the bold pleating and draped form.
Trust Jacquemus to create an undisputedly striking pair.
The Frankie Shop's Gelso trousers are just as iconic as the matching blazer.
A new style from Mango which I predict will move quickly.
This 100% cotton pair is so refined.
This pair also comes in a versatile black, but I'm excited to style up this brown pair.
