I’ve Tried On Hundreds of Wide-Leg Jeans—I'm Certain These 5 Are the Very Best

There's no denying that jeans are one of the hardest-working additions to our wardrobes. From casual coffee strolls to elevated evening looks, our favourite denim always rises to the occasion. From the heights of summer, paired with light tank tops, to the depths of winter, bundled up in knit jumpers and maybe even a pair of tights underneath, denim remains a core part of our wardrobes, and while many of us switch between cuts, wide-leg jeans remain a firm favourite.

You need only to look for inspiration from fashionable people everywhere, and you're likely to see a pair of wide-leg jeans in their arsenal. The versatility and ease of a wide-leg silhouette are what draw us back to them on repeat, pairing with casual Tees and trainers just as well as gathered loafers and a blazer.

It's true that shopping for denim can be a chore. With various cuts, lengths and compositions, it can take a significant amount of time to trawl through the mass options and find the pair that you'll want to rewear every single year. Thankfully, I'm a denim-obsessed editor, and over the years I've put hundreds of pairs to the test, resulting in a concise list of my favourite offerings.

Considering the washes, lengths, fit and style, I'm pretty discerning when it comes to this particular capsule wardrobe hero. Whether you're ready to snap up a high street buy or looking to invest in a high-end brand from a denim brand, any new wardrobe addition should come with a certain amount of scrutiny. That's why I've brought together seven of the best wide-leg jeans to try for you, considering the washes available, lengths, cuts and feel of the material to ensure that your new denim investment is the most worthwhile. For reference, I am 5'2" and a size 27. Now, to the fun part. Keep scrolling to explore the five best wide-leg jeans, as tested by a denim-obsessed editor.

The Best Wide-Leg Jeans, as Tested by a Who What Wear UK Editor

1. H&M Wide High Jeans

Style Notes: This is far from the first time I've tried on a pair of the H&M Wide High Jeans. The style has been a consistent best-seller for the brand over the years, and if you ask any discerning fashion editor for an affordable recommendation, this pair is sure to be on the list. As named, this pair is a wide-leg style with a high-rise fit made from 92% cotton, 5% viscose, 2% elastomultiester and 1% elastane. There's a slight stretch to add comfort to the style, and the lines follow a classic wide-leg silhouette. The fit is spot on.

2. COS Dial Wide Leg Jean

Style Notes: COS has become one of my most relied-upon high street stores for great denim. From the beloved Arch jeans to the trending Chord, this is a brand that knows how to make affordable denim look high-end, and the Dial are no exception. The pair features a high-rise waist fitted around the body that flows into sweeping wide-leg trousers. The silhouette is dramatic; the denim is lightweight, and the effect looks seriously polished.

3. Citizens of Humanity Baggy Ayla Jeans

Style Notes: When looking to invest in denim, I always recommend looking at denim-specific brands, and Citizens of Humanity is a renowned name for a reason. The Los Angeles-based denim label is an expert in this material, and the Ayla jeans have become a firm favourite amongst stylish people and celebrities alike. I tried the Baggy Ayla, a slightly more relaxed take on the classic. True to form, the denim is incredibly soft, crafted from 100% regenerative cotton, which is lightweight and incredibly comfortable. For a better fit, I'd recommend sizing down.

4. M&S The Wide-Leg Jeans

Style Notes: From knitwear to outerwear, and even lingerie, Marks and Spencer manages to hit the mark in every category. The M&S Wide Leg Jeans have become a staple in the core collection over the years. The style follows a classic wide-leg silhouette, sitting neatly on the body whilst still comfortable, skimming the thighs and flowing into the wide-leg silhouette. This pair feels slightly more structured than others, and the rise is almost an ultra-high rise.

5. L'Agence Scottie Jeans

Style Notes: The L'Agence Scottie Wide-Leg jeans actually come from my personal collection. I've had this pair for over five years and have restyled them throughout seasons and trend cycles with ease. The denim itself is incredibly soft, with super-stretch denim that doesn't wear out over time. This pair comes in 19 colourways, including other finishes like velvet, corduroy and coated. Personally, I opted for the deep blue shade with contrasting seam details, which is such a nice touch.

Shop More Wide Leg Jeans

Are Wide-Leg Jeans Trending in 2026?

Wide-leg jeans are certainly trending in 2026. Just look at recent outings from fashion icons like Sienna Miller and Hailey Bieber that prove that wide-leg jeans continue to earn their keep in chic wardrobes across the globe. Right now, stylish people are pairing theirs with soft knitwear, wool coats and loafers ahead of the winter season, but rest assured their wide-leg jeans will be restyled in the new year with light jackets and simple sandals when the weather warms up.

What to Look Out for When Buying Wide-Leg Jeans

Fabric is an essential part of determining the quality of wide-leg jeans, as this is what dictates the weight and structure of the pair. When purchasing, you should look for a composition that is predominantly cotton, organic or regenerative if possible. Not only is this the more sustainable option, but this makeup will ensure your wide-leg jeans keep their shape and have a bit more of a firmer form. (Even though you might compromise on elasticity and stretch.)

Another thing to factor in is length. It's often the case that the longer the leg, the wider the jeans, which might not be the intended silhouette. I always recommend trying on jeans with shoes to really assess if the pair you're considering buying is best for you. Not only will this give you a more accurate height, but it will also help you notice any obvious tailoring requirements before you bite the bullet and buy.

How I Tested

Who What Wear editors are meticulous about every single fashion item they endorse, so when it came to testing the best wide-leg jeans, I was rigorous and comprehensive to ensure I delivered only the most curated of insights. Looking at sales data, industry approval and virality, I whittled down a select edit of styles that warranted a try-on. Ranking by comfort, price, silhouette, popularity and shape, we've pulled together a list we can firmly stand behind.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognisable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality and real-world wearability.

We regularly try on pieces ourselves—everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes—and speak to external experts and fashion insiders, staying closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise, and each and every buy we feature has to meet our exceptional taste standards—so you can feel confident in every recommendation.