H&M's Cigarette Trousers Are a Best Seller, so I Tried Them

last updated 6 March 2024

I'll start this by saying I'm not the biggest fan of skinny or slim-fit trousers. Honestly, I'm very happy to have left the years of airbrushed-on jeans behind me, and if you're a regular reader of Who What Wear UK, you'll probably have come across me waxing lyrical about my love for wide-leg trousers more than once. However, *pause for effect* one part of my job as an editor here is to dig deep into our data and keep an eye on which products and brands our audience are truly loving (and, of course, shopping). Usually these best sellers align with the pieces our editors are obsessed with, but recently I spotted a rogue addition to the list that caught my attention: H&M's cigarette trousers.

Thinking about it, it made sense, since skinny and slim-fit trousers were actually spotted making an appearance again on a lot of the S/S 24 catwalks. When I found the exact trousers on H&M's website, it made even more sense, since the black, slim-ankled tailored trouser actually reminded me of something you'd find in the wardrobe of a very chic French woman—something so many of us (including me) aspire to replicate. H&M's cigarette trousers may be skinny, but they're a far cry from the (honestly, traumatising) jeggings of yore.

Before I passed judgement, I needed to try them and see what all the fuss was about. After all, we sold a whopping 167 pairs of them last month, and not all of you could be wrong. Turns out, you weren't, and as soon as I slipped on the affordable trousers, I did an immediate 180 on skinny pants. I suddenly felt like a very chic French woman who looks polished all the time, and I realised why a pair of cropped, slim, tailored trousers has always been an essential in a typical Parisian wardrobe.

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I loved the £24.99 pair styled with ballet flats.

I found two different versions of the cigarette trousers on H&M and tried them both— one £24.99 pair and one for £17.99. The £24.99 pair fit a lot better on me, and had a slim rather than super-skinny ankle. They were cropped just below the ankle (I'm petite at 5'2", so if you're slightly taller I think they would be even better hitting just above it as they do on the models), and the best thing about them is that they went with lots of different shoe styles, from my more relaxed Birkenstock clogs, to ballet flats and pointed slingback heels; something that can be much more difficult to navigate with wide-leg trousers. They were also extremely comfortable with a bit of stretch, and they felt smart for office days but I would also wear them with a white shirt, heels and lots of jewellery for a nice dinner or drinks event in the evening. I tried a 10 (true to my size) and, although on the slightly bigger side they weren't hanging off me and I liked that they didn't feel restrictive.

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This is the same pair styled with my beloved Birkenstocks and a bouclé jacket.

Of course, being from H&M, they may be affordable but they're not the most sustainable item you can buy for your wardrobe. These particular trousers are made up polyester (some of which is recycled), and viscose (some of which is LivaEco™), and a wiser investment, if you're a fan of the shape, may be a pair made with better materials that will last you a lot longer. Having said that, I did honestly get the feeling from trying them on that they would wash and last well, and be a pair of trousers you turned to again and again.

The £17.99 version is made up of half polyester and half cotton and although I was less impressed with the fit of these on me (probably because of the slightly stiffer fabric) I think they would look great on someone taller or with longer legs. After all, this pair currently has 8251 reviews with an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars so they must be doing something right. The ankle was definitely skinnier on these, too, if you prefer a more defined silhouette.

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The £17.99 pair have a very flattering slimmer ankle but didn't fit me so effortlessly on the waist.

All in all, I was very impressed, and can totally see why this versatile trouser has garnered such a fan club—especially since both pairs looked far more expensive than their affordable price tags. The £24.99 pair come in ten different colours and are available from UK 4 up to a size UK 24, and the £17.99 pair in twenty-four different colours to choose from up to size UK 30 in some colours.

Keep scrolling to shop both pairs now and try them for yourself...

Shop H&M Cigarette Trousers:

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Cigarette Trousers

You can't go wrong with classic black.

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Cigarette Trousers

This whole look is seriously chic.

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Cigarette Trousers

Navy is so timeless.

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Cigarette Trousers

This shade is selling fast, so make sure you sign up for notifications to ensure you get notified when your size comes back in stock.

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Cigarette Trousers

Grey will seamlessly blend with all other shades in your wardrobe.

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Cigarette Trousers

A particularly impressive shade.

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Cigarette Trousers

Cream feels incredibly spring ready.

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Cigarette Trousers

I'm a big fan of these playful checks.

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Cigarette Trousers

Imagine this with the matching blazer for spring wedding!

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Cigarette Trousers

Such an elegant silhouette.

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Cigarette Trousers

A smart addition to your work wardrobe.

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Cigarette Trousers

Style up with your favourite neutrals.

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Cigarette Trousers

Any time you need to elevate a look, just add these trousers.

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Cigarette Trousers

The sharp front pleats add to the expensive feel of this pair.

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Cigarette Trousers

From coffee dates to work meetings, these add instant polish.

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Cigarette Trousers

The discreet check pattern is a nice touch.

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Cigarette Trousers

I'm into this whole look.

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Cigarette Trousers

This dark grey is so easy to style.

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Cigarette Trousers

Or opt for a bolder check.

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Cigarette Trousers

How chic is this shade?

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Cigarette Trousers

The mix of greys here is so nice.

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Cigarette Trousers

H&M offers so many shades to suit all preferences.

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Cigarette Trousers

I'd style this with a soft brown knit and trench coat.

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Cigarette Trousers

I have a feeling this dusty blue shade won't stick around for long.

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Cigarette Trousers

A simple example of how to dress these down for everyday.

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Cigarette Trousers

A playful shade for those who love a dash of colour.

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H&M French Style

Emily Dawes is the very definition of a fashion multi hyphenate. An editor, stylist and writer with over eleven years’ worth of experience in the industry, Emily is known for her impeccable taste, elegant outfit choices and being able to spot the next big thing in fashion from a mile off. Our readers loyally trust her advice and shopping suggestions; so much so she began her own column documenting the most expensive-looking pieces on the high street, which has become a top-performing piece of content for the Who What Wear brand.

Emily has worked for Who What Wear UK since 2020 in a myriad as roles, spanning from contributing editor and branded content editor. Now, she holds the position of affiliate editor and is responsible for the brand’s overall affiliate strategy, ideation and content execution. Working closely with Who What Wear UK’s affiliate manager, Emily has been instrumental in securing and nourishing brand partnerships, surpassing her goals as standard. Leading the team in tentpole shopping moments including Black Friday and Peak Trading, with Emily’s guidance and leadership, team Who What Wear is in a stronger affiliate position than ever before.

Prior to joining the Who What Wear team, Emily served as YOU Magazine’s acting fashion editor where she managed the fashion team and oversaw all fashion content output for the fast-paced weekly title. Emily is a stylist in her own right, having worked with a slew of VIP clients including writer and television personality, Elizabeth Day, as well as styling and art directing several celebrity cover shoots for glossy print publication, Grazia. Her adept fashion knowledge means brands regularly sought out to work with her as a consultant: previously she has developed marketing and content plans for brands for Cocoon and Edge of Ember. Before entering the industry, Emily obtained a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Studies with International Study from Nottingham University. Fun fact: Emily spent a year studying in America which saw her join a sorority during her time there.

When she’s not working or tracking down the chicest, new-in items to share with our audience, you’ll find Emily bestowing her East London home with her stylish flair, reading everything from the classics to cowboy romance novels and escaping to the country with husband, baby boy and dog, Roo, whenever she can.

Emily is currently on maternity leave.