I Just Tested H&M's Cult Wide-Leg Trousers for 2024—Here's My Verdict

When a high-street item starts garnering a certain amount of hype, it seriously piques our interest here at Who What Wear. That’s what happened way back in 2022, when word got around about how great H&M’s wide-leg trousers were. Of course, we had to see how good they were for ourselves (especially as the reviews from consumers were glowing) and so we bulk ordered and started road-testing them IRL. They've become something of a mainstay for our editors and readers, and last year, we sold over 1000 pairs through our site.

I was tasked with trying on as many pairs as I could get my hands on (harder than it sounds when they fly out of stock as quickly as they do, so apologies in advance if my specific pieces are sold out) to see whether they lived up to expectations and to figure out which styles, in particular, were worth spending money on. Turns out those reviewers weren’t wrong, and there were quite a few brilliant ones that looked and felt expensive despite their affordable price tags.

I have to admit I used to think wide-leg trousers were a difficult trend to wear, especially since I’m only 5’2”, but H&M’s styles completely changed my opinion. Although they give that smart, tailored look, they were all surprisingly comfortable. They've become my go-to for office days, but I've also taken to wearing them while working from home and at weekends so I can still feel a bit polished. Undeniably, wide-legs are a new staple in my wardrobe (sorry, jeans), especially since they're surprisingly versatile when it comes to shoe pairings too—they work with trainers, ballet flats, boots, loafers and even chunky sandals during the summer.

Below, you’ll find my verdict on the five best new-in pairs I tried recently, as well as links to more of H&M's fan-favourite styles that all work really well for the seasons ahead.

1. Tailored Trousers

Verdict: I love the expensive-looking beige of these trousers—they'll work perfectly in an autumn capsule wardrobe. I will say, they were quite low-rise, and fit a little on the smaller side, so consider sizing up if you're in between sizes or prefer a looser look—for reference I'm a size 10 and wearing a 10 here. At 5'2" I appreciate that I probably wouldn't even have to take the hems up, but if you're much taller they could well sit closer to the ankle (take a look at H&M's model for reference). For under £30, these trousers are hard to argue with. A more wintry version in a twill fabric is also now available.

Shop H&M Tailored Trousers:

2. Wide Trousers

Verdict: As classic black wide leg trousers go, these are basically all you could ask for. True to size, not too baggy, not too tapered or straight. Yes, they're a budget-friendly pair, so the fabric doesn't feel super luxurious or anything, but it will certainly do the trick. A great work trouser if ever I saw one.

Shop Wide H&M Trousers:

3. Wide Twill Trousers

Verdict: Despite still being very affordable, this pair tricked me into thinking they were much more premium. The fabric is a little sturdier than the first couple of pairs I tried, with a lovely woven texture that feels as luxe as it looks—ideal for heading into cooler months. The cut and fit isn't going to stand up against a The Row pair, let's be honest, but I found them to be true to size, with a classic high waist and not too long a leg.

Shop the Trousers:

4. Tailored Trousers

Verdict: Coming from H&M's premium selection, and with a much higher price tag than the other pairs I ordered, I had big expectations for these trousers. Luckily, I could really notice the difference—the fabric, stitching and cut all felt much more premium—making them worth the extra investment in my opinion. I loved the chic greige colour and the fact that, although long enough for me to have to get taken up, they weren't overwhelmingly oversized in other areas so as to swamp me—they still cut a straight, wide-leg shape that feels so polished dressed up or down.

Shop the Trousers:

5. High-Waisted Tailored Trousers

Verdict: I'm cheating a little bit with these trousers as I actually own them in grey from last year. I wore them on repeat, and so I thought a black pair would make a great investment, especially for autumn. They may be high-waisted, but there's an elasticated panel under the waistband that keeps them feeling comfortable, while nipping you in at the same time. It's a win, win really.

Shop the Trousers:

Shop More H&M Wide-Leg Trousers: