I know Y2K fashion is making a comeback and all, but mark my words: I will never, *never* go back to wearing skinny jeans. I’m a wide leg girlie all the way now, and won’t give up their easy, breezy, comfort without a fight. Besides, with the countless cut and style options available in the wide world of denim—from boot cut, non-stretch, and straight leg to cargo jeans and jeggings—finding the perfect pair of jeans is painstaking enough already, which is all the more reason to stick with the style that works for you once you’ve found it, regardless of the trends.
That’s why I’ll never stray from my beloved wide leg jeans. Beyond having a timeless, relaxed silhouette that can be dressed up or down, they come in a variety of styles that’ll suit your ever-evolving wardrobe needs—from high, mid, and low-rise styles to cropped, baggy, and distressed options for a more casual look. Most importantly, though, wide leg jeans are really comfortable and can be slipped on without breaking a sweat (which I can’t say about my now defunct skinny jeans). All of this means you can never have too many pairs of these bad boys in your closet. We took the liberty of finding the very best pairs you shop online right now.
Best wide leg jeans at a glance:
Best overall: Everlane The Way-High Sailor Jean ($118)
Best cropped: Madewell The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean ($110)
Best cargo: BDG Low-Rise Cargo Jean ($79)
Best low-rise: Agolde Low-Rise Baggy Jeans ($208)
Best high-rise: Joe’s The Mia High Waist Wide Leg Jeans ($198)
Best oversized: Levi’s XL Flood Jeans ($118)
Best white wash: Banana Republic Côte Wide-Leg Jean ($150)
Best black wash: Gap High Rise Stride Jeans with Washwell ($80)
Best gray wash: Madewell Superwide-Leg Jeans in Moreland Wash ($80)
Best medium wash: Gap Low Stride Jeans with Washwell ($80)
Best distressed: Lucky Brand Low Rise Super Wide Leg ($77)
Best raw hem: Rails The Getty High Waist Wide Leg Jeans ($149)
Best stretch: Billabong Free Fall Stretch Crop Wide Leg Jeans ($90)
Best barrel: Levi’s Barrel Women’s Jeans ($188)
Best trousers: J.Crew Wide-Leg Denim Trouser ($90)
Best retro: Frame Le Hardy Wide Leg Jean ($134)
Best patterned: Frame Le High ‘N’ Tight High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans ($328)
Best splurge: Veronica Beard Taylor Wide-Leg Jean ($298)
Best budget: Old Navy High-Waisted Wow Wide Leg Jeans ($35)
Best overall
Available sizes: 23-33 (in 27.5” and 29.5” inseams)
This pair by Everlane have a classic, high-rise style that’ll compliment any item in your closet. They’re made using 98 percent organic cotton denim and 2 percent elastane, giving them a low stretch feel that’s comfortable, but maintains its shape after regular wear and washes. According to reviews, they run a bit big, so we’d recommend sizing down for your perfect fit.
Washes: 3
Best cropped
Originally $138, now $110
Available sizes: 23-33 (and plus, tall, and petite sizing)
Madewell does jeans right, so it’s no surprise that this cropped wide leg pair made it on our best-of list. Inspired by gently-worn vintage that fits like a glove, these wide leg jeans have the slightest hint of stretch, a fitted high-waist, and a beautifully slouched wide leg—making them the perfect pair of everyday, cropped denim.
Washes: Catlin Wash
Best cargo
Available sizes: 24-34
These jeans by BDG deliver two 2000s era trends in one—cargo pockets and a low-rise silhouette. The relaxed fit and baggy wide legs make these jeans more comfortable than most, and the jumbo-sized cargo pockets mean you can leave your purse at home. Plus, they have a 5-star rating online, which means UO shoppers love them as much as we do.
Washes: Tinted denim
Best low-rise
Available sizes: 24-34 (select sizes sold out)
Agolde’s Low-Rise Baggy Jeans have an effortlessly cool look that makes for the perfect contrast against a cropped tee or knit sweater. The stylishly slouchy legs offer plenty of wiggle room, while the button-fly and rigid, high-quality denim recall the look and feel of vintage jeans.
Washes: 3
Best high-rise
Available sizes: 23-34
The Mia High Waist Jeans are a must for nights out and trips to the office alike. Featuring a sky-high waist and full-length legs, these retro-inspired jeans are pretty much begging to be worn with a gorgeous pair of heels or chunky boots.
Wash: Black
Best oversized
Available sizes: 24-32
For a maximalist take on a wide leg style, Levi’s XL Flood Jeans are guaranteed to make a statement. Featuring a mid-rise waist, ultra-wide leg silhouette, and a durable, stretchy denim, these oversized (and highly rated) jeans are proof that you never have to sacrifice comfort for fashion.
Washes: 3
Best white wash
Available sizes: 24-35 (and tall sizing)
Featuring an elegant high-waist, crisp pleats, and ultra-wide legs, these Banana Republic jeans have a polished, tailored look that’ll set them apart from the other jeans in your wardrobe. The luxe, Italian denim is structured, and has a soft-wash texture that lends itself to daily wear. Plus, the off-white wash works seamlessly with any outfit.
Wash: Ecru
Best black wash
Available sizes: 24-35 (in short, regular, and long inseams)
Gap’s High Rise Stride Jeans are form fitting at the waist and hips, and gradually taper out to create an easy, wide fit down the legs. Designed to feel like a coveted piece of vintage clothing, they offer minimal stretch that slowly adapts to your shape with continued wear—for that one-of-a-kind fit. According to the reviews, Gap shoppers love the jean’s leg elongating effect, and the fact that they can be dressed up with heels for a cool work day look.
Wash: Washed black
Best gray wash
Originally $98, now $80
Available sizes: 24-32
The widest leg jean in Madewell’s denim lineup, the Superwide Jeans have that quintessential ‘90s look that’s wearable for everyday. They’re made using 100 percent cotton and contain zero stretch, giving them the rigid (but still comfortable) feel that’ll stand up against years of wear and tear—and actually get better with age.
Wash: Moreland wash
Best medium wash
Available sizes: 24-35
Gap’s Low Stride Jeans come in a classic medium indigo wash that won’t disappoint. Designed with a low-waist and relaxed, loose fit, they’re a no-fuss, comfortable option you’ll be glad to have in your closet. The unfinished hem also adds an edgy touch!
Wash: Medium indigo
Best distressed
Originally $129, now $77
Available sizes: 24-35 (select sizes sold out)
For a distressed look that gives off major Debby from The Wild Thornberrys energy, look no further than this pair from Lucky Brand. Complete with a low-rise waist and a super wide leg, these effortlessly cool jeans have just the right amount of distressing—artfully torn knees and scuffs around the front pockets.
Wash: Space dest
Best raw hem
Originally $198, now $149
Available sizes: 26-31 (select sizes are selling out quickly!)
With their soft fading, subtly distressed hem, and rigid non-stretch denim, the Getty Jean has that gently worn-in, retro look that only gets better and better with time. They can be styled casually with sandals or sneakers, or dressed up with heels or ankle boots. One thing to note, though, they run small according to reviews, so we’d recommend sizing up for the best fit.
Wash: Old indigo
Best stretch
Available sizes: 24-31
Don’t sleep on Billabong in the denim category—these cropped jeans are as stylish as they are comfortable. And they’re really really comfortable, thanks to the cotton, polyester, viscose, and elastane infused material. Just one thing to note: they do run small, according to some reviews, so size up for the best fit.
Wash: Black
Best barrel
Available sizes: 23-32
For fans of an oversized look who don’t necessarily want anything too baggy, Levi’s Barrel Jeans are a fashion-forward solution. They feature a wide yet rounded out ‘barrel’ shaped leg that’s a cross between a paper bag and wide leg style. So you get the comfortable, relaxed fit you crave without committing to a super wide look.
Wash: Medium wash
Best trousers
Originally $148, now $90
Available sizes: 23-37
Whoever says jeans aren’t fancy, hasn’t seen these J.Crew Denim Trousers. They’re designed with a high-rise waist and are full length to create a polished, elongating effect. And they’re infused with 1 percent spandex giving them the perfect amount of stretch you can comfortably wear all day long.
Washes: White and Wesly wash
Best retro
Originally $268, now $134
Available sizes: 23-34 (select sizes sold out)
Between the high waist, double button accent, and front slit pockets, these ’70s-inspired jeans bring retro flair to any outfit. The fitted waist gives the retro, wide leg flares a modern touch that instantly elevates any outfit. According to reviews, they run a bit long—but that’s nothing a high heel or trip to the tailor can’t fix.
Washes: 3
Best patterned
Available sizes: 24-34
The only thing better than a wide leg is a playful graphic print. And this pair by Frame makes a sartorial statement thanks to the cool checkerboard pattern that only amplifies the ‘90s aesthetic. Wear them casually with sneakers and a T-shirt, or dress them up with a blouse and chunky heels.
Wash: Indigo check
Best splurge
Available sizes: 23-32
If you’re going to invest in a good pair of jeans, make it this pair by Veronica Beard. They’re beautifully made of a no-stretch, light wash Japanese denim that’ll never go out of style. They’ve got a classic look that’s a perfect match with anything in your wardrobe, and they can be worn just about anywhere—so you’re bound to get your money’s worth.
Wash: Blue ridge
Best budget
Available sizes: 0-30 (in short, long, and regular inseams)
These Old Navy jeans have that just-broken-in feel, but still keep their shape after repeat wears. The wallet-friendly jeans deliver on comfort, style, and quality—and at just over $30 bucks? There’s no going wrong.
Wash: Campeche
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