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Consider this your sign to ditch those skinny jeans (sorry, not sorry) and worn-out leggings (it’s time, trust us) for good and replace them with a pair or two (or three) of wide leg pants. What’s more, like any coveted wardrobe staple, the best wide leg pants combine comfort, versatility, and functionality, which makes them timeless. They’re also available in a wide range of colors and materials — but more on those in a bit — to suit every style and occasion. Personally, I like to think of these pants (which are just as comfortable as your favorite pair of sweats, albeit much chicer) as the newer, hipper version of gauchos (#TBT). Shop my picks below!
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What to Consider When Buying Wide Leg Pants
Before diving head-first into our top picks for the best wide leg pants — and ultimately stocking up on them — there are a few things to keep in mind.
Material
As previously mentioned, wide leg pants come in a variety of materials, including but not limited to: ponte, linen, cotton, wool, and cashmere. If you live in a hot climate, consider opting for lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton; conversely, warmer options such as wool and cashmere are well-suited for winter wear since they’re soft and cozy. Ponte, meanwhile, is both warm and breathable, making it an excellent option for year-round wear; plus, it’s stretchy and soft to the touch, too.
Color
From basic neutrals like blacks, whites, and beiges to bolder hues like yellows and pinks, the best wide leg pants come in a bevvy of colors to suit your individual style. Feeling extra adventurous? Considering a printed or patterned pair!
Occasion
I especially love wide leg pants for their versatility, meaning they can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. That said, you should still have a general idea of where and when you’ll be wearing the pants. For example, while linen wide leg pants are great for the beach — and, in most cases, you can throw on a blouse and heels to make them work for the office, too — they may not be the best choice for more formal occasions, like, say, a romantic date or fancy dinner. In these cases, you may prefer ponte, a double-knit option that is thicker (read: not see-through in the slightest) to avoid embarrassing mishaps.
The Best Wide Leg Pants to Shop, STAT
I’m prepared to live in these ultra-stretchy wide-leg Lululemon pants all summer. Their flowy silhouette is ideal for everyday casual wear—be it a stroll in the park with the dog or running errands around town—while their slightly cropped length is perfect for warm weather. Depending on the specific occasion, pair ‘em with your favorite sneakers or sandals, et voila. I also love that they come in seven color options (though let’s face it, I’ll probably snag them in basic black).
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Clocking in at under $50, these pants from Quince are an absolute steal, and they’re perfect for work, too. The premium ponte fabric — which just so happens to be pill- and wrinkle-resistant — offers four-way stretch for optimal comfort, while the seam detailing down the leg adds an extra-chic touch. Style them with a crisp blouse and flats or heels for a sophisticated office-appropriate look; alternatively, keep it comfy and casual with t-shirts and sneakers.
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For a polished and put-together look in (almost) no time, look no further than the aptly named Perfect Pants by TQE-approved shapewear-slash-fashion brand Spanx. The machine-washable wide leg pants — which, by the way, are pull-on (read: no zippers or buttons necessary! — are constructed with ponte fabric, which, as mentioned earlier, are known for their durability. They’re also especially unique in that they feature what Spanx calls “hidden core shaping technology” (essentially, a shaping panel sewn into the waistband to create a smoothing effect): a major bonus in my book. Shoppers can choose from three inseams (regular, petite, and tall) in sizes XS-3X.
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These Athleta pants are a favorite for their featherweight linen construction, which, thanks to their moisture-absorbing properties and breathability, can help keep you cool all season long. And, while they come in a total of six color options, I’m enamored by the hot pink version (pictured above), which adds a fun and playful touch to any summer ‘fit. The high-rise pants look fabulous paired with a cropped tee, tank, or even your favorite bikini top.
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Available in three vibrant colors, these statement-making pants from Free People stand out for their vintage-inspired printed design, making them a fun addition to any summer wardrobe. Combining functionality and fashion, the pants offer tiered pleating for a fun, feminine flair, while the double side pockets come in especially handy for stashing your small essentials (think: phone, keys, lip gloss, and cash). Go the Y2K route by pairing these pants with a tube top, or keep things basic with a solid neutral-hued tee or tank.
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Featuring a breezy-chic fabric — an Anthropologie-exclusive blend of viscose, linens, cotton, and elastic — and a subtle flare, these form-fitting high-rise wide leg pants look great on everybody and, most importantly, any body. What’s more, these pants come in four distinct fits (standard, petite, plus, and tall) in a wide breadth of sizes. As someone who appreciates a good pocket, I’d be remiss not to mention the fact that these pants offer not one, not two, but four of them (two in the front, two on the back). Take your pick of seven options, too, including Flame Orange, Pink, and Holly (pictured, an olive green).
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These sumptuous wool wide leg pants have a relaxed fit for an effortlessly cool look. Additionally, the double pleating detailing adds an extra-elegant touch. The waistband can easily be adjusted from high-rise to ultra-high rise using the internal button tabs. Choose from three sleek color options — camel, navy blue, and black — in regular, tall, and petite fits.
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Level up your cold-weather wardrobe by splurging on these buttery soft wide leg pants from beloved athleisure brand Alo Yoga. Made from 100 percent cashmere, the pants feel like a wearable hug and are perfect for cozying up in. Complete the look with a matching hoodie or crewneck — layered under the brand’s equally comfy cashmere bra, of course.
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TL;DR: It’s safe to say that wide leg pants are the summer wardrobe staple you didn’t know you needed…until now. Need more warm weather fashion inspo? We’ve got you covered here.