11 best wide leg pants to buy in Australia
We’ve rounded up 11 crowd-pleasing wide leg pant options based on the recommendations of several stylish women - including a viral pair from Target that shoppers say is "giving reformation" vibes.
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Wide leg pants are the unsung hero of every woman’s wardrobe.
Once thought of as exclusive to the tall among us, wide leg pants are nowadays being embraced by women of all shapes and sizes for their undeniable cool factor, comfort and ability to be dressed up and down by the quick switch of shoes (take a bow, heels and sneakers).
THE ICONIC’s Head of Style Nicole Adolphe says wide leg pants offer an “effortless look for day-to-day” wear, whether you’re running errands, heading to the office or out for dinner.
“If you are looking to keep your wardrobe on trend and give your look more of a ‘street style’ vibe, go wide,” Nicole told news.com.au.
“The silhouette looks stylish … and they are also definitely easier to pull off wearing a pair of sneakers, boots, loafers, sandals or the season’s ugly favourite shoes (Crocs and Birkenstocks).”
Our favourites? We've been loving the viral European Linen Pants by Lily Loves at Target that shoppers say is "nice quality" and "giving Reformation" vibes, as well as the Cotton On Haven pants, which shoppers have dubbed the "most comfortable pants ever".
Scroll on to see our round up of crowd-pleasing wide leg pant options based on the recommendations of several stylish women, from prolific fashion influencers and renowned stylists to fashion journalists and reviewers.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS
European Linen Elastic Waist Pants Lily Loves, $50 at Target Australia
Why we love it: Easy style; versatile; lightweight; can be dressed up or down; affordable.
What to consider: Light colourways may be slightly sheer.
Material: European linen | Sizes: 4 to 20 | Care: Machine washable
What You Should Know
It's no secret that Target is in its "slay era", as said by many TikTok users and these linen pants are a recent piece that shoppers are frothing over. Made from European linen, this lightweight pair features a comfy elasticated waistband, side slip pockets and a wide leg silhouette - they're available in sizes 4 to 20 and in multiple colours like black, ice blue, natural and white.
TikTok user @nicola_mcnamara shared a video of herself styling the pants and shoppers left rave comments, reading:
"Target is popping off!"
"Yessss I have the white linen set, it's soo nice and is really nice quality"
"These fits omg!! Obsessed"
"Wait this is giving reformation!!!"
Cotton On Relaxed Wide Leg Jeans, from $48.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Trendy style; flattering; comfortable; wide size range.
What to consider: May sell out fast; legs are quite long; it is recommended to size down for a high rise and fitted waist; no stretch.
Material: Cotton | Sizes: 4 to 24 | Care: Machine washable
What You Should Know
Crafted from 100 per cent cotton, these jeans feature a flattering mid-rise waist, relaxed fit, five-pocket design and wide legs - they have a cult following on TikTok with loads of users posting videos of themselves trying the jeans on as well as styling them. Not to mention, they're so easy to dress up with heels or boots and dress down with chunky sandals or sneakers.
They also boast a 4.6-star rating on the Cotton On website - reviewers say they're "the PERFECT jeans", the "most flattering" and "worth every cent".
"These jeans fit so well and are super comfortable. They're a fantastic shape and feel really good quality. One of the best things about them is that the pockets are deep so you can actually use them and fit a phone/small purse etc. in them which is a rare find in women's clothing let alone women's jeans!" one wrote.
"These jeans fit me so well and I have gotten countless compliments with them on. These jeans with a plain white top and some sambas? EATS! Anyway, the jean material is good and it is not stretchy, definitely worth all your money," another wrote.
Preview Wide Leg Pants, $50 at Target Australia
Why we love it: Affordable pants that won't go out of style; wardrobe staple; versatile.
What to consider: Sizing seems inconsistent according to reviews; may be too short for taller people.
Material: Polyester, viscose, elastane | Sizes: 6 to 20 | Care: Machine washable
What You Should Know
Timeless basics don’t have to be so expensive, take this sleek pair from Target for example. Crafted from a soft polyester blend fabric, these wide-leg pants feature pleating down the legs for an elevated touch, a structured high-rise waist with belt loops, and side pockets and are cut right at the ankle – making them ideal for wearing with sneakers, sandals, heels and more.
Easy to dress up or down, they’ll be your go-to staple for every occasion and season.
BEST BLACK WIDE-LEG PANTS
Country Road Soft Pleat Pant, $249 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Chic and classy; perfect for any occasion; easy to dress up or down; great reviews.
What to consider: Expensive; dry clean only; reviewers say the legs are too long.
Material: 70 per cent Tri Acetate, 30 per cent polyester | Sizes: 4 to 16 | Care: Dry clean only
What You Should Know
If you're after the perfect pair of black pants that you can work into your weekday and weekend wardrobe, this pair from Country Road is it. Crafted from fabric woven in Japan, these pants are crease-resistant and feature a flattering high-rise waist, pleat front detailing on the legs, pockets and our favourite wide leg silhouette.
It has a 4.8-star rating on Country Road with shoppers hailing them the "most comfortable pant" and a "great wardrobe staple".
"The softest, most beautiful pair of pants! I’ve struggled to find a pair of smart black pants that fit nicely around my thighs and waist, and these are an absolute winner! The only issue is they are a little long (I’m 5”6), but that’s easily fixed," one wrote.
"These pants are unbelievable, I have been looking for a pair of functional but flexible black pants for 2 years now to really invest in a pair that will flatter all events. These pants work paired with a t-shirt and sneakers just as well as with a flashy blouse and heels and equally with a shirt and blazer. The perfect pair," another wrote.
Pull-On Wide Leg Pant, $199 at Country Road
Why we love it: Comfy elastic waistband; easy pull-on style; versatile.
What to consider: Expensive; reviewers say the legs are too long.
Material: 71 per cent acetate, 29 per cent polyester | Sizes: 4 to 16 | Care: Hand wash only
What You Should Know
We love the timeless look of these pants that are made from a polyester blend. They have an elasticated waist with drawcords, side seam pockets and pintuck detailing. The wide legs fall loosely which makes it a flattering piece for all body types.
These pants score 4.8 out of five stars with many shoppers praising their ability to be dressed up or down with ease.
“Perfect elastic waist black pants. Can be dressed up or down. Love the permanent pleat – plan to live in these on my Europe trip,” wrote one happy customer.
“Comfortable, easy-fit pull-on pants with a lovely medium-weight draping fabric. Quite long in the leg and high-waisted, the drawstring makes a nice focal point. Great with sneakers for day wear and heels at night. Very versatile and they travel well.” another wrote.
BEST LINEN WIDE LEG PANTS
Stella Linen Pants, $80 (down from $120) at Assembly Label
Why we love it: Casual style for everyday; breathable; easy pull-on style.
What to consider: Cropped length may not be suitable for taller people; heavy weight/gsm.
Material: 100 per cent linen | Sizes: 6 to 16 | Care: Cold machine wash
What You Should Know
From work to dinner, these Assembly Label Stella pants will be your new favourite. Made from 100 per cent linen, this breathable pair has a relaxed fit and features a mid-rise waist, wide leg silhouette and side pockets.
They boast a 4.8 rating on the Assembly Label website with reviewers praising the pants for being "very very comfortable".
AERE Linen Wide Leg Pants, $84 (down from $120) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Perfect for the weekend and work; effortlessly chic; breathable.
What to consider: May wrinkle easily; no stretch.
Material: 100 per cent linen | Sizes: 6 to 18 | Care: Cold machine wash
What You Should Know
An affordable staple? Yes, please. These pants from AERE are made from 100 per cent linen and sit high-rise. Featuring super wide legs and side pockets, they are perfect for capsule wardrobe lovers and super easy to dress up or down.
BEST CROPPED WIDE LEG PANT
AERE Essential Linen Pants, $100 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Flattering high-rise waist; cropped length; breathable; timeless piece.
What to consider: Slightly sheer under light; unlined; non stretch.
Material: 100 per cent linen | Sizes: 6 to 18 | Care: Cold machine wash
What You Should Know
Just like the name suggests, these pants by AERE are essential for your capsule wardrobe. Crafted from 100 per cent linen, this lightweight pair features a panelled high-rise waist, invisible side zip, wide-leg silhouette and cut-off at the ankle. They’re perfectly cropped and easy to wear for those desk-to-dinner days. You can also grab it in neutral.
BEST COLOURED AND PATTERNED WIDE LEG PANT
TOPSHOP Stripe Crinkle Plisse Wide Leg Trousers, $48(down from $80) at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Fun and bold print; plisse texture; elasticated waistband; easy pull on design.
What to consider: Matching top sold separately; very lightweight material - may not be suitable for wear during cooler months; legs may be long; limited sizes available.
Material: 100 per cent polyester | Sizes: XS to L | Care: See garment label
What You Should Know
If you're after a pair of pants that scream fun, you'll love this pair. Crafted from a lightweight polyester, these beautiful pants have a crinkle plisse texture, stripey print and an elasticated waist to make it easy and comfortable to put on. They're great for adding a wow factor to any outfit and it can easily be dressed up or down for the summer.
BEST WHITE WIDE LEG PANT
Haven Wide Leg Pant, $49.99 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Super comfortable elastic waistband ; pockets.
What to consider: Reviewers say the legs are long; limited sizes available.
Material: 55 per cent linen (flax), 45 per cent viscose (viscose rayon) | Sizes: 16 to 24 | Care: Warm gentle machine wash
What You Should Know
Stay comfortable and chic all summer long with these wide-leg pants from Cotton On. Made in a soft linen blend, these pants are what you need to finally be able to wear pyjamas outside the house and still be totally on-trend.
Features include a relaxed full-leg length, lightweight fabric and an elastic waist with a drawcord. Five-star reviewers say that pants are “super comfy” and “very flattering”.
They’re also available in other colours.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING WIDE-LEG PANTS
When choosing wide-leg pants to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Fabric: Linen will keep you cool in summer but maybe a touch too lightweight for winter. We made sure to include a range of different materials to suit all your needs.
Fit: While an elastic waistband is comfortable, a tailored style is better suited to work and nighttime dressing.
Colour and print: Black or other neutral tones are a must in any wardrobe but adding a pop of colour is always fun so we included multiple options for you to choose from.
Price: Multiple price points were included in the list to suit every budget.
Size range: We tried our best to make sure there were products included with extended sizing.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best wide leg pants for your needs and budget, we asked stylist and head of style at THE ICONIC, Nicole Adolphe, for their expert advice and recommendations on what to look for when buying a wide leg pants. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best wide leg pants from premium to budget to help you find the right one.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW TO STYLE WIDE LEG PANTS
According to award-winning stylist Brooke Falvey, there are myriad ways you can style your wide leg pants.
“I love combining a coloured or patterned pair of wide leg pants with a simple T-shirt, tank or classic white button-up shirt tucked in or twisted into a cropped style,” Brooke tells news.com.au. “Not only does this achieve the flattering one-third/two-thirds proportion for my outfit, but it ensures my petite frame isn’t overwhelmed by extra fabric. Plus, hemming wide leg pants or jeans so they almost touch the ground (whether with heels or flats) helps give the illusion of longer legs.”
Stylist and content creator Tina Abeysekara told news.com.au checkout the key to pulling off the wide leg pants look is “all about balancing proportions”.
“Wide leg = more volume. Balance this out by:
– Fitted or tailored tops/shirts to add back definition to the top half.
– Rather than chunky boots like combat boots or platforms (which adds more volume) pair with a simple everyday flat or heel. I love thin strappy sandals (block heels are great too), nude heels (pointed toe adds to elongating the leg), or classic white sneakers.”
WHAT MATERIAL IS BEST FOR WIDE LEG PANTS
It depends on when you want to wear them. In summer, linen is always a great option as it's a super breathable material and won't get too hot in the heat. Otherwise wool is great in winter to keep you warm. If you're looking for something more affordable try a blend. A polyester blend is normally always going to be the cheapest option and a great one to buy if you're just trying out wide-leg pants for the first time.
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