Wide leg pants for men: the trouser that changed the silhouette

For fifteen years, menswear was defined by a narrowing leg. Trousers tapered, jeans went skinny, and men squeezed into them. The wide leg has ended that run. It's on runways, in street style and on the men who look most at ease in any room. If you've been hesitant, this guide will get you there.

Wide leg, loose fit, relaxed fit: what's the difference?

• Wide leg: the leg stays wide from hip to hem, with no taper. The most dramatic of the three.
• Loose fit: roomy through the seat and thigh, with a straight leg.
• Relaxed fit: a little extra room compared with a regular cut, often with a slight taper.

All three move away from the skinny silhouette; wide leg goes furthest.

How wide leg pants should fit

1. Waist first. The waist should sit comfortably at your natural waist or slightly below. An elasticated or drawstring waist avoids belt-bunching.
2. Room in the seat and thigh. The fabric should hang straight from your hips, not pull across them.
3. The right length. The hem should just touch the top of your shoe, with at most one soft break. Too long and it drags; too short and it looks like it shrank.
4. A fabric with body. Thin, limp fabric collapses and looks like pyjamas. Textured cotton holds the line.

Meet the Big Stepper

Our Big Stepper baggy cotton pants are one of our best-sellers for a reason. They're cut in a bold, oversized wide leg from long-staple 100% cotton, with a crushed texture inspired by wind-shaped dunes. Extra-large pockets make them practical, and they come in seven colours, from brown and black to rust and sage, in sizes S to XXL. They're light enough for an Indian summer and structured enough to look intentional.

For a cleaner, straighter leg, the Bay Breezer beach pants have a relaxed straight cut, a textured breathable weave and oversized pockets.

How to style wide leg pants

• The everyday uniform: a fitted plain tee, half-tucked, with white sneakers.
• With a short kurta: a hip-length cotton kurta over wide leg pants is a modern Indian classic. See How to style a short kurta for men.
• Smart casual: a boxy Cuban collar or popover shirt, untucked, with loafers.
• Tonal: walnut pants with a brown tee, or black on black.
• Layered: an open overshirt over a tank, sleeves rolled.

The rule: wide below, neat above. Avoid an oversized top that falls past the hip unless you want a deliberately all-loose look.

Shoes for wide leg pants

Chunky sneakers, loafers and leather sandals work best. They give the wide hem something to land on. Very slim shoes get lost under the fabric.

Why cotton instead of denim?

Wide leg jeans are everywhere, but heavy denim is hot in Indian weather and slow to dry. Cotton wide leg pants keep the shape and let air move through the leg. Read more in Loose clothing and your health.

Shop all: baggy pants for men.

Frequently asked questions

Are wide leg pants in style for men?
Yes. Wide and loose fits have replaced skinny cuts as the dominant men's trouser silhouette.

Do wide leg pants suit short men?
Yes. Choose a higher rise, keep the hem just touching your shoes, and match the colour of your top and trousers to lengthen the line.

What top goes with wide leg pants for men?
A fitted tee, a short kurta, or a boxy shirt that ends at the hip.

What is the difference between wide leg and baggy pants?
Wide leg is a specific cut that stays wide from hip to hem. Baggy is the umbrella term for any loose trouser. See our complete guide to baggy pants.