As a denim expert, I can confirm this is hands down the comfiest yet smartest style to invest in

As someone who wears denim on a daily basis and spends a lot of time analysing denim trends, I can confirm that some of the best jeans I've ever tested have come in a wide-leg silhouette. Often seen as divisive due to their voluminous shape, these timeless jeans are all things smart, stylish, and, most importantly, comfortable.

While some people are keen to embrace the skinny jean renaissance, we are well aware that others are not. This is why we've decided to put our expert knowledge to the test and source the best wide-leg jeans. From distressed pairs to classic light and dark washes, these jeans are distinguished by their voluminous look, which widens from the thighs and puddles over the feet.

Offering comfort due to the lack of fabric pressing against the skin and style points with its flattering silhouette that helps petite girls, like me, simulate a slightly longer leg- they are a great capsule wardrobe investment for everyday wear.

From the pairs to invest in now to the best shoes to wear with them to avoid any wardrobe mishaps and make the most of this shape, keep reading.

What are wide-leg jeans?

Commonly mistaken for other traditional silhouettes, differentiating wide-leg jeans is actually a very easy task. Aside from checking the jeans' circumference (wide-leg styles are usually 20"), you can also identify them by the point at which the denim starts to expand.

Wide-leg jeans are slightly tighter at the waist and widen at the thighs without coming in at the ankles. These can be compared with baggy jeans, which also have a looser silhouette throughout but are commonly low-waisted and don't tighten around the waist, as well as flared silhouettes, which are wide from the knee down with a tighter fit at the waist.

What shoes to wear with wide leg jeans?

The answer may surprise you, but you can truly wear any style of shoes when it comes to pairing them with wide-leg jeans. It all comes down to preference and your desired look.

Petite women like myself often opt for platformed shoes or heeled boots, as I've found that my wide-leg jeans get dirty at the hemlines after walking around the city in trainers or ballet flats.

However, during sunny months, my recurring spring outfit formulas include wide-leg jeans and pointed flats. I go for these as they give a more sophisticated look than traditional ballet flats. That is because rounded points often get lost under the jeans' voluminous silhouette, whilst pointed toes peek out at the hemline. This helps add some extra dimension and length, and is a fail-safe petite girl tip.

Ready to give them a go? Below, our top picks to invest in now.

Shop the best wide leg jeans