How to Style Wide-Leg Pants for Men in 2025: Practical Advice
ShoppingMastering the ways of the relaxed silhouette is easier than you think.By Rob NowillApril 24, 2025Photos courtesy of Getty Images; Design courtesy of Emily HanhanSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.You don’t need us to tell you that voluminous pants are the silhouette du jour. Chances are, you’ve lovingly folded your slim-fit chinos and long consigned them to the back of your closet. At this point, almost every guy has relaxed their rotation, whether it be jeans, chinos, or high-waisted pants. Flattering, comfortable, and so much better ventilated during the warmer months, there’s a reason why the most well-regarded dressers in the public eye have made them a signature.That said, it still takes time to lean the rest of your wardrobe in this new direction. Should you go dress shoe, or sneaker? Can you wear a cropped tee with them—yes, by the way—or should you go super baggy up top, too? (Probably not). If you're unsure where to start, we’re here to talk you through everything you need to know. We’ve even gathered some of the best pairs on the market right now, and pulled together six separate, fully dialed-in ways to rock them.Make it Flow from Top to BottomSummer dressing is about achieving the crispest possible look with the minimal amount of application (and perspiration). Thankfully, we’ve unlocked a foolproof formula: generously cut short-sleeve shirt up top, wide-leg chino down below. Built-in breeziness, guaranteed.There are just a couple of caveats: the sleeve length on the shirt should be a little longer, ideally hitting around the elbow. The hem should be cut to hit just below the hip. And the pants should be cropped or rolled to a jaunty ankle length. Crack that, and you can sub in any manner of extras: a loose-fit denim jacket to throw over the top, a pair of Birks or Tevas to allow you to go sockless. You could even smarten it up with an unstructured blazer and a pair of loafers. Just try and look bad in this. You won’t succeed.J.CrewGiant-fit Chino Pant$98 J.CrewAuraleeOpen Collar Half-Sleeved Shirt$395 Mohawk General StoreDrake'sBleach Wash Denim Work Jacket$695 Drake'sBirkenstockGray Regular Boston Soft Footbed Slip-on Loafers$140 SSENSEEmbrace the UnexpectedIf you’ve ever cast even a cursory glance at our men’s street style coverage, you’ll know that no one wears oversized clothing as well as the Japanese buyers and editors who pop up at the various men’s fashion weeks. One takeaway you can adopt? The unlikely pairing of cargo pants with a tailored jacket. It shouldn’t work, but it does.Of course, this won’t work with the fitted blazer you keep in reserve for weddings. It needs an unstructured, soft-shouldered style that sits shorter through the body. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Japanese brands excel at this kind of tailoring — look to the ever-reliable (and reliably affordable) Beams Plus, or the stalwart Comme des Garcons. The added bonus: navy blue and military green are a perfect color combination, especially when accented with a sky-blue shirt.CarharttRegular Cargo Pants$145 SSENSENN07Joe 5245 Cotton-Poplin Western Shirt$285 Mr. PorterBeams PlusUnstructured Cotton-Twill Blazer$330 Mr. PorterNew Balance990v4 Suede and Mesh Sneakers$185 Mr. PorterLean into Classic WorkwearA good rule of thumb when venturing into any new style is to consider who’s done it best, and take your cues from there. When it comes to wide cuts of denim, that means looking towards the styling of 1950s workwear, which has remained a touchstone for menswear for the last 70 years. In practice, that means a rip-free pair of jeans in dark denim, turned up modestly, and worn with a classic chore jacket. Don’t be afraid to double (or even triple) up on denim here. And know that any wide-leg jeans are also crying out for a great pair of boots: black or brown, leather or suede, just make sure they’re chunky enough to balance the width of your pants.StüssyBig Ol' Jean in Rinsed Indigo$160 Mohawk General StoreBuck MasonJapanese Chambray One Pocket Shirt$158 Buck MasonA.P.C.Navy & Off-White Raphael Denim Jacket$365 SSENSETodd Snyder x SandersApron Boot$658 Todd SnyderCrop the Top for a Clean SilhouetteWide-leg jeans can certainly be made to work for semi-smart occasions—date night, say, or a friend’s birthday. But you’ll want to tidy up the silhouette, and aim for “roomy” rather than “baggy”. That means a high-rise, precisely tailored cut. This pair, by the Japanese brand Orslow, are pretty much the Platonic ideal, made from a midweight denim that’ll hang well and hold its shape. Whether black, blue or grey denim, they’ll partner up well with a clean, fuss-free pair of black leather laceups.You’ll need something equally precise up top, and that’s where a neatly cropped jacket comes into play. It should hit you right on the hip or just above it, defi
All products featured on GQ are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
You don’t need us to tell you that voluminous pants are the silhouette du jour. Chances are, you’ve lovingly folded your slim-fit chinos and long consigned them to the back of your closet. At this point, almost every guy has relaxed their rotation, whether it be jeans, chinos, or high-waisted pants. Flattering, comfortable, and so much better ventilated during the warmer months, there’s a reason why the most well-regarded dressers in the public eye have made them a signature.
That said, it still takes time to lean the rest of your wardrobe in this new direction. Should you go dress shoe, or sneaker? Can you wear a cropped tee with them—yes, by the way—or should you go super baggy up top, too? (Probably not). If you're unsure where to start, we’re here to talk you through everything you need to know. We’ve even gathered some of the best pairs on the market right now, and pulled together six separate, fully dialed-in ways to rock them.
Make it Flow from Top to Bottom
Summer dressing is about achieving the crispest possible look with the minimal amount of application (and perspiration). Thankfully, we’ve unlocked a foolproof formula: generously cut short-sleeve shirt up top, wide-leg chino down below. Built-in breeziness, guaranteed.
There are just a couple of caveats: the sleeve length on the shirt should be a little longer, ideally hitting around the elbow. The hem should be cut to hit just below the hip. And the pants should be cropped or rolled to a jaunty ankle length. Crack that, and you can sub in any manner of extras: a loose-fit denim jacket to throw over the top, a pair of Birks or Tevas to allow you to go sockless. You could even smarten it up with an unstructured blazer and a pair of loafers. Just try and look bad in this. You won’t succeed.
Embrace the Unexpected
If you’ve ever cast even a cursory glance at our men’s street style coverage, you’ll know that no one wears oversized clothing as well as the Japanese buyers and editors who pop up at the various men’s fashion weeks. One takeaway you can adopt? The unlikely pairing of cargo pants with a tailored jacket. It shouldn’t work, but it does.
Of course, this won’t work with the fitted blazer you keep in reserve for weddings. It needs an unstructured, soft-shouldered style that sits shorter through the body. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Japanese brands excel at this kind of tailoring — look to the ever-reliable (and reliably affordable) Beams Plus, or the stalwart Comme des Garcons. The added bonus: navy blue and military green are a perfect color combination, especially when accented with a sky-blue shirt.
Lean into Classic Workwear
A good rule of thumb when venturing into any new style is to consider who’s done it best, and take your cues from there. When it comes to wide cuts of denim, that means looking towards the styling of 1950s workwear, which has remained a touchstone for menswear for the last 70 years. In practice, that means a rip-free pair of jeans in dark denim, turned up modestly, and worn with a classic chore jacket. Don’t be afraid to double (or even triple) up on denim here. And know that any wide-leg jeans are also crying out for a great pair of boots: black or brown, leather or suede, just make sure they’re chunky enough to balance the width of your pants.
Crop the Top for a Clean Silhouette
Wide-leg jeans can certainly be made to work for semi-smart occasions—date night, say, or a friend’s birthday. But you’ll want to tidy up the silhouette, and aim for “roomy” rather than “baggy”. That means a high-rise, precisely tailored cut. This pair, by the Japanese brand Orslow, are pretty much the Platonic ideal, made from a midweight denim that’ll hang well and hold its shape. Whether black, blue or grey denim, they’ll partner up well with a clean, fuss-free pair of black leather laceups.
You’ll need something equally precise up top, and that’s where a neatly cropped jacket comes into play. It should hit you right on the hip or just above it, defining your waist and streamlining your fit. If you’ve got the budget, the French label Lemaire is where to look. If not, the brand’s founder and co-creative director, Christophe Lemaire, also designs an estimable range for Uniqlo.
Tuck Your Tee Into Pleats
One bonus of wider cuts is that they offer a broader canvas for design details. In particular, it’s well worth exploring deep-pleated styles: on roomier pants, cut higher on the waist, they’ll bring an element of Armani-like sprezzatura. It’s also particularly effective during warmer months, when you can opt for neutral shades in lightweight fabrics: cottons, linens, and even silks are worth considering.
Of course, a pleated pant only works if you can see the pleats, so these are best worn with a t-shirt, neatly tucked in. Ideally, look for something with a bit of texture: we’d recommend looking into Lady White Co., the LA brand who’ve produced what might just be the perfect white t-shirt. And if you’re not feeling quite toned enough to rock a tee solo, layer a lightweight jacket or unbuttoned overshirt on top.
Channel Your Inner Lounge Lizard
If you’re really dressing up, consider going in a more louche direction: In a sea of guys sweltering in too-tight suits, why not waft through them in artfully relaxed tailoring? The 70s-tinged, gently oversized look has been steadily gaining traction over the last few years, and has become a uniform for everyone from Harry Styles to Donald Glover. Thankfully, it’s an easy look to rock for events beyond the Grammys.
A pair of pleated, wool-based trousers should be your foundation, and should be cut to pool gently over your shoes. Brands like Saint Laurent do it best, but more affordable versions can be found at labels like Studio Nicholson, Mfpen, and even Massimo Dutti. Tuck in a Cuban-collar shirt in a soigné fabric (ideally a silk-mix, for maximum flex), and wear with leather loafers. Sunglasses are a welcome addition, too—just take them off inside, unless you really want to push it.
Tips for Wearing Wide-Leg Pants
There’s no hard-and-fast rule about how wide is too wide: it’s a question of proportion, so it’ll depend on your height, build, and what you’ll be wearing them with. But speaking broadly, a 20-inch leg opening is a good ceiling—it’ll look intentionally roomy, but not comically oversized. As for fabrics, a wider leg should either have structure or drape, meaning your pants are best in a stiff, sturdy cotton or a fluid, relaxed wool. Anything too lightweight has a higher likelihood of flapping, and anything too synthetic can be prone to humiliating rustling. It’s also generally wise to opt for styles that sit a little higher on the waist, as they’ll create a cleaner line without adding bulk around your hips.
After you figure out just how wide you're comfortable with, it’s about balancing the proportions with the rest of what you’re wearing. Look for neater shapes up top: fitted, tailored, or slightly cropped pieces will help you stay the right side of sloppy. And don’t be afraid of boxier styles: a well-chosen bomber, Eisenhower, or four-pocket jacket looks killer with a roomier cut of jeans. It’s generally wise to avoid longer-length coats, or oversized shapes, which tend to have a stumpifying effect.
You’ve got two options here: cropped, or puddling. The former means you want the pants to stop right at the ankle, to reveal a sliver of sock before the top of your shoes. It works best for chinos, jeans, and other ‘day’ pants, especially if you’ll be wearing them with sneakers or thicker-soled lace-ups. Your tailor can hem them to the right spot, but sturdier cottons and denim will look just as good when neatly rolled up. A note on that: you want a maximum of two rolls, each an inch wide, or they’ll look bulky.
If you’re taking the puddling approach, the pants should rest lightly on the top of your shoes, pooling gently in a way that looks deliberate, not messy. This works best with more fluid fabrics, but can work with casual styles, too: if in doubt, pull up almost any recent picture of A$AP Rocky’s pants, and take that as your cue.
Here’s the good news: wider cuts will play well with the majority of men’s footwear. But they’ll really get on with more substantial styles: a pair of lace-up derbies, chunky loafers or Red Wing boots will balance the proportions perfectly. As for sneakers, anything with a bit of heft is best: you can’t go wrong with Nike Air Humaras, Asics, or a classic pair of Chucks. Just avoid anything too dainty: a skinny-soled loafer or narrow running shoe peeking out from beneath a wide pant is likely to make your feet look tiny.
