Shopping for trousers often feels more like a rigorous chore than enjoyable retail therapy. The process of finding a flattering pair can resemble bootcamp drills—trousers off, trousers on, jump to hoist them up, hate them, repeat. Add some burpees, and you have a full-body workout. Compounding the frustration, trousers typically lack hanger-appeal, making it difficult to predict fit issues like bagginess, tightness, or length discrepancies. One shape and size certainly does not suit all.
High Street Brands Embrace Diversity
However, we cannot live in denim jeans day in and day out, and think of all the chic outfits we might be missing. The good news is that the high street is listening, with favourite brands now catering to a wider variety of heights, shapes, and sizes. From Next's extensive tall and extra-tall selections to Boden's petite range and Monsoon's extended size pieces, options are expanding. When you finally discover the perfect pair that fits your body well, it becomes a game-changer for style, confidence, and daily motivation.
Expert Recommendations for Every Body Type
As a fashion expert and stylist, I have done the legwork for you. Having scoured the high street for trousers for every size and occasion—including elasticated waistbands for comfort-first days—here are my top picks.
Best for Tall Women
Reiss Flared Trousers: Reiss excels at creating trousers that flatter the leg. These cream high-waisted flares are cut to form an elegant, slimming shape with a smart tailored edge. Their regular length suits women up to 5'9", while long options are ideal for taller individuals or those wearing heels. Note that petite options are also available.
Holland Cooper High Waisted Wide Leg Trouser: Though on the pricier side, these 100% wool wide-leg trousers are a worthwhile investment for tall women. With ample room in the high-waisted body, they combine elegance with comfort. Available in multiple colourways, the Walnut shade is a current favourite.
Next Slim Flare Trousers: Next offers an excellent selection of extra-long and extra-extra-long leg options. This denim-look tailored style serves as a smart-casual jean-trouser hybrid. The crease front ensures a streamlined cut, available in perfect lengths for your height.
Best for Petite Women
Boden Canonbury 7/8 Trousers: Finding cropped trousers for petite women is challenging, making Boden's ⅞ trousers ideal. Made mostly from cotton, they provide comfortable, breathable wear all day. They pair smartly with heels and trendily with loafers or retro trainers.
Whistles Petite Linen Barrel Leg Trouser: Whistles' petite collection is meticulously designed for smaller frames, tailoring all measurements rather than simply cropping leg lengths. For specific cuts like barrel leg trousers, tailoring regular pairs is nearly impossible. This 100% linen pair is a high-quality, stylish staple for spring-summer wardrobes.
M&S Tailored Relaxed Straight Leg Trousers: These khaki straight-leg trousers could become your newest go-to style. The relaxed cut and creased front create a smart-casual hybrid, easy to style up or down. They flatter the leg and stomach, especially with small heeled boots.
Best for Plus Size
River Island Black Faux Leather Cropped Trousers: Faux leather trousers that maintain shape and comfort are rare, but River Island delivers. With a contouring cut and front seam that streamlines the leg, they are both trendy and super flattering. Pair with sock boots for style points or heeled sandals in warmer weather.
Reformation Mason Pant Es: A classic shade and shape that works hard in your wardrobe, these neutral wide-leg trousers justify their higher price point. Featuring front double tucks and a cinching high waist, they create a flattering silhouette suitable for all seasons and easy to pair with most colours.
Monsoon Erin Flared Trousers: Monsoon continues to improve, now offering sizes up to 24 in most styles. These navy flares achieve a leg-elongating and slimming effect through clever cutting. Pair with a matching top for an effortlessly put-together look.
Best for Elasticated Waistbands
Baukjen Palazzo Trousers: Baukjen's fabric is reliably comfortable and high-quality. Their burgundy palazzo trousers with an elasticated waist are perfect for looking chic while running errands. Add a heel and blouse for an elevated yet secretly comfortable outfit.
ME+EM Wide-Leg Track Pant: These soft leather trousers are expensive but may become your new favourite. With a soft lining, they offer ultra-comfort while appearing highly styled. Wear with trainers, loafers, or heels to receive compliments while feeling comfortable around the stomach—ideal for dinners.
The White Company Fluid Cargo Trousers: Specialists in soft, luxurious items, The White Company excels at comfortable trousers for on-the-go style. These butter-yellow silky cargo trousers look stellar with heels or trainers, wherever your plans take you.
Best for the Office
Karen Millen Essential Techno Woven Trouser: In a modern skinny fit, these techno woven trousers are smart yet practical for the office. The stretchy, crease-resistant fabric ensures comfort and sharpness from 9am to 5pm and beyond.
John Lewis Melange Bootcut Trousers: John Lewis's new-in camel bootcut trousers transition seamlessly from office to evening events. With a sleek high-rise waist and elegant pressed crease front, they provide a contoured silhouette suitable for all settings. Pair with a simple blazer and boots to let the trousers shine.
The Fold Doppio Alzira Straight Flares: Known for office wear, The Fold delivers exemplary trousers. Their Clever Crepe Doppio Alzira style fosters confidence, with a soft stone colour offering an understatedly luxurious look when paired with a blazer or smart knit.
