I Haven't Worn Skinny Jeans in Years—These Are the 5 Loose Pants I Swear By

Skinny jeans and I broke up years ago, and honestly, even though they’re “in” again, I’m not going back. There’s just something so freeing about swapping those constricting silhouettes for looser, more relaxed styles. From baggy trousers to slouchy denim, my new standards for pants have completely changed the way I think about getting dressed—and they’ve made my outfits infinitely more comfortable in the process.
The best part? Loose pants are so versatile. They look great dressed up with a blazer and heels or paired with sneakers and a simple tee for a laid-back vibe. If you’re ready to retire your skinnies (or just want to dip a toe into the wide-leg world), these are the styles I can’t live without. Trust me, once you make the switch, you won’t want to go back.
Loose Denim
Loose jeans have transformed the way I dress. They make every outfit look a little bit cooler, time and again. Whether I dress them up with a blazer or go super casual with a white ribbed tank, I am always sure to look effortlessly cool thanks to my baggier jeans.
Shop loose denim:
Wide-Leg Trousers
Wide-leg trousers are the unofficial pant style of fashion people everywhere. Was that a pretty severe blanket statement I just made? Yes, yes it was, but I stand by it. The tailored look of the pants elevates any outfit, and the best part is they are so comfortable given the extra legroom going on.
Shop wide-leg trousers:
Relaxed Leather Pants
Thanks to looser-fitting, more relaxed styles, leather (or leather-like) pants no longer have to be super uncomfortable. Opt for a pair that allows your limbs to breathe and you'll instantly be converted.
Shop relaxed leather pants:
Satin and Silk Pants
Silk pants are basically a chicer version of sweatpants, but no one wants to talk about that. They feel as comfortable as a pair of pajama pants but look like they cost a million bucks. If that doesn't convince you, I really don't know what will.
Shop satin and silk pants:
Cargo Pants
Cargo pants always make me feel so cool. The utility-inspired details such as the oversize pockets and the slouchy fit make for the perfect pair of pants to wear with tanks, tees, and pretty much your entire sneaker collection.
Shop cargo pants:
Linen Pants
Linen pants are the ultimate warm-weather essential. Whether paired with a crisp button-down for a polished look or a slouchy tee for laid-back ease, they bring an understated elegance to any outfit. The beauty of linen lies in its relaxed drape and natural texture—creases included—making it a go-to for both vacation days and city summers.
Shop linen pants:
Sierra Mayhew is a fashion editor at Who What Wear, bringing a decade of industry experience to the editorial team. Since joining in 2021, she has made her mark by blending luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Before joining Who What Wear, Sierra sharpened her skills at Harper's Bazaar and Elle, with bylines in Bazaar.com and collaborated with iconic brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sierra translates editorial expertise into viral social content, making fashion engaging for a new generation. Her unique perspective is rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
-
I Already Have an Elevated Closet, But If I Were to Start Over, I'd Go for These 5 Staples
Effortless outfit ideas ahead.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
These 5 Inspiring Outfits Are Proof You Can Easily Merge Classic and Trendy Styles
Trust me, you're going to want to re-create these looks.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The 2025 It Girl's Wardrobe: 9 Highly Specific Brands and Buys They're All Wearing
From handbags to jeans to jewelry.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
These $20 Old Navy Flats Are Just as Chic as the $900 Pair I Have Been Coveting Since Last Spring
These are guaranteed to sell out.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
These Are the 7 Stylish Shoe Trends Fashion People Will Be Wearing With Jeans This Spring
I see chic denim outfits in your future.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
If You Have Great Taste, You Don't Want to Miss These 30 Chic J.Crew and Madewell Sale Picks
So many gems. So little time.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Chicest European Women Have Convinced Me to Try This Effortless Accessory
Simple yet so elevated.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
29 Spring Items From Free People That I'm Shopping for 2025
These are going to go quickly.
By Chichi Offor