After Years of Testing, Fashion People All Agree—These Jeans Are the Ultimate Wide Leg Style

Jeans are a tricky thing. I mean, sure—denim is the OG wardrobe staple, but finding the right fit can feel like a never-ending journey. Take wide-leg jeans for example. Arguably the most popular jeans shape of the last couple of years, but they so easily can be too slouchy, too long, too wide or not quite wide enough. Personally, with my hourglass shape, it’s a constant struggle to find a pair that won’t cling too tightly to my hips whilst still giving me that cool-girl finish they're made for.
This was the dilemma I was facing until I stumbled upon Citizens of Humanity's Ayla jeans, and my days of searching for the perfect pair of wide-leg jeans were over. Picture this: wide-cut legs that cascade gracefully down, creating that coveted relaxed silhouette without appearing too baggy. Suddenly, slipping into denim felt like slipping into a second skin—a comfortable, effortless and undeniably chic second skin. Now the firm favourite in my denim arsenal, I wear these on a weekly basis, with a simple white T-shirt and jumper for casual occasions and a blazer and pair of heels when I want to dress up.
Style Notes: For context, I'm 5'6" and I opted for my usual size here (W27, size 10). As I'm smaller on top I always get my jeans taken in at the waist to sit a little higher, but if you prefer the low-waist slouchy look they shouldn't need any altering.
I'm certainly not the only one obsessed with these jeans, either. So many of the most stylish fashion people I follow have had them in their collection for the last few seasons now, and continue to wear them on repeat this year. In fact, I don't think I've seen a specific pair of jeans shown this much love in… well, a long time. Influencers like Monikh Dale, Jessica Skye and Marianne Smyth have been spotted in the exact Ayla jeans, putting their own signature touches on their looks. Monikh, with her cemented London style, often opts for a minimalist approach, styling them with T-shirts and crew neck sweaters with fashion's favourite comfortable shoe—Birkenstock Boston clogs. Jess has the darker wash and below you'll see she doubles up with a lighter denim shirt on top. Meanwhile, Marianne speaks to our spring-ready sensibilities by pairing hers with sandals—proving the Ayla jeans make a great trans-seasonal staple.
Style Notes: Monikh is petite at only 5'1" and wears her Ayla jeans with a turned up cuff.
Style Notes: While most people style these jeans with a turn up (meaning you can tailor to the perfect length for your height easily), Marianne proves they also look extremely cool puddled on the floor.
Style Notes: I love how Jess styles the darker blue Ayla jeans with a lighter denim shirt, and proves how well they go with Adidas's cult SL72 trainers.
Style Notes: Our senior shopping editor, Emily Dawes (5'3") elevates her Ayla jeans with a smart jacket and Toteme's T-Lock bag.
So, editor-approved and worn by the most stylish influencers—do you need any more persuading that the Ayla jeans are the very best slouchy wide leg jean to invest in? When you're next scrolling your Instagram feed and notice them pop up, just remember that you heard it here first. And because it's my job to provide you with all the intel, I've collated the many different washes and style variations below. Just be sure to grab a pair before the rest of the world catches up.
Shop the Citizens of Humanity Ayla Jeans:
Many people I know who bought the blue also went on to buy this versatile style in black.
A new, smarter take on the Ayla.
The grey pair would be a great trans-seasonal style.
A cropped frayed style for those who prefer no turn up.
This cargo pant version is a great update if you've worn your Ayla jeans out.
A polished version of your favourite wide legs.
If you're a fan of a distressed knee, opt for these.
Denim short season is almost upon us, so if you're a fan of the fit of the Ayla then don't sleep on these which also come in blue.
If you can't bare to take your Ayla jeans off for work, try this smarter cotton pair of trousers in exactly the same comfortable but flattering fit.
These are the perfect throw-on-and-go weekend jean.
Free People has a huge selection of Ayla jeans in a ll the coolest colour shdes and variations.
Shop More of Our Favourite Citizens of Humanity Jeans:
Humaa is the Junior Branded Content Editor at Who What Wear UK, where she specialises in paid-for and affiliate content across beauty and fashion. She holds a BA Hons in English Literature and has previously held editor positions at British Vogue and Marie Claire US. Before joining Who What Wear UK, she was part of the US Branded Content team, bringing her expertise back home to help grow the UK division. With years of experience testing and reviewing fashion and beauty products, she writes trend-driven and commerce-focused stories. When she's not shopping for work, she's making her way through her Kindle TBR list—spoiler: it's a long one. Follow her on Instagram at @Humaa.Hussain
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