The nights are drawing in, the weather is getting colder, and my wardrobe is starting to take notice. I’ve dug out my warmest winter coats in preparation, de-bobbled all of my knitwear ready for daily rotation, and packed away my flip-flops and sandals in favour of more seasonally appropriate boots.
But perhaps the biggest indicator I’m ready for cosy season is the fact I’m shunning my jeans in favour of comfy alternatives. Think trousers with a bit of stretch to them, elasticated waistbands, and soft-touch fabrics that have the effect of making me feel like I’m wrapped in a blanket. An ideal scenario when in reality I’m trekking through the wind and rain in half darkness on my morning commute.
For the ultimate in luxury legwear, you can’t go wrong with a pair of wide-leg knitted trousers. Ticking all my aforementioned comfort requirements, they also manage to deliver an effortlessly elegant appearance thanks to their streamlined, minimal silhouette and a colour palette that mainly consists of warm neutrals and rich autumnal hues, like chocolate brown and burgundy. Whether you dress yours up with a structured jacket and kitten heels for dinners out with friends, or stick to a coordinating cardigan and slippers for weekends spent snuggled up on the sofa, you’re sure to get plenty of wear out of this wardrobe staple during the forthcoming cold-weather months.
Here are the 9 best wide-leg knitted trousers to shop now, from £16.
Primark Knitted Wide Leg Trousers
Primark Knitted Wide Leg TrousersCredit: Primark
Primark Knitted Wide Leg Trousers, £16
With a wide waistband and embroidered mock fly detailing, this Primark design is much smarter than your average joggers, especially when worn with the coordinating top. At just £16, we’re tempted to snap up the oatmeal colourway, too.
M&S Air-Yarn Wide Leg Knitted Trousers
M&S Air-Yarn Wide Leg Knitted TrousersCredit: Marks & Spencer
M&S Air-Yarn Wide Leg Knitted Trousers, £30
There’s no need to worry about overheating thanks to the ultra-fine, lightweight air yarn of M&S’ take on the trend. Rib-knit trims at the waist and cuffs add classic knitwear detailing to this minimal style.
Next Grey Knitted Wide Leg Joggers
Next Grey Knitted Wide Leg JoggersCredit: Next
Next Grey Knitted Wide Leg Joggers, £30
The pale grey colourway of Next’s knit trousers puts them firmly in the laid-back loungewear category, best reserved for wearing when you’re staying in. Available in three different leg lengths, they cater to every height.
Zara Wide-Leg Knit Trousers
Zara Wide-Leg Knit TrousersCredit: Zara
Zara Wide-Leg Knit Trousers, £29.99
Charcoal is business-coded (we blame nationwide school uniform trousers for the connotation), but that means you can wear these knit trousers to the office and feel like you’re in pyjamas. Pair with a button-down shirt or blouse and black kitten-heel, pointed-toe boots to make the look even smarter.
Nobody’s Child Red Knitted Straight Leg Trousers
Nobody’s Child Red Knitted Straight Leg TrousersCredit: Nobody’s Child
Nobody’s Child Red Knitted Straight Leg Trousers, £59
After something a bit brighter? Look no further than Nobody Child’s knitted trousers in this gorgeous berry red hue. Style with chocolate brown – a coat, bag and ballet flats all in the cocoa colour – for a rich contrast.
Abercrombie & Fitch Wool-Blend Lounge Pant
Abercrombie & Fitch Wool-Blend Lounge PantCredit: Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch Wool-Blend Lounge Pant, £75
Speaking of colour, these stripey knit trousers were made for cool, casual weekends. The muted colour palette stops the print from feeling overwhelming, meaning going head-to-toe with the matching hoodie is definitely encouraged.
Adanola Knit Straight Leg Trousers
Adanola Knit Straight Leg TrousersCredit: Adanola
Adanola Knit Straight Leg Trousers, £45
If you want a little waist definition, Adanola’s knitted trousers feature drawcords so you can adjust the fit depending on whether you want them sitting high up on your hips or low and loose. Yep, knitted trousers are nothing if not versatile.
H&M Wide Knitted Trousers
H&M Wide Knitted TrousersCredit: H&M
H&M Wide Knitted Trousers, £32.99
If this deep aubergine shade isn’t for you, this H&M design comes in *eight* other colourways. How about a pair of knitted trousers for each day of the week?!
The Couture Club Fluffy Knit Emblem Embroidered Jogger
The Couture Club Fluffy Knit Emblem Embroidered Jogger
Now 40% Off
Credit: The Couture Club
The Couture Club Fluffy Knit Emblem Embroidered Jogger, £48
For maximum cosy vibes, check out The Couture Club’s fluffy knitted trousers, available in six wearable colours and pairing perfectly with a cardigan or classic crew neck jumper, depending on your preference.
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Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!