Wide leg trousers, also known as palazzo pants, are some of the most popular types of trousers here at SoSatsuma! We absolutely love the combination of comfort and style that they offer, as their design creates a flattering silhouette through their gentle drape, while allowing space for airflow and freedom of movement.
What are Wide Leg Trousers?
While some people stick to a strict definition of the exact circumference of the trouser legs that define the style, we're a bit more casual here - it's the SoSatsuma way. To us, wide leg pants are any of those which remain loose from the waistband to the ankle, with some even being cropped or in a balloon-shape with a slightly tapered ankle. If they're flowy and not tight on the thighs, knees and calves, we think they're wide leg trousers.
History of Wide Leg Trousers
Historically, much of the western world's first types of trousers were wide leg trousers of one form or another, whether they were the lightweight harem pants or the medieval breeches. Yep, wide leg trousers may be as fashionable today as they were way back in the day! Unfortunately, in many cultures they were restricted to men, leading to them being worn as rebellion during the 1850's and in the women's rights movement in the 1920's.
The 1990s saw a rise in men wearing wide leg trousers, being favoured by breakdancers for that aforementioned freedom of movement, and by rappers - especially in the United States.
The rise of skinny jeans in the naughties may have stolen our wide leg trousers from the store shelves for a short while, but they've gladly made a resurgence and we are delighted to now be able to stock even more styles, colours and cuts of womens wide leg trousers than ever before.
Materials of Wide Leg Trousers
As the popularity of womens wide leg trousers grows, so too do the options. You'll find styles made in soft cotton and luxurious velvet, in denim and thick cord, as well as lightweight linen trousers with a wide leg design, which are perfect for the hot summer months, allowing ultimate airflow and breathability.
Prints and Patterns
Again, the options continue to grow for the colours of wide leg trousers women can buy these days. Block colours are popular, allowing the trousers to become an everyday staple and complement a more statement piece of clothing on top, like a cross front jumper or a big fluffy cropped coat.
One of our favourite styles of wide leg trousers is to add a bit of leopard print, turning the trousers themselves into the statement item. We've also developed some bold striped palazzo pants as part of co-ord sets, allowing you to easily create a stylish suit fo take on your daily adventures.
Cuts of Womens Wide Leg Trousers
Wide leg trousers are perfectly suited to a high waist design, allowing free falling drape from the waistband to the ankles for that distinctive silhouette - and ultimate comfort, especially when you opt for an elasticated waistband! That allows you to wear them wherever feels most comfortable. We also love the cropped styles, perfect for the more petite women for whom baggy trousers can't equal long trousers.
How to style Wide Leg Trousers
Wide leg trousers are incredibly easy to style, as they provide a spectacular foundation to dress up or dress down. Pair with a formal evening coat to take things a bit more casual, or use them to elevate trainers and a sweatshirt into a stylish brunch outfit.
