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Introduction
As any wannabe sartorialist or religious fashion follower knows, the fashion seasons work in advance – so when we have blue skies and sun aplenty outside, fashion designers have already set their sights on what wares they can create and peddle come the winter months. Recently, I have decided to imitate the fashion greats and launch a series of articles detailing the upcoming trends and themes for autumn/winter 2012.
However, fear not, these articles are designed to showcase upcoming trends with a spring/summer 2012 twist – so you can start getting involved ahead of the trend and become the forward-thinking fashion visionaries you really are. Next on the fashion agenda is a menswear trend which tends to split opinion, but proved to be popular on the AW12 runways; wide leg trousers.
AW12 Trend Preview: Wide Leg Trousers
Last year, I featured an article on FashionBeans on this very subject. However, despite proponents for AW11 including Dior Homme, Thierry Mugler and Raf Simons, the general consensus from FashionBeans readers was that although such cuts of trousers provided interesting and fresh silhouettes on the high fashion runways, wide leg trousers are too difficult to incorporate into everyday wear for the modern man.
Our readers felt that the trend wouldn’t take off and that the preference for skinny and slim leg styles would remain. Following the runway shows for AW12 – and also looking at the choice of trouser cuts readily available on the high street – it is clear that wide leg trousers are again returning to the forefront. It got me thinking… Maybe the modern man is ready for a change and would embrace the wider leg trouser this time around?
On The Runways
On the runways at the various Fashion Weeks across the globe, voluminous, wide leg trousers were embraced by several high fashion designers such as Emporio Armani, Dries Van Noten and Yves Saint Laurent. My two favourites from the high fashion designer collections were Lanvin and Calvin Klein.
Lanvin AW12
Lanvin’s show in Paris represented a collection which truly demonstrated clear inspiration from the 1970s – not just in the style of the clothes but also the colours used in the pieces. The collection featured high-waisted, wide leg trousers paired in super smart combinations with matching blazers and overcoats, but also with hi-tops and trainers for a slightly more casual look.
The colours used included traditional 70s beige, camel and brown paired with duck egg blue and soft grey. Lanvin even featured a traditional white pair, channelling Saturday Night Fever’s Tony Manero. Lanvin even embraced the current popular trend for pattern by featuring wide leg trousers in thick horizontal stripe patterns – an innovative idea as this print is rarely seen on trousers.
Overall, the effect created from the Lanvin collection was almost cartoonish – in a positive way – with the clothing creating an interesting and refreshing silhouette with pumped out shoulders, a nipped in waist and wide leg trousers.
Calvin Klein AW12
My other favourite supporter of this trend at the AW12 shows was the Calvin Klein collection. I really like the cut of the trousers and also admire the way that the wide leg trousers have proven their versatility – being paired with casual, sports-influenced pieces on some models, and then paired with overcoats, shirts and pullovers on other models to create a look that errs on the side of smart rather than scruffy.
In Popular Culture
It wasn’t just the collections on the runways which showed a penchant for a wider legged trouser fit. Behind the scenes at the Yves Saint Laurent show, Head Designer Stefano Pilati was championing the trend that featured heavily in his own YSL AW12 collection, donning a pair of wide leg trousers when he popped onto the runway at the end for his well-deserved applause.
Similarly, male model and fashion enthusiast David Gandy chose to showcase a vintage pair of grey, wide-legged hounds-tooth trousers, complete with oversized turn-ups, at the recent AW12 London Men’s Day and following it up at the more recent London Collections: MEN weekend. He demonstrated that wide leg trousers can be worn practically, and proving that a penchant for a wider leg needn’t automatically equate to scruffiness.
David Gandy has been championing a looser silhouette over recent months
The Fashion Press
The fashion press and media have also recently supported the trend for wider legged trousers. In the spring/summer issue of Another Man magazine there were several editorial spreads following different themes and showing different inspirations – many of them featuring wide leg trousers. A feature dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent’s collection showed a fuller trouser and also a fuller pair of shorts paired with the traditional and infamous YSL safari jacket.
Other editorials in the magazine feature wide leg trousers from a range of designers including Calvin Klein, Emporio Armani and Wooyoungmi used to create both casual outfits with sports-style sweats, and smart, more tailored aesthetics.
Similarly, in the same magazine issue, there is also a spread titled ‘Some Lost Bliss’ that features a series of photographs on a beach with an underlying 70s ‘hippy’ theme. Over the past few months, Esquire online have also featured a series on ‘How to get the 70s Look’, and have included figures of inspiration such as Marlon Brando and Al Pacino in their 70s heyday to create a classic, louche 70s look with wide legged trousers.
The Great Gatsby
In my last article, I wrote that the popularity of certain television shows such as Boardwalk Empire had shown an influence on menswear – much like Mad Men did for 60s tailored suits and the resurgence of the pocket square. This year, the biggest media influence that could influence the uptake of wide leg trousers is the pending release of Baz Luhrmann’s film, ‘The Great Gatsby.’
Set in the roaring 20s, when wide leg trousers in suiting were all the rage, this film promises to fuel the popularity for a fuller trouser in menswear. ‘The Gatsby’ inspiration has already impacted the recent womenswear collections, and I think it is inevitable that an aspect of this will (and perhaps has already) spilled over into menswear.
Will Leo and The Great Gatsby Film Increase the popularity of wide leg trousers for men?
How To Wear
The looks featured in summer issues of magazines such as Another Man and Esquire have demonstrated that the wide leg trouser trend is just as applicable to SS12 as it is to AW12 – so if this is a trend which interests you, there is nothing to stop you from supporting it already and getting ahead of the sartorial masses. Many high street collections have already embraced the trend with ASOS, AllSaints and Levis featuring wide leg trousers in their collections.
As can be seen from the designer runway shows – wide leg trousers are versatile enough to be portrayed as smart or casual – and can successfully compliment other on-going trends such as the sports-influence or the trend for colour and pattern.
Wide Leg Trousers Lookbook
Current Men’s Wide Leg Trousers
- Carven Cotton-canvas Suit Trousers
- Richard James Linen Suit Trousers
- Collezione Linen Miracle™ Flat Front Trousers
- Asos Black Wide Leg Trousers
- Carolyn Massey For Asos Topstitch Trousers
- Superdry Parachuter Pant
- Silent – Damir Doma Pima Black Onyx Trousers
- Alexander Mcqueen Flannel Trousers 125099
- Maison Martin Margiela Anatomic Trousers 58206
- Maison Martin Margiela 10 Mens Pants
- Balenciaga Mens Silk-blend Pleated Trousers
- B-store Basil Pleat Tweed Trousers
- Burton Jack Reid Grey Prince Of Wales Check Trousers
- Asos Pleated Chino
- Levis Vintage 1920s Loose Tapered Pant
- Austin Reed Wrinkle Free Khaki Pleat Chinos
- Jaeger Pick And Pick Trouser
- The Classic Khaki Straight Fit
Final Word
As I mentioned earlier, the wide leg trouser seems to be a trend which really does polarise opinion – with a lot of people simply not seeing the appeal. I think a lot of men see wide leg trousers as only being associated with a scruffy, untidy, unfinished look, but the images portrayed by the fashion designer runway collections undoubtedly prove that baggy and loose needn’t mean scruffy and uber-casual.
Perhaps it is time for men to embrace something different to the traditional status quo preference for skinny, slim-fit styles. As a recent article in the Guardian said: ‘…no trouser style has really given the slim or skinny leg an actual run for its money’ – maybe it is time for something fresh to come along and challenge this perception.
But what do you think out there? Do you see a market for wider leg trousers or do you think the skinnier, slim styles will reign supreme for another season? Is a wider leg something you think you could open your mind to?
We look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Safari
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Ethnic Inspired
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Denim
Men’s SS13 Fashion Trend: Statement Tailoring
Back To Top
No matter what the trend but with my seizable thighs I could never don the wide leg trousers – even on the model-like Gandy it looks as if he’s swimming in those trousers. Can not wait for this trend to die.
Frankly, I’d prefer be suitably off-trend in slim fitting jeans and trousers, rather than look like I got my weekend job as a clown confused with my weekday 9 – 5. They look atrocious.
Would like to ad, I do appreciate these sort of articles from Fashionbeans. It shows that you’re dedicated and you do your best to make sure your readers are aware of new trends. Having pushed slim fits for a while now, you probably guessed that many of your readers won’t take to wide fitting trousers, but the article is here nonetheless. Good stuff!
Not sure about these.
Some fashion trends come to the forefront because they actually look good, suit a lot of people and work with a lot of outfits. They tend to be around a long time, if they ever die off at all. Skinny/slim trousers fit in that bracket.
Some fashion trends develop just to be different to the current norm and die off again pretty quickly. Dropcrotch jeans anyone?
i totally agree here. i do enjoy fashion and like something new coming up, but bringing back wide legs?? fine some people will of course follow fashion as its published but for me and alot of people where i come from, skinny/ slim fit pants are here to stay and i cannot see them leaving any time soon, if ever.
YAY! The wide leg trouser is back… of course I now utterly regret getting rid of my Alexander McQueen wide leg trousers from AW06. Oh, well an excuse to buy some more!
Here, Here you go!
I agree with some of the other comments made here, although they might be suitable for people with larger figures perhaps who cannot make the skinny fit work.
I for one though will leave my Pyjama’s at home :)
I don’t know I’m just not feeling it .
Where as if wide leg trouser make there entry in winter, I would prefer straight cut trouser rather then a wide leg one. Some of the trousers on the ramp looks as roomy as my pajamas .
I can’t see myself in anything like this, but then I probably said that about skinny trousers once upon a time.
Time will tell, but personally I can’t see a great uptake on these. They are unflattering and impractical; one of the things that you will see in contrived “street style” images, but rarely in real life. I can see them already with over-styled outfits and affected poses.
agree massivelyyyy
I don`t think these look that great. Seems like the major fashion houses are simply trying to keep things moving just for the sake of it. Slim pants are timeless – wide-leg trousers feel gimicky – why would I want a pair of pants that don`t compliment the silhouette or fit nicely for that matter?
Unfortunately I am not and will never be David Gandy.
Some might say that they aren’t practical. However, after recently purchasing a pair of vintage Yohji Yamamoto trousers, they actually feel quite nice. Especially since it’s now getting hotter that little bit of bagginess is actually quite comfortable. Of course I rolled them up a little bit to take away some of the length as I’m not as tall as a runway model, or that tall for the matter.
The point being is that there is always ways to work it into your wardrobe.
I’m glad I did.
I agree…. people might like the difference…
Another great post from you guys – but like many of the comments above, I’m not too keen on wearing these.
I think in order to really pull these off, you’d need to be somewhat tall e.g David Gandy and even he doesn’t look too great in the first picture (grey suit). And with my skinny/small frame, I’d look like a goblin. I think if they were say, high waisted, straight/slim cut – they’d work.
But anyway, thanks for the article guys!
Even David Gandy doesn’t pull it off: Eminem pulls it off better!
This is a ‘trend’ (if you can call it that, I haven’t seen it anywhere) which will be phased out quickly, like camo print. It looks awful and, as has been said, has probably only come about as a revisionary reaction to slimmer styles. Anyone who attempts this is trying to be different, and failing by looking like a little boy in his Dad’s trousers.
Even the smartest of suits will look too casual with this type of trouser leg. To the untrained eye it could pass for bad tailoring!!
I think men’s dressing habits will resist moving away from slim fitting forms. It always look far smarter and creates a far more sophisticated silhouette…
Hmm, gotta say that I’m a sceptic about this trend as well. After spending so much time (and money) aiming for that slim silhouette, it feels like backward thinking to me. I think like a couple of guys have said here, the most I’ll go to is a straight leg.
But I will say that these preview guides are really helpful, it’s good to have a rough idea of what’s coming next season, helps me to think ahead a bit for what I should buy next.
man, my closet is full of slim cut trosers and jeans, hopefully this trend will not be booming
Wide leg might have shown up in lookbooks and runways for 2 seasons, but slim has been consistently classy for decades. Moreover, the rock and roll look is tied seamlessly to the slim fit look. Even though wide leg might be “coming up” the slim fit is and has been here already!
Wow! I thought opinion would be split here but get the feeling many of the comments were written by people who didn’t actually look beyond the headline. The looks shown here are in the main great, very well tailored, not unflattering or impractical.
It sounds like people are against a wider leg because A) it’s different to what they already wear (every single day) OR B) because it can’t be worn with tops and shoes they wear (every single day). It’s a shame as some of the looks above are really gorgeous.
I’m sorry but I have to very strongly disagree. You claim others have not read the article, but it appears to me you have not read the comments that you’re questioning, as many have provided specific examples of why this style is unlikely to catch on.
This really is a great article, but unfortunately this wide leg style that it discusses simply will not work for many body types, especially those of the slim variety. In my opinion each of the trousers pictured above looks ill fitting, as if the models are young boys wearing their fathers’ clothing. They look, from the waist down at least, like 50% of the poorly dressed men in my office who couldn’t care less about how awful they look in public.
While I’m sure some of the slimness of current fashion will fade away over the years, the simple fact is that slim IS timeless and smart, and will probably never disappear completely. I think the wide leg look is far too extreme to be practically worked into everyday men’s fashion.
I love it, but feel you might need the right body type to pull it off (sorry, not to discriminate). Tall and fit might be a good combo, like Gandy, not too thin, and clean and tidy up top. I practically have the same navy stripe suit Gandy is wearing, and with a crisp fitted white polo, the pants rock!
QUESTION: My concern is for shoes. I have small feet and my fear is my pants “swallowing” my feet. I don’t know if I can pull off loafers or brogues like Gandy, even though I think those shoes would go best. Maybe you need big feet to pull this look off.
I think you can only pull this look off if you are David Gandy, apart from that if you were a normal person who wore this you would look like you are wearing your obese elder brothers trousers. And that definitely isnt a good luck :/
I think they’re absolutely hideous. As some people have noted – if they appear on the high street, they’ll be a passing phase; the drop crotch chinos and cuffed jeans have all but disappeared from the shelves now, just 18 months since they were the ‘big thing’.
Nothing like the classic slim/skinny fit.
Does this mean we can all start wearing zoot suits? I’m in.
I love the skinny look, and I have dreaded skinny jeans being replaced by wider trousers. Theres no doubt I prefer skinnies but at least this new wide leg look is not a full-on ridiculous flare.
I like some of the wide leg trousers in the pictures, especially the ones that come in again at the ankle, we must be able to see what shoes we have on!!!
They’ve been trying to get wide leg trousers in for the past 10 years, and they’ve yet to be popular. Mainly because
(a) They look atrocious
(b) They look ridiculous
(c) They never give a good silhouette.
Its just fashion labels trying to make us buy new things, even when they look ridiculous.
the one from lanvin looks nice. but I think this will never be for guys who are not tall. if guys whose physique is small, and wears wide leg pants, they’ll look even smaller. change is better. but feeling good on how you look is best. Not all people know fashion and that what makes it more diifficult to pull these one off.
jaz from the Philippines.
Horses for Courses!!!! I love wide leg trousers and I am very pleased these have come around again, I think it is about time the scruffy un-kept look was neutered, its about time we as a whole make an effort to look good and take pride once again in how we present ourselves. A pair of wide leg trousers and a fitted shirt (tucked in of course) or fitted jumper teamed with a nice understated belt is a fashion trend we need.. Skinny jeans are good on little boys but guys with muscly legs or those packing a little beef can get it totally wrong and then there are the muscle men that have a very strong upper body but then have legs like pigeons- it should not be a trend for everyone! i think that as long as you feel good in what your presenting then keep to it.
Slim pants and jackets have been in style for over 10 years now with Prada and Dior Homme pushing that look. for such a long time now………..It took awhile for the general public to catch on……….What the wide pants is doing is that it means back to more flowing looks with pleats. ………thats how it will translate into high street fashion.
What I don’t understand is that if this is a fashion site where men read, learn and expose themselves to new fashion why am I reading how a lot of the people have no interest in a new style.
I’m sorry to read that many guys and short sided and so young they don’t see the ebb and flow of fashion. In the 60′s pants were very slim, the 70′s jeans were very tight and only a few men wore bell bottoms, the 80′s the silhouettes got much looser, the 90′s went so colorful and now in 2000+ many men are wearing slim/skinny fits but I really think the 2005 and forward is the era of choices and it’s only going to continue. Slim fits will have their time but other styles will also get their chance in the spot light.
I read similar comments for the “Oversized” article. I always hope for more open minds and a willingness to experiment but maybe that’s just me. Peace.
Dear Ben,
Thank you for this article… interesting and has certainly led to a lot of debate.
I am curious to know which collection the 3 top picture on the Wide Leg Lookbook are from?? Would really appreciate to know.
Also, and to add to the whole wide leg discussion… My personal motto has always been: “Dressing well is not about wearing what you like, it is about wearing what suits you” … and being on the short side of things (5’6”) I always found the baggier the clothes, the worse they look. A little bit like not being able to wear long jackets as these cut my height even further.
Considering this… would you recommend wide leg trousers or should we vertically challenged people stick with slim cuts?
Thank you, and the whole Fashionbeans Team, for a great website.