The very best elasticated trousers: The new breed are slimming, anti-ageing, comfy and smart enough to wear out. I'm a fashion director and have tried 43 pairs - these are the ones every woman needs
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As a fashion director by trade, I am someone who likes to get dressed up. I live firmly by the rule of 'I would rather be over-dressed than under-dressed', and adore a bit of glamour.
That being said, I love a pair of trousers with an elasticated waist as much as the next woman. For me, the love affair started during Covid, when a Les Girls Les Boys tracksuit became my home-working look of choice. Those comfy, slouchy bottoms were my best friend.
Now I walk in from the office and immediately remove my structured trousers and bra in favour of something much more fluid and comfortable. But perhaps I don't need to choose between smart, waist-nipping trousers and the comfort of an elasticated waistband. The high street is awash with hybrid styles that are tailored enough for the office, but have that sneaky gathered waist hidden away. Even Chloe and Givenchy showcased elasticated trousers in their AW25 runway shows. It is clear the fashion world has realised comfort is key.
So I have given in and tried on 43 pairs of elasticated trousers. Here, I have handpicked the seven best, which I thoroughly recommend.
A luxe feel for us tall women
This pair are a great length for any tall girls (I am 5ft 10in and opted for the long length). I can often find leather trousers stiff and uncomfortable as they grip in all the wrong places throughout the day. These are such a fantastic faux leather and feel very luxe.
Don't think you like tracks? These will convert you
I have never worn a track pant ever as it always feels out of my comfort zone, but I absolutely adored these. They would be fabulous with a chunky brown knit or even a plain tee or vest in the summer. I am now a convert!
Elastic waistbands and jeans do, in fact, go well together
If you had asked me my thoughts before this project on elasticated denim you may not have liked my answer, but these were fantastic. The elasticated waistband on these Whistles jeans allowed them to fit the rest of my body better without any of the constraint or stiffness that new jeans normally have.
Chic, yet so comfortable they could be worn as pyjamas
When I went into the Reformation store the shop assistant said ‘you will live in these’ and she was not wrong. I struggle to think of an event that you could not wear these to and you feel so relaxed it's as if you are in your pyjamas. A really elevated finish yet super stretchy and comfy, a huge tick.
A great classic for any wardrobe
A pair that you will wear again and again. A good cream palazzo trouser is hard to find and these from Reiss tick all my boxes. The elasticated waist doesn’t deter from the formal look of them, but allows for maximum comfort at any event.
A pair that makes both you glamorous and relaxed at a Christmas party
As someone who doesn’t love a sequin or glitter, these are the perfect alternative for a Christmas party look. These cargo trousers are as glam as any jumpsuit I have seen but so easy to wear and move, they look fabulous with the slinky material and pale blue lace detail! And the benefit of a top and trouser combo over a one piece is you can fit it to your shape, rather than having to adhere to it as a set
Knitted trousers that add to your confidence - rather than take away from it
Now, I am normally not a fan of wearing a loungewear outfit out and about but you could honestly wear this full look to the pub, to a friends house or any casual weekend plans. It is so warm and comfy and hugely flexible! Knitted trousers can sometimes be a nightmare to wear as they can add bulk to your silhouette but the cinched high waist of these slacks make them feel really elevated and very flattering!
