As much as we love a great pair of jeans, there are some days when only stretchy trousers will do. Whether you're heading into the office, travelling, working from home or simply want something a little more forgiving after lunch, the best pairs should strike that elusive balance between looking polished and feeling incredibly comfortable.
Thankfully, gone are the days when stretchy trousers meant shapeless leggings or sporty joggers. Today's styles are smart enough for meetings, lunches and dinner dates, with flattering wide-leg silhouettes, tailored cuts and elevated fabrics that look every bit as chic as traditional trousers, while feeling much closer to your favourite pair of pyjamas.
So, if you're ready to give your denim a well-earned day off this autumn, we've rounded up the best stretchy trousers that combine comfort with style. From M&S and Uniqlo to premium favourites, these are the pairs you'll find yourself reaching for again and again.
M&S Jersey Wide Leg Trousers with Stretch
M&S Jersey Wide Leg Trousers with Stretch, £20
We love these super-chic wide-leg trousers from M&S, especially in this flattering caramel shade. The soft jersey fabric has plenty of stretch, making them incredibly comfortable as well as looking very polished. And, they're available in six colourways and five leg lengths, so whether you're petite or tall, you're far more likely to find your perfect fit without a trip to the tailor.
Zara Stretch Wide-Leg Trousers, £25.99
If you're after a pair of trousers that work just as well for the office as they do for weekends, Zara's stretchy wide-leg pair are a great shout. The high-waisted silhouette and flared leg create a really flattering shape, while the stretchy fabric and elasticated waistband keep them feeling comfortable all day long. Available in two autumnal shades, they're trousers you'll definitely want to wear on repeat.
M&S Ponte Side Stripe Drawstring Wide Leg Joggers
M&S Ponte Side Stripe Drawstring Wide Leg Joggers, £26
Proof that joggers can actually look incredibly chic. The smooth ponte fabric gives these a more structured feel than traditional loungewear, while the wide-leg cut and subtle side stripe make them smart enough to wear well beyond the sofa. The drawstring waist keeps them adjustable and comfy, and with two classic colours plus very strong five-star reviews, we have a feeling these will become a proper wardrobe workhorse.
Uniqlo Shirring Easy Trousers, £12.90
If comfort is your top priority, these Uniqlo trousers deserve a place in your wardrobe. The ultra-stretch fabric, relaxed wide-leg fit and drawstring waist make them ideal for long travel days in the office to running errands on weekends, while still looking polished enough to wear out to lunch. They're proving so popular that several sizes are already selling fast, so be quick so you don't miss out!
Abercrombie & Fitch A&F Gemma Crepe Wide Leg Pull On Pant
Abercrombie & Fitch A&F Gemma Crepe Wide Leg Pull On Pant
Abercrombie & Fitch Gemma Crepe Wide Leg Pull On Pant, £58
If you're looking for work trousers that don't feel like work trousers, these Abercrombie ones are a brilliant find. The lightweight crepe fabric drapes beautifully, while the pull-on waistband with a drawcord keeps them feeling incredibly comfortable throughout the day. We love the navy blue with the pinstripes, and there's also bitter chocolate and black versions, too. Smart enough for the office but just as easy to dress down with trainers at the weekend.
Boden Belgravia Ponte Trousers Forest Green
Boden Belgravia Ponte Trousers, £89
If you prefer your wardrobe on the smarter side, these Boden trousers are well worth the investment. The crease-free ponte fabric has plenty of stretch, while the subtly flared leg creates a really gorgeous silhouette. They genuinely feel as comfortable as joggers but look polished enough for the office, dinner or weekend plans. They're also available in a whole host of chic colours and, at the time of writing, you can save 15% with the offer currently running on Boden's website.
M&S Pure Cotton Straight Leg Joggers
M&S Pure Cotton Straight Leg Joggers, £30
If wide-leg styles aren't for you, these straight-leg joggers are a brilliant alternative. Made from soft pure cotton with an elasticated waist, they're wonderfully comfortable while the streamlined silhouette keeps them looking neat and put together. Perfect for weekends, travel or working from home, they're the sort of wardrobe staple you'll find yourself reaching for on repeat.
Boden Belgravia Twill Trousers Indigo
Boden Belgravia Twill Trousers, £129
If you're after a pair of trousers that will instantly elevate your autumn wardrobe, these Boden twill trousers are hard to beat. The tailored wide-leg fit creates a beautifully polished silhouette, while the soft cotton-blend twill has just enough stretch to keep them comfortable all day. We especially love the rich indigo shade, but they're available in a range of stylish colours to suit every wardrobe.
Reformation Gale Mid Rise Bias Pant
Reformation Gale Mid Rise Bias Pant, £198
Yes, these are expensive but these are an investment pair you'll wear for years, and Reformation's Gale trousers are worth every penny. The beautifully draped crepe fabric skims the body without clinging, while the relaxed leg and stretchy waistband make them surprisingly comfortable for such a polished style. They're effortlessly chic, making them perfect for the office, dinner or special occasions, and the sort of timeless trousers you'll reach for season after season.
