The Complete Guide to Trouser Styles: Technical Breakdown, Fit, and Brand Variations
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
Honest. Unbiased. Independent. Free. We promise.
We will never be influenced by brands - just the perfect Fit, Size & Style for you. Search thousands of honest posts for free, written by our stylists - your own personal shopper.
Trousers are one of the most technically varied and functionally critical garments in any wardrobe. Yet, despite being an essential staple, few consumers understand the nuances between different styles, fabrics, and fits—or how sizing varies significantly across brands.
At Tellar.co.uk, we’re committed to solving this issue with precision. Our free size-matching platform helps users compare their measurements against 1,500+ brands, eliminating fit guesswork and unnecessary returns. This guide explains all the key trouser styles, their defining features, body compatibility, fabric science, and how different brands approach fit.
1. Straight-Leg Trousers
Definition & Technical Fit
Straight-leg trousers fall evenly from the hip to the hem without tapering or flaring. Unlike slim or skinny cuts, there’s consistent leg width from thigh to ankle—typically between 7–9 inches across at the hem (for women’s size UK 10-12).
Body Compatibility
Universally flattering, especially on rectangular, hourglass and apple-shaped bodies. The linear fall creates a balanced silhouette without clinging or excessive volume.
Construction Details
Often feature darts, pressed creases, and centre seams for a tailored look. Rise options range from mid-rise (9–10 inches) to high-rise (11+ inches).
Ideal Fabrics
Wool, crepe, gabardine, and viscose blends offer drape without bulk.
Best Brands
-
High Street: COS, M&S Autograph, Arket
-
Designer: Theory, Joseph, The Row
📏 Check how sizing varies brand-to-brand at Tellar.co.uk.
2. Wide-Leg Trousers
Definition & Measurements
These feature a leg opening significantly wider than the thigh—often exceeding 12 inches flat for a size UK 12. The shape falls straight from the hip or flares out gradually.
Body Compatibility
Suited to taller frames and curvier bodies as the cut avoids clinging. Also recommended for balancing broader shoulders or narrow hips.
Construction Notes
Includes pleated or darted waists, concealed fastenings, and clean-lined silhouettes. Inseam lengths vary—tall versions often start at 32".
Key Fabrics
Wool-mix suiting, cupro, linen-silk blends, and fluid synthetics for formal and resort styles.
Go-To Brands
-
High Street: & Other Stories, Me+Em, Mango
-
Designer: Victoria Beckham, Sportmax, Stella McCartney
✔️ Save your profile at Tellar.co.uk/create-profile to match your exact measurements.
3. Skinny Trousers
Fit Science
A close-to-skin cut with less than 1–2 inches of ease throughout the leg. Most use 5–10% elastane or elastomultiester for recovery and stretch.
Rise and Cut
Commonly high-rise with narrow ankle openings (~5 inches flat). Fit tends to highlight hips, thighs, and calves—requiring accurate hip-to-waist ratios.
Ideal For
Petite, athletic or hourglass shapes with proportionate legs and defined waists.
Material Considerations
Blended stretch cotton, ponte knit, or techno stretch for enhanced recovery.
Recommended Brands
-
High Street: Zara, River Island, Reserved
-
Designer: Frame Denim, J Brand, Helmut Lang
🔍 Compare sizes instantly across retailers using Tellar.co.uk.
4. Tapered Trousers
Shape Profile
These feature a relaxed top block that narrows from mid-thigh to ankle—offering movement without a wide-leg silhouette. Think carrot-cut or slim-cropped styles.
Design Features
Often include pleats, belt loops, and ankle hems between 5.5–7 inches. Rise can be tailored to suit both mid and high-rise silhouettes.
Wearability
Excellent for business wear and smart-casual outfits, especially on curvier and pear-shaped frames.
Fabrics to Look For
Viscose-poly blends, wool crepe, and structured jersey for workwear versions.
Trusted Brands
-
High Street: Massimo Dutti, Matalan, Uniqlo
-
Designer: Isabel Marant, Dries Van Noten, Vince
👖 Input your measurements at Tellar.co.uk and eliminate sizing surprises.
5. Bootcut Trousers
Technical Specs
A fitted thigh flaring subtly from the knee—flare range is typically 2–3 inches wider at hem than knee circumference. Intended to accommodate boots under the hem.
Fit Purpose
Bootcut styles visually elongate the legs, making them ideal for balancing curvier hips or shorter inseams.
Construction Details
Hemlines should graze the shoe without pooling. Pair with heeled boots or block heels for optimal effect.
Brand Suggestions
-
High Street: Dorothy Perkins, Monsoon, TU at Sainsbury’s
-
Designer: Altuzarra, Celine, Max Mara
📐 Tellar’s UK vs European sizing guide ensures you always pick the right number across retailers.
6. Palazzo Trousers
Cut Characteristics
Floor-grazing, ultra-wide-leg trousers with leg openings typically >13 inches flat. Designed to mimic a skirt in movement.
Fabric Science
Drape-heavy fabrics like crepe, rayon, or satin help preserve shape while maximising flow.
Best Fit For
Tall, hourglass or plus-size bodies. Works well for dressy occasions or summer evenings.
Top Picks
-
High Street: ASOS, Warehouse, New Look
-
Designer: Emilia Wickstead, Johanna Ortiz, Roland Mouret
📊 Use Tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup to check which brands run small or large in palazzo styles.
7. Peg Trousers
Design Specifics
High-rise trousers with front pleats, dropped crotch and a tapered ankle. The cut narrows sharply below the knee.
Best For
Petite and curvier women who want waist definition without bulk around the thighs.
Fabric Guidance
Stiff fabrics like twill or cotton give structure; soft crepe or viscose creates drape.
Top Brands
-
High Street: Whistles, Boden, Nobody’s Child
-
Designer: Rejina Pyo, Tibi
8. Cargo Trousers
Utility Fit Breakdown
Loose-fitting, mid-rise trousers with multiple patch or flap pockets. Originally military wear, now adapted for fashion.
Rise & Functionality
Often mid-rise with drawstring or elastic waistbands. Hemlines may be cuffed or left wide for styling flexibility.
Fabrics:
Twill, ripstop cotton, lyocell blends for comfort and durability.
Brands to Consider
-
High Street: Pull & Bear, Urban Outfitters, Stradivarius
-
Designer: Off-White, Ganni, Alyx Studio
🧵 Explore different functional fits using Tellar.co.uk—we’ll match your frame to the best brand fit.
9. Joggers and Track Pants
Fit Mechanics
Elastic waistband, cuffed ankle, and a slim-to-relaxed leg. Most contain elastane for mobility and knit fabric for comfort.
Key Rise Range: 10–12 inches with inseams from 27–31 inches.
Fabric Focus
French terry, fleece-back cotton, and polyester jersey are common.
Style Note
Often styled with coordinated sweatshirts or elevated with trench coats for contrast.
Suggested Brands
-
High Street: Boohoo, ASOS Design, H&M
-
Designer: Pangaia, The Frankie Shop, Balenciaga
10. Culottes & Cropped Trousers
Hem Length & Fit
Inseam typically 20–25 inches, ending mid-calf. Shape varies from wide-leg to straight-cut or flared.
Best For
Showcasing footwear or styling in transitional seasons.
Fabric Suggestions
Cotton poplin, heavy jersey, or stretch blends.
Brand Picks
-
High Street: La Redoute, TU, River Island
-
Designer: Loewe, Jacquemus, Marni
📎 Compare culotte fits by brand with Tellar’s real-time recommendations.
Conclusion: Science-Driven Sizing for Real Bodies
Trousers are one of the most complex garments to fit correctly, requiring alignment of inseam, rise, thigh circumference, and hip-to-waist ratios. Combine that with unstandardised sizing across brands, and the shopping experience can feel like guesswork.
That’s why Tellar.co.uk exists.
With just your measurements, we tell you exactly which size to buy in each store—saving you time, money, and returns.
💡 Get Started Now
🔗 Follow Tellar.co.uk for Real-Time Tips