Trousers: All the Different Styles – A Complete Guide to Fit, Function, and Fashion

Trousers are the unsung heroes of every wardrobe. While tops and jackets often get the spotlight, the right pair of trousers can define your silhouette, boost your confidence, and transform your entire look. Yet with so many styles—from wide-leg to skinny, high-rise to low-slung—it can be overwhelming to know what suits your shape, lifestyle, and occasion.

At Tellar.co.uk, we make it easy to find the perfect trousers for your body and brand of choice. With our free size-matching tool, you can discover your ideal fit in over 1,500+ brands in seconds.

Let’s dive into every trouser style you need to know—what they are, how they fit, who they suit, and how to wear them.

1. Straight-Leg Trousers

Overview:

Straight-leg trousers are the most versatile and universally flattering style. They run straight from the hip to the ankle without flaring or tapering.

Best For:

All body types—especially if you’re looking to elongate your legs or balance your proportions.

Style Tips:

Pair with tucked-in shirts or cropped blazers for smart casual or officewear. Look for mid to high-rise versions to accentuate the waist.

Brand Suggestions:

High Street: COS, M&S, Mango
Designer: Joseph, The Row

Want to know your size in each brand? Use Tellar.co.uk to get instant sizing guidance.

2. Wide-Leg Trousers

Overview:

These have a generous cut through the leg, creating dramatic movement and a fluid silhouette.

Best For:

Taller or curvier frames; great for balancing wider hips or adding volume to narrower builds.

Style Tips:

Wear with a slim-fitting top to avoid overwhelming your shape. Tailored wide-legs work beautifully for formal settings.

Brands to Try:

High Street: Arket, & Other Stories, H&M Premium
Designer: Victoria Beckham, Stine Goya

Try the Tellar.co.uk profile tool to save your measurements for effortless shopping across brands.

3. Skinny Trousers

Overview:

Tight from hip to ankle, skinny trousers hug the body and are typically made with stretch fabric.

Best For:

Petite or athletic frames. They also pair well with oversized or structured tops.

Style Tips:

Balance the tight fit with oversized shirts or longline knits. Choose high-waisted styles to create shape.

Top Picks:

High Street: Zara, Bershka, River Island
Designer: J Brand, Frame

Not sure which size you are in Zara vs River Island? Tellar.co.uk does the work for you.

4. Tapered Trousers

Overview:

Tapered trousers are relaxed at the top and gradually narrow at the ankle. They offer room around the hips and thighs without the bulk.

Best For:

Pear and hourglass shapes; also great for a polished office look.

Style Tips:

Add a belt to cinch the waist. Works well with loafers, heels, or even trainers depending on the occasion.

Go-To Brands:

High Street: Uniqlo, Massimo Dutti, Matalan
Designer: Isabel Marant, Acne Studios

5. Bootcut Trousers

Overview:

Slightly flared from the knee to the ankle, bootcut trousers are a timeless silhouette designed to be worn over boots or heeled shoes.

Best For:

Balancing wider hips or thighs; ideal for elongating the legs.

Style Tips:

Keep the hem just grazing the floor for maximum leg-lengthening. Works great with fitted tops or blouses.

Top Brands:

High Street: Next, Dorothy Perkins, Monsoon
Designer: Celine, Altuzarra

Browse these brands confidently using Tellar.co.uk to see how their sizing runs.

6. Palazzo Trousers

Overview:

Palazzos are ultra-wide from hip to ankle and usually made from flowy fabrics like crepe, silk, or linen.

Best For:

Summer months, resort wear, or formal events. Great for curvier frames or anyone wanting comfort with elegance.

Style Tips:

Tuck in lightweight tops or wear with a crop top to balance proportions.

Recommendations:

High Street: ASOS, New Look, Warehouse
Designer: Johanna Ortiz, Max Mara

Get size matches instantly at Tellar.co.uk. It’s free & easy.

7. Peg-Leg Trousers

Overview:

Characterised by a high waist, roomy hips, and tapered ankle. Peg-leg trousers have a vintage, fashion-forward flair.

Best For:

Petite and curvy figures. They highlight the waist while offering room through the hips.

Style Tips:

Add a blouse or body-hugging knit to keep the shape defined.

Try These Brands:

High Street: Whistles, Boden, Nobody’s Child
Designer: Stella McCartney, Rejina Pyo

8. Cargo Trousers

Overview:

Utility-style trousers with pockets, often made from cotton or technical fabrics. A staple in streetwear and casual wardrobes.

Best For:

Athletic or androgynous shapes. Works for both functional wear and high-fashion.

Style Tips:

Pair with fitted tops or cropped jackets to counter the bulk. Try belted styles for more shape.

Top Brands:

High Street: Pull & Bear, Urban Outfitters, Stradivarius
Designer: Off-White, Ganni, Alexander Wang

9. Joggers & Track Pants

Overview:

Casual, elasticated trousers designed for comfort. Modern joggers can range from sporty to fashion-forward.

Best For:

Relaxed, everyday dressing or airport style. Also works for working from home in style.

Style Tips:

Upgrade joggers with sleek trainers and minimalist outerwear. Look for high-rise fits with cuffed hems for a chic edge.

Top Brands:

High Street: Primark, Boohoo, ASOS Design
Designer: Pangaia, The Frankie Shop, Balenciaga

10. Culottes & Cropped Trousers

Overview:

Shorter trousers ending above the ankle or mid-calf, often with wide or structured legs.

Best For:

Spring/summer dressing or showcasing statement footwear. Ideal for petite and taller women alike.

Style Tips:

Works best with heeled sandals, boots, or trainers. Try neutral tones for wardrobe longevity.

Recommended Brands:

High Street: River Island, TU at Sainsbury’s, La Redoute
Designer: Loewe, Tibi, Dries Van Noten

Choosing the Right Style for Your Body

The fit of your trousers can drastically affect your look and comfort. That's why Tellar.co.uk helps you match your own measurements to the sizing data of hundreds of brands, eliminating the guesswork and returns. Whether you're curvy, petite, tall, or somewhere in between, our smart tool finds what fits—not what the tag says should fit.

💡 Explore:

Create your profile
Find your size by brand
Understand how sizing varies
Compare UK vs European sizes

Tips for Buying the Right Trousers

Know your body shape. Pear-shaped? Tapered or bootcut trousers balance proportions. Athletic? Cargo or wide-leg styles create volume.
Prioritise rise and inseam. High-waisted fits elongate the legs and flatter most figures.
Fabric matters. Stretch fabrics work for slim fits. Linen or cotton blends breathe better in summer.
Avoid assumptions. A UK 12 in one brand can be a UK 14 in another. Always double-check—or just use Tellar.co.uk.

**Final Thoughts: Trousers Should Fit You, Not the Other Way Around**

Forget sizing confusion and brand guesswork. At Tellar.co.uk, we believe in fit that works for real bodies. Whether you’re after tailored workwear or relaxed weekend joggers, we help you buy confidently, knowing your size is already calculated.

✨ Try it now — it’s 100% free.

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