Are you fed up with tight jeans? Next’s £29 soft cord trousers in 4 colours win 4.8/5 this autumn

A chill hits the morning air, commutes stretch longer, and comfort suddenly matters as much as polish. Wardrobes shift quietly.

That’s where a simple swap can change your day: trading denim for a softer, smarter cord that still feels relaxed. High-street favourite Next has stepped forward with a pair making shoppers talk.

What’s driving the buzz

Next’s soft cord pull-on trousers sit in that sweet spot between joggers and tailored slacks. They give you structure without stiffness. They promise ease without looking slouchy. At £29, they also keep budgets intact as new-season costs pile up.

£29, four colours, sizes 6–24, and a 4.8/5 customer rating: the figures explain the growing chatter.

They come in black, chocolate brown, pink, and ecru. The palette spans office-ready to off-duty, with darker tones pairing neatly with blazers and knits. The cut is wide-leg. The waistband is elasticated with a drawcord. Pockets are proper pockets, not token stitching. The fabric carries a corded texture yet feels like a soft jogger to the touch.

Fit and feel

Pull-on trousers live or die on their waistband and drape. These glide on, sit flat under knitwear, and avoid the bunching that can ruin a clean line. The wide leg falls straight from hip to hem, balancing the silhouette whether you wear trainers or ankle boots.

The cord texture adds interest under a long coat and traps a little warmth without becoming heavy. On warmer September days, the airy leg keeps things breathable. When temperatures drop, the pile helps retain heat better than plain cotton twill.

Elasticated waist, wide leg, corded texture, and functional pockets create a fuss-free daily uniform.

Who they suit

The range includes petite, regular, and tall, with sizes from 6 to 24. That breadth reduces the usual compromise between length and rise. Petite avoids puddling at the ankle. Tall prevents the “high water” look. Regular will cover most bodies without a trip to the tailor.

• Petite: ideal if you’re 5’3″ and under, avoiding costly hem adjustments.
• Regular: a safe bet for most, especially with flat shoes or low heels.
• Tall: extra length preserves the wide-leg line with boots and platform soles.

Reviewers highlight comfort first, then polish. Reports mention lightweight feel with enough substance not to cling. Several note a flattering fall through the thigh, which can be the make-or-break zone for wide-leg cuts.

When jeans won’t cut it

Denim remains a staple, yet it brings limits. Rigid jeans fight you on long train rides. Skinny styles trap heat on stuffy commutes. Dark cords sidestep both issues while passing more dress codes. If your office loosens up on a Friday, black cords with a crisp shirt look considered. For school runs, knitwear plus trainers gives a pulled-together look without trying.

How to style them

Smart casual without effort

• Black with a white oxford shirt and loafers for meetings.
• Chocolate brown with a cream roll-neck and Chelsea boots for evening plans.
• Ecru with a Breton tee and trench for weekend coffees.
• Pink with a grey cardigan and low-top trainers for a softer palette.

Layering that works

Balance proportions. A roomy leg wants structure up top. Try a cropped jacket or a neatly tucked knit. If you prefer oversized layers, add a belt or a half-tuck to define the waist. Texture play helps. Smooth leather against cord reads premium. A wool blazer sharpens the line instantly.

What shoppers are saying

The rating sits at 4.8 out of 5, which tallies with the strengths mentioned above: comfort, flattering cut, smart look. Buyers call out the fabric’s softness and the trousers’ ability to work across temperatures. A recurring theme is versatility, with several wearing them to work and then straight into casual plans.

High marks for comfort and a tidy silhouette point to a rare balance between ease and structure.

Value and timing

At £29, these sit below the price of many tailored trousers and compete with mid-range jeans. Autumn wardrobes often need a bridge piece before heavy wool and lined styles take over. This cord option fills that gap for work, errands, and evenings where denim feels too casual.

If you rotate two pairs during the week, consider black for reliability and chocolate for texture. Add ecru to freshen darker coats. Pink brings a softer lift under grey skies.

Practical notes

Care and longevity

• Turn inside out before washing to preserve the corded texture.
• Wash cool to reduce colour fade and fibre stress.
• Shake out seams after washing to keep the pile even.
• Air-dry on a hanger to maintain the drape and avoid creases.
• Use a clothes brush once dry to revive the nap and keep lint at bay.

Store them with enough space so the pile doesn’t flatten. If creases set in, a light steam from the reverse side will lift the texture without crushing it.

Sizing tips before you buy

Measure your inside leg from crotch to the point where you want the hem to break over your shoe. Compare that to the petite, regular, or tall options. If you sit for long stretches, allow a touch more ease at the waist and hip. For trainers, a hem that meets the top of the tongue keeps the wide leg clean. For boots, a slightly longer break avoids the hem riding up.

A quick decision guide

• You want trousers that feel like joggers but pass a smart test: yes.
• You prefer a fitted leg: try before you buy, as the cut is wide.
• You need real pockets and a drawcord waist: yes.
• You wear multiple lengths across brands: choose the length that suits your shoe choice most days.

The bigger picture for your wardrobe

Building a small, flexible rail for autumn pays back swiftly. Start with two base trousers, add three tops with different necklines, one blazer, one knit, and two shoes that change the mood. Cords cover the relaxed-smart slot that denim can’t always fill. They also help transition summer blouses and tees into colder months by adding warmth and depth.

If you’re budgeting, use cost-per-wear. At £29, wearing them twice a week for three months drops the figure below £1.25 per wear. Keep them in the mix with heavier layers and the value improves with each outing. Add a belt, vary your shoes, and they won’t feel repetitive.