Some clothes whisper their usefulness. They slip into your day, pull their weight, and quietly lift every outfit you own.
That is the story behind M&S’s £39.50 Crepe Tab Detail Wide Leg Trousers, a repeat sell-out drawing more than 2,300 customer reviews and a strong 4.6 out of 5 rating. Priced for real life yet smart enough for big days, they promise a clean line, a forgiving drape and a shape that looks considered without effort.
What makes them different
The cut sets the tone. A wide leg that skims rather than swallows creates length through the thigh and calf, giving movement without the cling that can ruin a polished look. The mid‑weight crepe helps here: it has enough substance to fall cleanly and enough give to move with you through a packed day of commuting, meetings and errands.
A simple tab detail at the waistband sharpens the line. It draws the eye to the waist, reads as tailored, and turns an everyday pair into something that passes the lift‑mirror test. Fabric memory matters too. These trousers resist creasing, hold their shape between desk and dinner, and avoid the sag that makes many wide‑leg pairs feel sloppy by late afternoon.
£39.50, a 4.6/5 score from more than 2,300 reviews, and a pattern of selling out online: that combination is rare at this price.
Colour is kept useful. Black anchors the range while seasonal shades rotate in to refresh a wardrobe without replacing its foundations. That versatility means one pair handles work, weekends and evenings with only a change of shoes.
Fabric, fit and care
The crepe is designed to drape. It does not cling, it does not shine in harsh light, and it keeps a strong silhouette after sitting, walking and standing. Machine‑washable care removes friction from busy weeks. Parents and commuters praise the “pull on and go” factor, which puts these trousers into regular rotation rather than saving them for best.
The fit reads generous in the leg but controlled in the waist and hip, so the effect is relaxed rather than baggy. That balance is why so many shoppers return to the style: it looks easy without looking casual.
- Price: £39.50
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5 from more than 2,300 customer reviews
- Key features: wide leg, crepe fabric, waist tab detail, crease resistance, machine washable
- Core colour: black, with seasonal shades appearing across the year
Styling ideas for real life
The same pair can read business‑ready or off‑duty with quick swaps. A crisp shirt and loafers sharpen the line for meetings. A fitted knit and trainers dial it back for school runs. A blazer lifts the waist detail; a tucked tee lets the tab do the work.
| Occasion | Top | Footwear | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office days | Button‑down shirt | Loafers or block heels | Tuck in to show the waist tab |
| Weekend | Boxy knit or Breton | Clean trainers | Half‑tuck to balance the wide leg |
| Evening | Silky cami plus blazer | Heeled boots or sandals | Add a belt to frame the waist |
| Travel | Soft tee and cardigan | Flat boots | Crease resistance keeps arrivals neat |
Why shoppers are buying them
People want trousers that bridge the gap between structure and comfort. This pair does the maths: a tailored waist, a leg with room, and fabric that behaves through a long day. Parents mention the ability to look pulled‑together when time is short. Office workers value a cut that works with flats and heels. Those returning to wide‑leg silhouettes like the way these hang from the hip without puffing at the thigh.
Customers say they “hang beautifully” because the crepe’s weight controls the line from waist to hem.
Length matters with a wide leg. Heels or a platform trainer add lift and prevent the hem from puddling. If you prefer flats, look for a length that kisses the top of the shoe rather than swallowing it; a small turn‑up can tidy the break and show intent.
Sizing and fit tips
Measure your natural waist and fullest hip, then compare against the brand’s size chart before ordering. A wide leg needs the right length more than a skinny cut does, so test with the shoes you plan to wear most. If you sit for long periods, try a size that allows an extra centimetre at the waist to keep the line clean after lunch.
Unsure between two sizes? The neater waist usually sits better with a wide leg, as excess fabric at the waistband disturbs the fall. If hemming, ask for a blind stitch to preserve the uninterrupted drape.
Value and availability
At £39.50, these trousers undercut many high‑street wide‑leg options that use lighter fabrics or less reliable waist finishes. The sell‑out pattern suggests popular sizes and black often go first, with seasonal colours coming and going as stock moves. If you need a specific size for an event, plan ahead and set a reminder to check back when new drops land.
Before you buy, glance at the composition label. Crepe blends vary across colours and seasons, which can subtly change the feel and weight. If you are between lengths, take the longer pair to a tailor for a precise break over your favourite shoes. The small cost pays back in wear.
Who they suit—and who might pass
These shine on people who want a leg‑lengthening line without cling, who rotate between smart and casual in the same week, and who value easy care. If you prefer a tapered ankle or need a cropped hem for cycling, a straight or barrel style may be more practical. Petite frames can still make a wide leg work by choosing a slightly shorter inseam and a shoe with lift.
Extra pointers that stretch your spend
Travelling with crepe? Roll rather than fold to reduce pressure lines. Hang the trousers in a steamy bathroom for five minutes before wearing; the fibres relax and the leg drops cleanly again. A fabric brush restores the surface between washes and lengthens the life of the cloth.
If you are building a capsule, pair these with two tops that serve different roles—one crisp, one soft—and a blazer that can be worn open or buttoned. That four‑piece set covers at least eight outfits across workdays and weekends, proving why a well‑cut, wide‑leg trouser earns its place in heavy rotation.



Sold out again? Oof.
Tempted by the 4.6/5 from 2,300+ reviews, but I’m picky: does the waist tab sit flat after a big lunch, and how does the mid‑weight crepe behave in real life—no shine, no sag by 4pm? I rotate between flats and block heels; I need a length that kisses the shoe, not puddles. Also, is black the only constant shade, or do seasonal colours vary in fabric feel? Machine‑washable is a huge plus if it actually keeps the drape.