Cooler mornings are back, wardrobes are shifting, and a soft, wide-leg contender is edging past denim this week.
Across the high street, shoppers are reaching for cord trousers that feel like loungewear yet pass muster for meetings. Next’s £29 pair has landed at just the moment people want warmth, ease and polish without rigid waistbands.
Autumn wardrobes turn to cords
With chilly commutes and office heat swings, cords offer a welcome middle ground: warmer than leggings, looser than skinny jeans, and smarter than joggers. Next’s soft cord trousers tap that brief with a wide-leg cut, pull-on comfort and four straightforward colours: black, chocolate brown, pink and ecru. They come in sizes 6–24 and three lengths—petite, regular and tall—so most shoppers can aim for the right drape without a trip to the tailor.
Price: £29. Colours: black, chocolate brown, pink, ecru. Sizes: 6–24. Lengths: petite, regular, tall. Average rating: 4.8/5.
The appeal lies in the mix of jogger-like ease and a corded texture that adds structure. The waistband is elasticated with a functional drawcord, and there are side pockets for small essentials. Keep the darker shades for desk days with a crisp shirt, then switch to pink or ecru at weekends for a softer look with trainers.
How they fit and feel
The cut sits relaxed through the thigh and falls straight to the ankle, which helps the leg look long without clinging. The cord texture gives a subtle rib that catches the light, offering a richer finish than flat jersey. Because the waist is pull-on, the fit adapts through the day, whether you are sitting on a train, chasing a bus or working at a laptop for hours.
- Elasticated waist with drawcord for an adjustable fit
- Wide leg for easy movement and airflow
- Soft corded texture for autumn warmth without heavy bulk
- Side pockets large enough for keys or a phone
Who they suit
These trousers are built for people who juggle hybrid routines: school runs in the morning, desk work at noon, and a quick dinner midweek. If your weight fluctuates, the elastic waistband gives breathing room. If you prefer a looser leg to balance proportions, the wide cut helps create a straight, clean line from hip to hem.
Smart ways to style the four colours
| Colour | Pairing idea | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Black | White Oxford shirt, black loafers, a slim leather belt | Office days and interviews |
| Chocolate brown | Cream fisherman knit, suede ankle boots | Weekend brunch and commutes |
| Pink | Navy cardigan, white tee, retro trainers | WFH, errands, casual Fridays |
| Ecru | Striped Breton, trench coat, camel scarf | City walks and gallery afternoons |
One cut, four moods: go dark for meetings, go bright for off-duty, keep the footwear flat and simple.
Jeans versus cords: the numbers that matter
At £29, this pair undercuts many high-street denims by a clear margin. Fit comfort also differs: a wide leg won’t grip at the thigh, and an elastic waist doesn’t dig in on long sits. Cords trap small pockets of air along the wale, adding insulation on platforms and buses, while the loose cut keeps them from feeling stifling indoors.
- Price point: £29, often less than a new-season jean
- Warmth: ribbed texture helps in draughts, especially with a thin base layer
- Breathability: wider leg lets heat escape during milder spells
- Mobility: pull-on waist reduces pressure after meals or during travel
Fit guidance across lengths
Pick petite if you are under roughly 5ft 3in, regular up to about 5ft 7in, and tall for 5ft 8in and above. Aim for the hem to brush the top of shoes without pooling; the wide silhouette looks sharpest with a clean break. Between sizes? Start with your usual; the elastic and drawcord give some margin to fine-tune the waist.
Three lengths mean fewer alterations and a straighter fall from hip to ankle, which makes the leg look longer.
What shoppers are noticing
With an average 4.8 out of 5 on Next’s site, comments repeatedly praise comfort, a flattering drape and an easy thickness that suits both warm and cool days. Dark colours have been flagged as office-ready, while the lighter options lend themselves to casual layers. Many note that the fabric feels soft yet holds shape across a full day.
4.8/5 reflects consistent satisfaction with feel, cut and versatility across work and weekend wear.
Care, fabric and longevity
Treat the corded surface gently to preserve the nap. Turn the trousers inside out before washing, avoid cramming them in the drum, and skip hot settings that can flatten ridges. A quick steam refresh lifts the pile and releases creases without the risk of a hot iron pressing the ribs flat.
- Wash at 30°C on a gentle cycle, inside out
- Shake out after washing and line dry to maintain shape
- Steam lightly rather than pressing hard with an iron
- Use a soft clothes brush to revive the nap after drying
The value case: cost per wear
Run a quick check. If you wear them twice a week from September to March (about 28 weeks), that’s roughly 56 wears. £29 divided by 56 is close to 52p per wear. Add the odd spring day and they drop below 40p. Price tags feel smaller when a piece works across office, errands and evenings.
Risks and trade-offs to consider
Wide legs can catch on bike chains; use clips if you cycle. Light shades show marks faster, so keep a stain wipe handy. Any cord pile can flatten at the thighs with heavy friction; rotating wear days helps. Elastic can relax over time if overstretched; tie the drawcord rather than sizing up unnecessarily. If your office dress code demands tailoring with centre creases, a more formal trouser may suit you better.
When to wear them—and when to pass
They shine on train commutes, school runs, casual client calls and travel days. If you prefer the firm structure of rigid denim, or if you need razor-sharp suiting, this cut may feel too relaxed. Those who live in trench coats, loafers and simple knits will likely find these an easy win.
What this trend signals for autumn
Elastic waists and looser legs continue to move mainstream, reflecting hybrid work and a desire for clothes that multitask. Next leans into inclusivity with sizes 6–24 and three lengths, a practical edge against rivals when shoppers want the leg line right first time. For anyone watching spend, investing in a pair that handles both workdays and weekends reduces the need for duplicate wardrobes.
If you’re curious about cord beyond a wide leg, track down tapered or straight cuts for a sharper profile. Add thin thermal tights when the temperature dips below 10°C, and swap trainers for lug-sole boots on wet days. A single pair can cover nine months of the year with the right layers, keeping cost per wear low and your morning decisions simpler.
Do they shrink after a 30°C wash or relax with wear?
4.8/5 always makes me suspicious. How’s the cord after 10 washes—does the nap flatten on the thighs or go shiny? I’m not babying £29 trousers.