Primark’s £28 herringbone trousers: will you wear them 9–5, weekends and nights out? 3 ways to save

Your work-to-weekend wardrobe has a quiet new hero, the kind that streamlines mornings, flatters fast, and stays comfortable late.

Primark’s The Edit Mid Rise Herringbone Trousers have become the season’s surprise multi-tasker at £28, promising polish without the faff. A mid-rise waistband, front pleats and a straight leg shape give them purpose at the desk, ease on Saturday, and confidence after dark.

What sets the £28 pair apart

These trousers lean into classic menswear codes and make them friendly for everyday life. The mid rise sits neatly on the waist, so tops tuck in without bulk. Pleats create shape, yet the leg stays fluid for movement. The line falls straight, which lengthens the leg visually and avoids cling.

The herringbone weave reads refined up close, while the neutral brown tone plays well with black, cream and navy. It can also carry bold accents like red or green. The result looks grown-up without feeling stiff.

£28 buys a tailored look with a relaxed feel, the kind many associate with far pricier labels.

Fit, fabric and feel

Shape that works from morning to late

Front pleats add a hint of structure through the tummy, then release into a straight drape through the thigh and calf. That balance gives space to move on the school run, on a commute, or at dinner. The mid rise reduces digging when you sit. The clean hem makes trainers, loafers and ankle boots all viable.

Why herringbone earns its keep

Herringbone is a subtle V-shaped weave. It softens solid colours and hides creases better than a plain twill. It looks smart under a blazer but casual with knitwear. That makes a single pair stretch across more situations, which cuts the cost per wear.

One trouser, three settings: office-ready by 9am, park-friendly by 2pm, table-worthy by 8pm.

Three outfits, one pair

Who they suit and how to size

Body types that tend to benefit

• Straight or athletic: pleats add curve and the leg line gives length.
• Curvy through hip: the mid rise anchors at the waist and the straight leg balances proportions.
• Petite: a straight cut avoids overwhelming the frame; consider hemming to skim the top of the foot.
• Tall: the un-fussy hem complements longer inseams and stacked-sole trainers.

Try your usual size first. Sit, stand and walk to check if the waistband holds without pinching. If between sizes, choose the fit that sits flat across the zip and waist. A simple hem from a local tailor often costs less than a return journey in time and money.

Value, care and cost per wear

Stretching the £28 further

If you wear these twice a week from October to March, you will log roughly 48 wears. That takes the cost per wear to about 58p by spring. Carry the pair into cool evenings in April and May and you push that lower still.

Care that keeps the drape

• Check the care label first; herringbone blends usually respond well to gentle cycles.
• Use a wash bag to protect the pleats and waistband shape.
• Shake out and hang to dry on a clip hanger to maintain the crease.
• Steam rather than press hard to avoid shine on darker tones.

Styling notes that make outfits click

Colour pairings that rarely miss

Brown herringbone pairs reliably with cream and off-white for day. Black adds definition for night. Navy gives a softer contrast for meetings. Red or forest green ties in with autumn knitwear and gives energy to neutrals.

Footwear swaps that change the mood

• Loafers: refined and practical for office corridors.
• Chunky trainers: a modern offset to tailored lines.
• Ankle boots: add height and protect hems in wet weather.
• Slingback heels: sharpen the look for dinners and theatre seats.

What to check in store before you buy

• Waistband: it should sit flush without gaping at the back.
• Rise: make sure the zip closes smoothly when seated.
• Pleats: they should open slightly but not pull across the hips.
• Length: aim for a light break over the shoe; mark for hemming if needed.
• Pocket lines: check they lie flat under knitwear and blouses.

How these stack up against pricier options

Many premium straight-leg trousers promise drape, crease recovery and versatile colourways. This £28 pair focuses on silhouette and texture to achieve a similar effect for less. You miss bespoke internal construction and elaborate lining, but you gain a forgiving everyday piece you will not baby. If you want extra polish, a £10–£15 hem tweak or a small waist nip from a local tailor can elevate the hang dramatically.

Build a mini capsule around them

Two tops per setting will multiply looks without crowding drawers. For work, try a cream knit and a soft-blue shirt. For weekends, add a Breton and a chunky oatmeal jumper. For evenings, keep a black satin blouse and a square-neck vest on standby. Add a trench and a longline wool blend coat, and the trousers bridge all five pieces.

Risks, quick fixes and when to pass

• If the fabric shines under bright light, reduce iron heat or switch to steaming.
• If the rise feels short when seated, size up or look for a higher rise in the same range.
• If the leg twists, try another pair of the same size as cutting can vary between runs.
• If you want a crisp crease all day, hang the trousers overnight with a light clamp at the hem.

Keep your receipt and try them at home with three pairs of shoes you already own. If the length fights each pair, the cost of hemming may be worth factoring into your decision. If two or more combinations work straight away, you have a keeper that earns its space.