Will you ditch blue jeans for H&M’s £27.99 soft leopard pair: 20% recycled cotton, wide leg

Animal print is creeping back into wardrobes, and shoppers want comfort that still looks sharp as the weather turns.

H&M’s new Wide High Jeans bring a wide leg, a high waist and a deep brown leopard print to the under-£30 bracket. They feel firm at first, then soften with wear, and they include recycled cotton. For many readers, that mix of price, print and practicality could be the seasonal nudge that replaces faithful blue denim.

What’s behind the hype

Printed denim cycles in and out, but leopard rarely sits out an autumn. This year, the pattern lands on a roomy, 70s-leaning cut that stacks neatly over trainers and boots. That silhouette gives easy movement and a long line from waist to hem. It also takes a simple knit or tee and turns it into something styled.

H&M’s Wide High Jeans arrive at £27.99 with a deep brown leopard pattern and at least 20% recycled cotton.

Crucially, the fabric is rigid denim designed to relax. That means the jeans keep structure while easing through the hip and thigh after a few wears. The effect is that elusive mix: sharp lines with lived-in comfort. You do the school run, dinner and desk without swapping trousers.

Cut, fabric and feel

Think high-rise, relaxed in the seat, then a full leg that drapes cleanly. The wide hem gives balance to a jumper or a boxy jacket and lets the print read as intentional rather than shouty. The leopard is dark and grounded, which pairs well with autumn neutrals.

The first try-on can feel structured. That’s the point. Wear them through a few outings and the fabric loosens where you move most, then settles into your shape while keeping the wide-leg line. If you like a broken-in feel on day one, consider a gentle steam or a few hours of indoor wear before debuting outside.

How to wear it for seven days

• School run: plain white tee, black trainers, crossbody bag. Add a lightweight trench when showers arrive.
• Office casual: fine-gauge black knit, loafers, neat belt. Keep jewellery minimal to let the print lead.
• Date night: silky blouse in cream, block-heel sandals, red lip. A cropped jacket keeps proportions balanced.
• Weekend errands: grey hoodie, chunky socks, hiking-style trainers. Cap and tote for a quiet sports twist.
• Brunch: denim shirt worn open over a vest; mix blue denim with leopard for a confident double-denim nod.
• Evening out: fitted black bodysuit, heeled ankle boots, structured blazer. The wide leg carries the drama.
• Cold snap: heat-tech leggings layered underneath, knit beanie, lug-sole boots. Warm without bulk.

The wide-leg cut balances layers, so you can add knits and outerwear without losing a clean, vertical line.

Fit notes and sizing tips

The high rise stabilises the waist and lengthens the leg visually. Rigid denim relaxes mainly at the waistband, seat and back of the knee. If you sit between sizes, try your usual and one up. Your true size should feel snug but not pinching; the size up gives more instant ease but may relax further with wear. Do a sit test and a two-step squat in the fitting room. If the waistband digs, size up. If the thigh pulls horizontally, the fabric needs more ease.

What different body types may find

• Petite: look for a slight break over the shoe, not a puddle. A turn-up cuff can add weight at the hem.
• Tall: the wide leg reads best with a clean stack. If the inseam feels short, lean into boots that meet the hem.
• Curvy: assess gaping at the back waist. A simple alteration at the waistband can perfect the fit.
• Straighter frames: a belt and a tucked top help define shape against the relaxed leg.

Care, colour and longevity

Printed denim deserves a gentle routine to keep both colour and structure. Dark leopard dyes may transfer in the early wears, especially onto pale upholstery or trainers. Plan first outings with that in mind.

• Wash inside out on a cool cycle with similar colours.
• Use a mild detergent; avoid optical brighteners that can dull prints.
• Skip the tumble dryer; reshape and air-dry flat or on a hanger.
• Steam to relax creases; press on the reverse if needed.
• Spot-clean between washes to preserve the hand-feel and print.

Cold wash, inside out, and air-dry: that triple keeps the leopard rich and the silhouette crisp.

Why leopard now

Leopard behaves like a neutral when the tones sit in brown and black. It anchors with white, cream, grey and navy. It also blends well with textures—tweed, cable knits, suede—so you get depth without shouting. On social feeds, printed denim is rising again because it turns staples into outfits with one swap. The price point here removes hesitation: you test the look without a big outlay.

Value versus alternatives

Printed jeans on the high street often sit higher than plain indigo, due to the extra processing. Many pairs land in the mid-£30s to £70 range. Premium labels can run into three figures. At £27.99, H&M is undercutting the category while offering a cut that feels current. That matters if you want a statement piece that still earns repeated wear.

Cost-per-wear quick maths

• 30 wears at £27.99 ≈ 93p per wear.
• 60 wears at £27.99 ≈ 47p per wear.
• Add layering potential and they extend beyond a single season, pushing the cost lower.

Small sustainability step

At least 20% recycled cotton signals a move away from purely virgin fibres. It does not remake the industry, but it reduces pressure on water and land use at the margin. The most effective sustainability lever remains longevity. Care well, mend loose hems early, and rotate wear to give the fabric recovery time. When you are finished, resell or donate; printed denim often finds a second life because the pattern reads timeless to leopard fans.

Extra pointers before you buy

Check print alignment along the outer leg seams; good alignment keeps the eye moving vertically. Feel the waistband facing and pocket bags; sturdier components hold shape. Test with your intended shoes—trainers, boots, sandals—and check the break. If the hem drags, a simple shortening preserves the line without losing the wide effect.

Want to try print mixing without clashing? Keep to one animal at a time, tie it back with solid colours, and repeat a tone from the jeans elsewhere—belt, bag or knit. If you worry about dye transfer, treat the inside of the waistband with a colour-catcher sheet on the first wash, and avoid perching on pale sofas on day one. The advantage of this pair is clear: a flattering cut with personality at a price that respects your budget, with enough substance to carry you from late summer sandals to winter boots.