Zara’s wide leg silky trousers have been dubbed ‘death pants’ after going viral for tripping wearers up. Luckily this M&S pair give you the same look without risking a broken bone
This summer has seen a pair of Zara trousers go viral for all the wrong reasons, as hundreds of online creators have shared videos of their falls – and injuries – that they sustained from wearing a pair of wide leg trousers from the high street brand. Dubbed the “Zara death pants”, wearers have been tripping over the £25.99 wide, flowing trousers with almost every wear, resulting in broken wrists, grazed knees and even broken iPhones.
The cause of this hazard is the exceptionally wide leg fit, which causes the trousers to wrap around the opposite foot/leg with every step, tripping you up. But if you want a similar look without the risk of injury, Marks & Spencer has launched its own version – and so far there’s not a grazed knee in sight.
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The Satin Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers are £30 and have a similar relaxed and breezy fit which is perfect for summer, but with a slightly more conservative width that you’re less likely to face plant in. The trousers are made from a silky satin material which gives them the same versatility and luxe edge that made the Zara trousers so popular, and fasten with an adjustable drawstring elasticated waistband for a comfortable fit.
You can pick them up in five different neutral colours, including black, chocolate brown and navy which adds to their versatility, and they have a high rise waist and side pockets. The Satin Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers are a deceptively simple piece that you can style in countless ways, whether it’s for work, on holiday or just for every day.
You can wear them with a simple vest top and flip flops on holiday, or add some heels, a red lips and some statement jewellery for date night. To make them office appropriate, pair with an oversize shirt or T-shirt, and add a pair of ballet flats with your favourite work tote for a smarter feel. You’ll even get plenty of wear out of these in autumn and winter, as they’ll look great paired with oversized knits for everyday, or sequin tops for party season.
The M&S Wide Leg Trousers come in sizes six to 22, and you can also choose from a range of leg lengths, which the Zara pants don’t give you the option of. You can pick from extra short, petite, regular and tall lengths, which also cuts down on the likelihood you’ll get your foot stuck in them and go flying.
Other brands are also dropping their own version of the trousers that are hopefully less accident-prone, like this pair of Topshop Satin Tie Waist Wide Leg Trouser which come in both ecru and black and are now on sale for £31.99, down from £42. If you want something a little more formal, these Mango Mariana Linen Mix Tailored Wide Leg Trousers are £49.99 and have a button-fastening waistband with tailored pleats, which gives them a more elevated look.
However M&S shoppers have been praising the Satin Drawstring Wide Leg Trousers , and they currently have a solid five star rating. One reviewer said: “Amazing pants great for dressing up or casual pub date.”
Another wrote: “These are great, so comfortable, and the best thing is they don’t crease or cling. The navy is a lovely dark shade, they look far more expensive than they cost.”
With a third adding: “Lovely satin trousers. Really comfy and cool to wear. Plenty big enough. I’m 5ft. 6 ins and ordered a small/petite which fits perfectly. Would highly recommend.”
The length was the only issue raised, with one shopper saying: “Beautiful navy satin drawstring trousers. Very comfortable and the fabric is soft and cool. I would normally get a regular length, but these are quite long, so you might want to try the short ones. I have also bought in black and chocolate brown as they are so fabulous. Will wear them throughout summer and on holiday. Perfect evening trousers for autumn/winter too.”
