Clodagh McKenna's jeans have a clever feature that makes them feel surprisingly comfortable to wear in summer
They tick all the boxes
Clodagh McKenna might have just worn the most comfortable jeans out there, as she celebrated the release of her new signature casserole pot collection on Instagram, wearing the Ba&sh mima elasticated waist jeans, which combined a relaxed straight-leg and a comfy drawstring waist.
A more laid-back take on denim is exactly the kind of hybrid style that makes looking polished and put-together a breeze, especially in summer. Comfortable, practical and stylish, the chef opted for what is essentially her signature style, a double denim ensemble, wearing a light denim shirt to complement the hue of her blue jeans.
If restrictive, fitted denim has understandably not been at the top of your what to wear in the heat list, then Clodagh's comfort-first option is certainly one to investigate, and while she opted for a high-end denim look, you can certainly find similar affordable styles on the high street right now too.
These Hush jeans are undoubtedly some of the best barrel-leg jeans for style and comfort. The elasticated, drawstring waist teamed with the trending silhouette has helped make them a success, while reviews say the jeans offer an 'elevated look without compromising on comfort.'
The wide leg of these jeans is balanced out by the ankle-grazing hem that makes them easy to style with all shoe types. As with Clodagh's jeans, the adjustable drawstring waist introduces comfort, making them an ideal choice for weekend wear.
These Lands' End jeans are available in a range of blue denim hues, all of which are currently on sale, saving you a staggering 70%. They're a great lookalike for Clodagh's style, and the multipocket design offers a utilitarian edge. We love a practical style.
These barrel-leg jeans are made from 99% cotton and feature an elasticated waist but without the drawstring for a smoother front. The barrel cut and seam detailing add to their contemporary spin.
These jeans had us at 'pyjama style,' and the elasticated waist promises all the comfort of nightwear in a style that can be worn day-to-day - what's not to love? Team with a half-tucked white shirt for a more polished finish.
These Per Una jeans are available in a light, indigo and black wash, as well as in petite, regular and long so you can get the perfect fit, while also being super comfortable.
So how do you style elasticated waist jeans? Clodagh delivers the ultimate blueprint and correctly suggests that you should style them in the same way as any of the other denim in your wardrobe, and as always, pay most attention to the leg shape as your guide.
The drawstring certainly adds a more relaxed feel, and the comfortable style is ideal if you've been shunning your jeans in the hot weather. While drawstring and elasticated jeans aren't a core part of the denim trends 2026, this cut of jean has been around for the last couple of years, suggesting they have real staying power as shoppers no longer want to compromise on comfort - and why should they?
Paired with a t-shirt and your best white trainers, they're a great substitute for a pair of trackpants, but if you want to add more polish, add a half-tucked shirt or blouse and a pair of loafers or heels to add a more dressy, nonchalant feel. Thanks to silky and smarter jogging bottoms, even drawstring jeans can be brought into the smart casual outfit realm with the right styling.
