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12 best boys' trousers

See them through spring and summer with a stylish, durable pair

Monday 11 April 2016 17:34 BST

Spring is on the way, so we’ve brought you the best boys’ trousers to see them through the warmer seasons ahead. Whether it’s for climbing rocks, muddy walks or for a smarter occasion, our roundup has something for all budgets and ages.

1. Boden Easy Exploring Roll-ups: £25.50, Boden

These comfortable cotton trousers are on the thinner side – great for spring and summer – and you can roll them up if you want them to be more like shorts. Comes in either a chequered or striped pattern and available from two to 12 years.

2. Frugi Parsnip Pants: £18, Frugi

These might look slightly whacky at first, but we think they look fabulous when worn. And they’re extremely comfortable, thanks to the super soft cotton and long, elasticated rib cuffs that can be folded or unfolded as your child grows. There are plenty of designs to choose from. From zero to four years.

3. Marks & Spencer Pure Cotton Fashion Chinos: from £14, Marks & Spencer

These all-purpose, casual blue cotton chinos have plenty of handy features, including elasticated leg bottoms, belt loops, breathable material and multiple pockets. They wear well, as long as you wash them at 30 degrees. From five to 14 years.

4. Mothercare Dark Wash Jeans: £13, Mothercare

You can’t really go wrong with jeans. These are a great, affordable wardrobe staple that will last well enough to become a hand-me-down when he grows out of them. The ribbed cotton waist means they are more comfortable than normal jeans, and they wash well. From three to eight years.

5. Fat Face Penzance Cargo Trousers: £20, Fat Face

This exceptionally hard wearing, straight-cut beige pair will give little ones a grown-up, stylish look. The pockets are deep and the hidden waist adjuster means they suit all shapes and sizes. From four to seven years.

6. Converse Boys’ Jogging Trousers: from £33, John Lewis

You can get tracksuit bottoms for a lot cheaper than this – indeed, we tried quite a few pairs out. But many of them either had a poor fit, washed terribly or quickly wore out when our testers got adventurous. Not so with these thick, sporty and stylish navy pair, which come with the classic All Star patch. From three to 15 years.

7. Polarn O Pyret Cotton Trousers: from £23, John Lewis

Made by a Swedish brand that’s been in the kids’ clothing business for decades, these are far superior to most cotton trousers in terms of quality and durability. Good for both casual and smarter wear, it’s available in classic blue or beige (although we do wish they came in funkier colours, too). From two to 12 years.

8. John Lewis boys’ Lightweight Chinos: from £14, John Lewis

True to size, these are great for dressing up or down and come in a versatile grey colour that goes with most tops. Our testers said they were comfy and not at all constraining. They wash well too. From two to 12 years.

9. Next Skinny Five Pocket Trousers: from £11, Next

Available in blue, mink, red or white, these skinny trousers tick every box – adjustable waist, true to size, plenty of colour options, machine washable and tumble dryable, plus they’re comfy. And because they’re a skinny fit, older boys will like them too. From three to 16 years.

10. Joules Ted Jeans: from £27.95, Joules

These might be a bit more than you’d normally pay for children’s jeans, but they are exceptional quality and look as good as new even after multiple washes. They have all the features that grown-up jeans have, complete with five pockets. From three to 12 years.

11. George Camoflage Trousers: £7, Asda

Military-look camouflage always goes down a treat with adventurous little boys, so they’ll love these snug and casual trousers (and parents will love the price). The rib knit waistband is comfy, but the drawstring and fly are only for show. From nine months to three years.

12. Monsoon George Trousers: £22, Monsoon

Smart trousers can feel rigid, constraining and thick. Not so with this great quality, thin tweed pair from Monsoon. They are on the long side, but can easily be rolled up if necessary and they’ve got plenty of pockets and an adjustable waistband, as well as belt loops. From three months to 12 years.

Verdict

The most innovative trousers in our roundup have to be Frugi’s Parsnip Pants – brilliant for adventurous tinytots. For older kids, we love Boden’s Easy Exploring Roll-ups as they’re durable and comfortable, as well as looking great.