Ok, I am beyond frustrated.
I went pants shopping yesterday and almost nothing fit. Now I remember why I fucking hate shopping for pants.
Well, if they fit in the waist, the pants/jeans were huge everywhere else (and made me look 50 ponds heavier).
I carry my weight in my gut. Always have...probably always will unless I get liposuction.
So my question is:
Where do/can I purchase pants that fit and are flattering for my body type? What have you tried or what do you wear that you can recommend?
I am not against elastic waist pants if the pants fit everywhere else. I'd probably would prefer them so that the pants are not cutting into my stomach.
I see that L.L. Bean or Land's End has a style pant that has elastic in the sides, so it 'gives' a few inches. Has anyone tried these?
I am so depressed and frustrated.
There are some fancier events coming up this Fall and Winter and I need something nicer than Yoga pants or jeans.
Even dresses and skirts can be very challenging for me because I look pregnant in them. Or, if they fit and conceal my waist, the dress is falling off of my bosoms and shoulders or the skirt looks like a tent.
Thanks a bunch!!
beachbum Wrote:I see that L.L. Bean or Land's End has a style pant that has elastic in the sides, so it 'gives' a few inches. Has anyone tried these?
My husband is on the heavy side and he has gotten those pants with elastic in the sides so they give a little. He really likes them. They are comfy but they still have a button and zipper so they look dressier.
Lane Bryant has "right sized jeans". However, my sister bought them and reports that they are only right-sized through one wearing, so if you're like most of us, and wear your jeans over several days, that can be a pain, because you have to launder after one wearing to get them back in shape. But she actually did find jeans that would fit her (she has large hips, and the waist would usually gap, but the "right sized jeans" worked).
I'm an apple and I feel your pain.
Ann Taylor generally has clothing cut for apples and so does Old Navy. I know - opposite ends of the spectrum - but between the two it does cover most of what I find I need... Oh, and Fashion Bug also has "right size" - the ones for rectangles (us) are GREAT - the pants fit me better than any pair of pants I've ever had.
I'd avoid LLBean and Land's end, even the elastic-added ones - both those places tend to shape clothing for the real hourglass woman - I've never fit into anything from either store.
I remember watching "What Not To Wear" for several seasons and being TOTALLY inspired, regardless of body shape. They really make all shapes and sizes look their best. Probably the greatest lesson I ever learned from that show is....
Fit the biggest part of you, and then the TAILOR IS YOUR FRIEND.
If the clothes you buy fit you in the waist and then are big everywhere else, you can bring them to a tailor and have them take in the parts that are baggy. Or learn to do it yourself. I have to do this, as I have a very large bust and a very large waist and relatively skinny limbs. I'm a total apple. I was often busting out of my shirts, only to realize that if a shirt doesn't fit the biggest part of you, then it doesn't fit at all.
I don't know that one brand is better than another... I personally LOVE plus sized Lei Jeans and I have gotten very lucky on the Macy's and Kohl's bargain racks... I just have to try a lot of stuff on before I find stuff that is flattering.
Jo Wrote:I remember watching "What Not To Wear" for several seasons and being TOTALLY inspired, regardless of body shape. They really make all shapes and sizes look their best. Probably the greatest lesson I ever learned from that show is....
Fit the biggest part of you, and then the TAILOR IS YOUR FRIEND.
Yup. I know (I have even heard them say that on that show, lol)...I am just being really bratty and stubborn at the moment. I just want a pair of pants that I can purchase and that look nice-
as is.
Sigh.
I might try out the elastic side pants. I'm frustrated.....
My advice? Shop in the men's section. In terms of pants or shorts you will get an accurate size in inches. Women's clothes come in sizes that are arbitrary at best. A size 6 at one store is a size 16 somewhere else. Shirts can also be sized appropriately despite what the fashionista types say. The bonus is that you'll be in and out of the store a lot faster with less the cost and better quality garments.
Eddy Wrote:My advice? Shop in the men's section. In terms of pants or shorts you will get an accurate size in inches. Women's clothes come in sizes that are arbitrary at best. A size 6 at one store is a size 16 somewhere else. Shirts can also be sized appropriately despite what the fashionista types say. The bonus is that you'll be in and out of the store a lot faster with less the cost and better quality garments.
Eddy, you are a genius!
That totally makes sense because the men's clothes are not going to be cut generously through the hips and thighs like the women's jeans/pants tend to be. I can find the waist size (F*#@ I am so embarrassed and ashamed of myself......when I think of my waist size
now and what I use to wear-29 inch waist 501 LEVIS
)
And yes, the jeans will be cheaper. I am looking for a few oxford type shirts as well. I see the styles from the 80's are coming back in style-YEAH! Oxford cloth shirts..here I come, lol!
TOP SECRET: I adore 80's clothing.
I haven't bought anything from it, but I liked what I saw on
http://www.myshape.com/
You answer a bunch of questions about your shape and it figures out what kind of clothes are good for your body type.
OMG I forgot about the men's department! I've been a big fan of menswear over the years. Definitely check it out!
beachbum Wrote:Eddy, you are a genius!
I hope this helps out. I could go into a serious rant about marketing for men vs. women.
Have you been to Old Navy? Their clothes are men-cut - they are straight from waist to hips.