Jeans novice seeks advice after weight loss...?

[HumourlessHarpy]

I just lost five stone over the autumn/ winter, and am still getting used to sizing etc, especially as I'm a non-driver living in the country, so clothes buying opportunities are severely limited. I have no summer clothes that don't hang in drapy swags - literally, I am currently wearing an ancient pair of combats held up with a belt and safety pin - but what I really need is a few basics to wear to be going on with.

Can anyone advise on where go to have access to a wide variety of good-quality jeans so I can figure out what cut etc suits me now? I managed a brief run by my (distant) nearest Gap today, but I had my toddler with me, and discovered I had no idea what size I was, so everything I took into the changing room was too big, and I quickly lost the will to live...

[raawwhh]

Head for a department store with lots of concessions that way you can try on different styles, cuts and sizes in different stores without having to get dressed and trapes around.

I have found that New Look and Dotty P's are good if you like a bit of length in the crotch. Top Shop/ H&M if you are relatively 'slim' as they are short in the crotch. I found that Next can fit well but they sometimes have a weird fit and look a bit 'baggy' on the crotch. Red Herring jeans fit me best regardless of size and I have gone between an 8 and a 20 in the past 5 years - I have an hour glass figure.

[momtothree]

I miss the jeans shops! Noticed top shop had lots of styles in. Unfortunately jeans are a must try on item.... once you find a great pair buy another one because they change every few months.

[HumourlessHarpy]

I may need to run down to London, then. Selfridges?

Are there any brands people would recommend for jeans that aren't skinny jeans (which simply don't suit my shape at any weight)?

I should have said that I'm happy to spend money on a few pairs of good jeans, as I will wear them a lot, so are is there anything really good about any of the expensive brands like 7 for All Mankind and the like?

[raawwhh]

Flares are making a resurgence. Its hard to recommend jeans as they are so dependent on size and shape. But i would definitely go for quality as they will last.