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Original poster

Why are all clothes made for hourglass or pear and none for apples?

104 replies

WatermelonLolly · 17/03/2025 17:22

Sad apple here feeing despondent after another failed shopping trip….

I’m a normal weight, average height but just look disgusting in everything in changing rooms and have no idea how to dress to not look hugely overweight or accentuate my stomach area.
Miscellaneous
There seems to be minimal options for those with no waist, but there are loads of us, why is this?

OP posts:
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GottaBeStrong · 19/03/2025 15:28

Amethystanddiamonds · 17/03/2025 18:02

They aren't really made for a pear either. I always need a belt or am having to pull my trousers up every 5 seconds. The waist size is far too large in comparison to the size I need for my thighs and bum. Then tops and dresses are falling off my bust but don't fit over my hips. Really I think off the shelf clothes only fit the minority perfectly.

This is my problem 100%

RampantIvy · 18/03/2025 17:01

@seanconneryseyebrow I bought these wide leg jeans from M and S recently. The fit is brilliant and I have had ever so many compliments when I have worn them.

seanconneryseyebrow · 18/03/2025 16:48

That’s interesting. I only wear Levi’s cos they are all I can wear as an hourglass. I buy rib cage bell jeans. 26/34. I have skinny waist but huge arse and thighs. Work like a charm!

RampantIvy · 18/03/2025 16:44

I wish Levis hadn't discontinued the curve range.
The sell by waist size which is no good for me. If I buy by waist size I can't get them over my hips. Levis are for a more straight up and down figure.

Lentilweaver · 18/03/2025 14:27

Two reccos for jeans and trousers for apples:

Levis high waisted Rib Cage: Fantastic for disguising bellies, but try on in shop. I have wide leg and straight.

Hollister Livvy high waisted trousers: Would never, ever have thought of trying Hollister but these trousers are surprisingly good fabric and very flattering.

RampantIvy · 18/03/2025 13:01

It’s only in the past few years that waists have made a reappearance.

I agree. I can now buy jeans in M and S.

BuntyBeaufort · 18/03/2025 12:05

I’m an apple, and it’s so difficult to find anything that fits. My hips are narrower than my waist, so trousers that fit on the waist are horribly baggy around the hips and thighs. Sadly, I live in M&S pull-on black or navy trousers, as decent jeans have been impossible to find.
Also I have DD boobs, so I need a size 14 on the top and 12 on the bottom. I even have to buy pjs as separates, otherwise the bottoms fall off or the tops gape.
If I didn’t have to go out from time to time I’d live in caftans despite looking about 14 months pregnant.

FlatStanley50 · 18/03/2025 12:00

Also, while I am on a rant - I have lost weight recently but when I was bigger, they also assume you are taller/ have longer arms. There are size 14 short people around. I recently bought a size 10 and size 12 dress to try for a wedding. Both fitted the same around the waist, but the size 12 was longer. What is that all about?

FlatStanley50 · 18/03/2025 11:59

User37482 · 18/03/2025 07:45

Whilst I’m complaining, petite trousers often have 27- 29 inch length. I have to have them all taken up to 26 inches because I am actually short with stumpy little legs too.

Yes, this. Petite trousers are not actually made for petite people. I try to buy cropped petite jeans/trousers as they tend to be full length on me. Not many around though and they tend to sell out quickly (funny that).

CocoPlum · 18/03/2025 10:35

User37482 · 18/03/2025 07:45

Whilst I’m complaining, petite trousers often have 27- 29 inch length. I have to have them all taken up to 26 inches because I am actually short with stumpy little legs too.

And I find petite is just a fraction too short- I'm 5'3.5" and petite is usually 5'3"! But many regular lengths drag on the ground.

CocoPlum · 18/03/2025 10:16

WorriedRelative · 17/03/2025 18:31

Laughs in Strawberry/inverted triangle shape

A perimenopausal strawberry here with an ever expanding waistline and big bust. I look horrendous in everything. 😔

GreekGoddess90 · 18/03/2025 10:13

I’m hourglass shape and it’s a nightmare! I bought wide leg trousers on the weekend and they were tight on my hips and baggy on the tummy area, looked awful! Unless it’s elasticated/ stretchy on the hip area and has some sort of mechanism to pull in at the waist, I can’t wear it. I often have to get dresses tailor made or buy 3 sizes larger and have them tailored to fit.

My observation is that clothes are made so cheaply and are such poor quality now, that must have an impact on the fit.

Starling7 · 18/03/2025 09:42

chillibuns · 17/03/2025 22:54

Ooh, I'd love some tips!

Show quote history

Happy to help

TheWayTheLightFalls · 18/03/2025 09:41

Starling7 · 18/03/2025 09:39

You could try a deep V shape - with a contrasting vest underneath if you are not comfortable showing cleavage

Show quote history

I will have a go! Thank you.

Starling7 · 18/03/2025 09:39

TheWayTheLightFalls · 18/03/2025 07:32

Still can’t find a flattering jumper however. Anyone who can find a flattering jumper for an Apple, over here please.

You could try a deep V shape - with a contrasting vest underneath if you are not comfortable showing cleavage

Starling7 · 18/03/2025 09:38

MissyB1 · 18/03/2025 07:35

I'm flat chested and petite frame, dresses are a bloody nightmare! I had a mastectomy, and although I wear a prosthetic I'm still only a 32b. And when you have a mastectomy you lose not just the breast but also chest fat, so basically I'm scrawny around the chest /shoulder /neck area. If a dress fits me on the waist and the length, it will literally gape on the chest!

Look at French brands ❤️

Starling7 · 18/03/2025 09:34

Deep v - wear with a contrast vest underneath if you don't feel comfortable showing cleavage

Starling7 · 18/03/2025 09:32

Look at French brands

Starling7 · 18/03/2025 09:31

Salsa jeans

CeeJay81 · 18/03/2025 08:23

With how different female figures are, I guess its always going to be a pain to find clothing that fits/suits. I'm a slim pear who lives in leggings, floaty skirts. Haven't worn a pair of Jeans in a decade cause they really don't fit or make me look terrible. I've just got used to it now. We could do with a thread for each shape, so people can put their recommendations down and give people ideas where to shop.

Itisbetter · 18/03/2025 07:57

I agree it’s utterly impossible to buy anything remotely pleasing as an inverted triangle, especially if you put in any weight.

RampantIvy · 18/03/2025 07:51

As far as clothing manufacturers are concerned all women have small waists compared to thighs. The straight up and down / apple shape is not a thing.

As a pear with waist and hips I find the opposite is true.

User37482 · 18/03/2025 07:45

Whilst I’m complaining, petite trousers often have 27- 29 inch length. I have to have them all taken up to 26 inches because I am actually short with stumpy little legs too.

MissyB1 · 18/03/2025 07:35

I'm flat chested and petite frame, dresses are a bloody nightmare! I had a mastectomy, and although I wear a prosthetic I'm still only a 32b. And when you have a mastectomy you lose not just the breast but also chest fat, so basically I'm scrawny around the chest /shoulder /neck area. If a dress fits me on the waist and the length, it will literally gape on the chest!

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