To think I will never wear jeans again?

[LailaDay]

OK, this is a badly disguised advice thread, but there's an element of desperation here so I hope you'll forgive me.

I have not been able to find a pair of jeans that fit me for almost ten years. That is no exaggeration. I've been to lots of specialised shops and feel like I have tried all the usual suspects. Today was another disaster as I tried on almost 30 pairs at Debenhams - all, according to the sales assistant, super stretchy and perfect for my shape - only to again walk out with none.

My problem: I have a hollow back, a high waist, but also a permanent I-am-four-months-pregnant belly. The often-praised Levi bold curve, for example, did not work for me because the button digs into my poor belly fat like it wants carve a path to my ovaries. And that is what usually happens: jeans gape at the back or slide halfway down my bum when I sit down, but are still super tight and uncomfortable in the front because of my extra chub there.

I'm so tired of having to wear dresses every day, and I do have very nice and long legs that would look good in jeans. I am hoping for the perfect idea, or maybe some partners in misfortune.

OP I'm similar. I have violin hips, small waist, huge saggy bum, short legs. I have 4 pairs of jeans that fit me and I like BUT this is the result of years of trying on, taking back, buying pairs that aren't tight, taking to charity.

I don't wear jeans often now. Leggings and dresses, skirts and tights, loose trousers, dungarees. Jeans are tricky for me.

What about maternity jeans?
They fit my bloated junk food belly perfectly - and they stretch.

M&S high waist jeggings are really good.

I went from topshop to Boden for my jeans. The boden skinny ones fit me really well and I’m quite hollow backed. The M&S jeggings that everyone raves about looked shite on me.

I have a similar problem to you have have a couple from Levi’s suitable (need a belt but fine and comfy) and one from Ralph Lauren. I also used to have a pair from Wallis but that was years ago. Other than that jeggings are fine.

I'd Second M&S , Asda jeggings (came up quite big on me though, so maybe size down?) and NYDJ (from John Lewis). (Again, sizing is v tricky, make sure you try on smaller sizes first, they have loads more stretch than you might think) Also worth looking at "tights up" belts which have helped me with "those almost right but still a bit loose on the waist" jeans and stopped them falling down all the time. I got mine off amazon or maybe it was eBay. Sorry I can't remember, but they are great - I share mine with my DS!

Slightly different approach, may not be your problem but thought I'd mention it... my back was bad enough for me to go to a physio who said I had hyper mobile hips (amongst other joints) and tipped forwards causing my body not to sit properly, I also had a hollow back because of that tipping of pelvis and hips. She's helped me essentially stand up straight lol - wasn't a problem tip my later 40's - was a gymnastic child/into early 20's so had that back curving in issue

Gerry Weber jeans are perfect - try Romy. This is the only model I can wear, and I tried on all the variety mentioned above. Cost about 100 £ but worth every penny.

I used to really struggle to find jeans. I am rather large of thigh and bum so to get a fit on them the waist would always be gaping. Then I discovered Bon Marche jeans which fit me better than all others I’ve ever tried on. I get the ‘Sara’ straight leg ones.

Nydj often available on EBay if you want to try second hand first as a cheaper option.

Another vote for M&S jeggings. I also have a hollow back and hourglass shape with a high waist.

Have you tried maternity jeans? My friend has a similar shape and she swears by slim fit maternity ones. (She also loves maternity tights)

White Stuff Jade Jeggings.

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned Collectif yet! Most of their clothes are designed for hourglass shapes and have high waists.

I agree with the Matalan recommendation. These are brilliant www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2707535_cx24/jolie-knitted-relaxed-skinny-jeans-midwash

I am a similar shape to you and wear Whitestuff denim jeggings. Fit my shape perfectly and I can breathe too!

Only jeans! Their online shop is great, fast delivery and easy return but ASOS and John Lewis stock them too sometimes. If you don’t want to buy them online, swing by a Vero Moda shop, it’s their sister brand. The Carmen range sounds like it could be a good fit.

How about trousers with a belt?
Actually I couldn’t wear jeans without a well fitted belt.

Another vote for next hypercurve. My current favourite jeans, really comfortable and flattering

Dorothy Perkins Eden jeggings are good if you size up and wear a long top over them. They aren’t “smart” jeans, but they are so soft and comfy for scruffing around in. Cheap enough to have every colour too.

Asda wonderfit are amazing and so comfortable as well. I have a pair in every colour

I'm not sure if this helps, I've got no waist, a tummy and slim bum and hips and Mango Jane jeans fit me nicely as do Dorothy Perkins Eden jeggings, Sainsburys high waist skinnys are good too but are not as nice looking as the other 2. The best jeans I've ever had were Topshop ones, I can't remember the name but it was many moons ago when I had a gorgeous figure so that was probably why! 😭

I wear the rosie jegging from matalan, no button as it's a elasticated waist

I have a nightmare with jeans I have strong legs and bum due to exercise. Fit on the legs but then fall on the waist or when I sit down. Anyway next have been my saviour: The shape and lift ones. About £45 I think. They are high waisted and stretch too, mine are slim fit as I don't like skinnies. I've also some top shop ones that are similar can't remember if they are Joan or Jamie, lots of stretch but fit well. Worth a try.

You sound exactly the same shape as me - I'm also a size 12, hollow backed and permanently look pregnant. I've just discovered the next hypercurve jeans already mentioned and they are great as they're high enough in the waist that they come above all my belly flab, rather than cutting it half like most other jeans do.

Before I discovered those, I really like oasis cherry jeans, but I have to wear a belt with those to stop them trying to slide down under my belly.

I know why people suggest maternity styles but really there is nothing more depressing than wearing maternity stuff when you're not actually pregnant, just have an unfortunate body shape.