This one's a bit weird: skinny jeans..

[ToastedTeacakes]

I have this weird problem when it comes to 'seeing' myself wearing skinny jeans (or even slim fit). It's like the front view of me in a full length mirror looks really really different to the back. Now, of course I know that the rear view is gonna be different in general, but my proportions/shape/size look different, and this is what I can't get on board with!

Ok, so in front of mirror from front I look slender, well proportioned and just fine. From this perspective I sometimes think I need to gain a few lbs, which I probably do (stress, etc). But, when I look at the rear view with the assistance of a handmirror I suddenly appear squat, short legged and plump. Now, I know that I am not plump, but this is the damn problem! My arse seems to be in decent shape (no sag, but not round either) but in the mirror, from rear, it looks disproportionately wide! This usually puts me off wearing jeans altogether - not a hang up exactly, but less fuss just to wear skirts unless the jeans are paired with a long jacket or cardi.

For ref. I am 5'4, often wear a 2 inch heel, size 8, small chest, 35" hips.
Has anyone else noticed anything like this at all? I have a fairly ok self esteem so not sure if my perception it out of whack. I never used to worry about it, but then in the old days I tended to wear looser fit denim, so I guess this is new to me.
Please tell me I am not alone in this bizarre situation..

I know, it's not fair..

I might just get a bum lift Next are selling jeans with a built arse lift thing

ToastedTeacakes - I have 2 pairs of those 7's and they are really nice. Only paid £65 for mine earlier this year from Donna Ida during the sale.

Anyone else been trying on all their jeans and looking at their bum in a mirror or is it just me.....

I've tried on a couple trix

I'm in leggings and a long top. Currently having legging issues. Sat on floor staring at my legs

Dexter, I just discovered that site yesterday whilst searching, will definitely keep an eye on their stock!

I do have a theory (my theories are usually rubbish though )that everyone has a part of their body which they, rightly or wrongly, hate and can't see objectively. For me it's my bum.....but I'm about the same size as op which means my bum can't be that big.....however when trying on trousers I always focus on my bum, which seems to get bigger and bigger and I always come home feeling fed up.
I do also think that skinny jeans are the least bum forgiving style on anyone.

Drywhiteplease This is so true, they are incredibly unforgiving, and it possibly encourages us to focus too much on those parts which we were already a bit paranoid about.

Even though I know that fat and muscle will distribute differently around the body, I really wonder why the back view shocks us: possibly because we're not as used to seeing this part in the mirror and it feels somehow unfamiliar and 'wrong' when we start ogling it. ???

I know that technically I can't be wider at the back than the front (or this extra width would peep at me when I'm front facing a mirror, but in terms of perspective, it sure looks that way.

When you look at your arse in the mirror it suddenly changes in to one of those fun house mirrors! Where you look so wide.

I have the problem no matter what I'm wearing.

How do you guys inspect your bum in the mirror? I hold up a smaller one to peep through. I've even tried angling it differently to reduce the problem, but no

I have quite a big one that leans on the wall. Easy to see my arse from the side and how sticky outy it looks. Then just look over my shoulder to see how wide it looks.

Doesn't matter what I wear. The leggings I'm wearing are the worse offenders

Have you ever seen the rear view of one of those body con dresses? great from the front but even the best bums look a bit "snug" in them

I have never and never will wear body con. I do not have the figure for it. They would make me look like the Michelin man

I saw Carole vordoman in one once......she is v tall and surprisingly pneumatic but the rear view was !!!!

I would have to wear bodycon dresses with a long cardi
Never worn one though, come to think of it. I never liked tight fitting clothes when I was younger (was an indie, slouchy - occasional tea dress type) so perhaps this is why I can't 100% graduate to skinnies?

You know the wierd thing though toasted when I go to the gym

Yes, I'm lazing around the house in leggings this evening and look fine, even fairly ok from back.(I think)
I am tempted to put a rear view pic in my profile to get opinions of whether I should stick with skinnies or gravitate to another style. Will go and harvest some courage...

Ok, done 2 photos, they are in my profile pic page.
I didn't manage a full length shot which is a pain, but the feature here is my arse and thighs (im wearing the decent jeans too), so they'll have to do.

So the question is, do I move over to skirts/dresses full time, stay put, or get new, looser fit jeans? (I am 5'4 by the way, if that helps).

OP, if you renounce skinny jeans then there is no hope for the rest of us.

This was all a stealth boast wasn't it?

Seriously, you look fab.

Yikes! God no! I am pretty damn convinced that I look squat and odd shaped, and now thinking that it would be more evident in full length shot.

It's my shape that concerns me in skinnies, where the ass meets thigh area. I have skinny lower legs and in contrast makes me into a triangle, sort of thing.

But the idea this could be perceived as a boast has given me a mini boost

Will try to salvage a fuller length pic.

If I were you I wouldn't worry - your back view is great (visible gap between the thighs and no saddlebags).

Added full length. Not sure the cork sandals and turn ups help!

Honestly, I would love to have a rear view like yours, and I am the same height and an 8/10, so not enormously bigger than you, but you look soo much better. Stop worrying unnecessarily woman!!