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Style and beauty

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Original poster

Jeans advice needed, please

28 replies

mrsdarcy · 17/08/2006 16:40

Can anyone help me find some new jeans? At the moment I wear M&S boot-cut jeans but they (and therefore me) and looking rather saggy.

I am 5'4", size 12/14, short waisted with a horrific mum-tum which must be kept hidden at all times (ie high-waisted jeans are essential). I have quite big hips and thighs (the size 14 bit) but my waist is probably closer to a size 12. I'm happy to stick with boot-cut - I'm not a skinny jeans kind of gal, but would like something less frumpy looking than my current jeans.

Is there anyone with a similar shape (oh lucky you!) who has found great jeans?

OP posts:

MerlinsBeard · 17/08/2006 16:47

If there is a levi's store near you they will give you fantstic advice but with jeans you need to be prepared to try on a million pairs, whats right for one woman is wrong for the next IYSWIM

I was trained in my knowledge of jeans by levis and ralph lauren years ago but can't rememeber much of it now unfortunatly!

MrsBadger · 17/08/2006 16:54

Hmm - I am taller at 5'8" but have the same waist/hips disparity, and I am currently a fan of stretch bootcut jeans from Next - I wear a Long but you def wouldn't need to, in fact may even do better in a Short than a Standard.
They're not mega-high waisted but come up to my tummy button so keep things mostly under control.

ja9 · 17/08/2006 16:57

i think i'm a similar shape to you. i get on well with long and lean from gap, but unfortunately they don't stay new looking for very long....

so i'll watch with interest too....

MaloryFascinatorTowers · 17/08/2006 17:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

mrsdarcy · 17/08/2006 17:36

Thanks for all the replies

I'll try Gap and Next. There isn't a Levi's shop near me, I don't think (near Liverpool).

I know I'll get any Liverpudlian mumsnetters lynching me, but my feeling about most clothes shops here is that they cater for WAGs (or tangerine tarts as I call them ). Or maybe I'm just not looking in the right shops.

OP posts:

Original poster

mrsdarcy · 17/08/2006 18:13

oh, does anyone know what Boden jeans are like?

OP posts:

incy · 17/08/2006 19:24

What about jigsaw? I think their jeans are quite long but you can always have them taken up. I swear by seven for all mankind stretch bootcut (again have them taken up) but perhaps a bit WAG for you !They can be bought in John Lewis and I think there is one in Liverpool from memory. Actually the John Lewis may sell Levis come to think of it.

littlelamb · 17/08/2006 19:25

You sound just like me and I love my Long and Lean jeans from Gap. Also got some from H and M called Loyal fit jeans which are genuinely incredible. I used to HATE wearing jeans before I discovered these two cuts.

foxinsocks · 17/08/2006 19:30

what length jeans do you wear from M&S? I am 5'6'' and a size 12 (so quite similar to you) but have short legs so have to wear the M&S short length trousers/jeans.

If you do aswell, you may find that Gap jeans/trousers come up too long (unless you can find an elusive shorter leg pair).

I have some fantastic Levis that I totally love but weirdly, my most comfortable and well fitting pair is a £9 value pair from Tescos! Another good buy were the per Una jeans from M&S as they have a variety of lengths and sizes and are quite feminine (in a nice way!).

Original poster

mrsdarcy · 17/08/2006 19:40

Foxinsocks - I wear regular length M&S jeans. The length is fine - I guess my ridiculously high waist yanks em up. I think the size 14s might actually be a bit big for me, but I'm sure the 12s would be too tight.

Incy - the nearest Jigsaw to me is in Manchester, and I can't get there very often.

At least we have a Hobbs now

OP posts:

Belo · 17/08/2006 19:40

Hi MrsD,

I swear by Gap Long and Lean. They're low waisted, but that gives the effect of making your bum area look smaller. They're really stretchy so fit well. They come in 3 lengths. I'm 5 ft 2 3/4 ". And the shortest length is just a wee bit too long for me so they should be ok for you. I hate my bum and thighs and for me these are the most flattering jeans I've ever found. It took a sales assistant quite a while to make me try them on as I thought they were too low. But, 5 pairs later I am a true convert.

Good luck. Jeans shopping can be a horrible experience (well it is for me). I normally just end up buying things for my dds as their bums never look big (well dd2s bum is huge with her big nappies!)

southeastastra · 17/08/2006 19:42

levi 501s have quite a high (ish) waist and are really comfy, you could try ebay to try some out too

Original poster

mrsdarcy · 17/08/2006 20:12

Hi Belo

How low is low?

Truly, given the choice between walking down the street naked save for something over my stomach, and wearing clothes that left my stomach uncovered, I would chose the former.

But I will brave the fitting rooms of Gap, H&M, Next and John Lewis at the next opportunity.

The obvious disadvantage of wearing high-waisted jeans is, of course, the acres of blue bottom effect. Any recommendations for bottom-covering tops? Have v big norks as still bfeeding.

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themoon66 · 17/08/2006 20:26

I can only echo others in say Gap are brilliant. Long and Lean ones. But you have to be prepared to spend an hour or more in there, trying every single style on. Long leg in one style may fit, while long leg in another style may flap around your ankles. And buy them as tight as you can coz Gap jeans are notorious for stretching a size after a couple of wearings.

Belo · 17/08/2006 21:09

Yes, gap ones do stretch (but I like to kid myself that I'm losing weight...).

How low is low? Not as low as Topshop ones (but should somebody of my age be still shopping from Topshop?) My friend prefers Gaps bootcut as they're slightly higher.

As to long tops, Topshop do a range for Tall people (not me - but I like the extra mileage over my flabby belly) which are good. Topshop do a free personal shopping service at some branches. That could be worth a try? They don't just do their own makes of jeans but have others such as Lee. I think the Manchester one does it. I keep meaning to put my name down on the waiting list for the Oxford Circus one. They also do home visits (topshop to go) where you tell them your requirements, body hates, style likes and they bring clothes to your homes. I know somebody who did it and she got some fab clothes.

80sMum · 17/08/2006 21:24

Have you tried Lands' End ?

crunchie · 18/08/2006 09:00

I am going to throw a new one in the pot, Monsoon Jeans are the BEST EVER!!

Forget Gap, if you have any sort of 'mum tum' it pops out over the top. Monsoon have great slightly higher waist jeans, with LOADS of stretch. THEY ARE TRUELY FAB

Original poster

mrsdarcy · 18/08/2006 10:03

Never tried Lands End. Tbh, I always thought it looked rather frumpy unless you are tall and patrician (which I am not).

Crunchie, I used to have some lovely Monsoon jeans. Last time I tried some on they weren't any good but it's definitely worth trying again

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LaDiDaDi · 18/08/2006 10:06

I'm voting for Topshop as best jeans shop. I like it because they describe the style of jeans on the stand so you know whether or not you want to try them on. This is good for fools like me who can't just look at a pair of trousers and think "ah, yes boot cut" or whatever. The only style I can recognise at a glance is skinny leg. They are reasonably priced and wear really well.

CurrantBun · 24/08/2006 14:14

I wear Levi's 529s - low rise, slim-cut bootleg. I'm only 5'1" and the 30" leg is just perfect on me. I previously always bought Gap jeans but recently I've noticed that Gap jeans (and trousers generally) are coming up slightly longer than they used to. I used to find a Gap size US 0 was perfect on me fit and length-wise; now, they're just that bit too long. I had to have my last two pairs of Gap trousers shortened, which I resent when you've already paid £40 or so. And they never seem to look the same or hang quite right once they've been shortened.

Anyone know the best place to get really small-sized maternity jeans in different leg lengths? I'm a UK size 6 in jeans.

CountessDracula · 24/08/2006 14:16

I find that monsoon and next jeans have too much stretch they look baggy after a couple of hours

MaloryTowersIsSlimAndChic · 24/08/2006 14:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Astrophe · 24/08/2006 14:26

gap have some good long tops in at the mo too...2 for £22 I think. I also need to wear long tops for the mental health and safety of those around me...and have huge bf-ing boobs which make enen 'long' tops short...but these gap ones are good.

anyonw knows who stocks levis near derby? got some 'star' jeans from h&m but still after some levis 552s

hermykne · 24/08/2006 14:27

mrs darcy did u try the limited jeans in m & s.
i got a apir of the boden in the sale and the fit is good too.,

Original poster

mrsdarcy · 24/08/2006 18:32

Astrophe, you sound like me. I'm glad to hear that Gap has long tops as for the last few years I have found it difficult to find them. As soon as the DSs are back at school I will drag DD into town for a trying-on session.

CurrantBun - I'm afraid I cannot help with your dilemma although, from the sound of it, my jeans might make a good sleeping bag for you and

Hermykne, how high-rise are the M&S ltd ones? Ditto for the Boden ones? My stomach needs covering in its entirity.

Malory, Gap are top of my list!

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