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Original poster

Is there someone like Bravissimo for trousers

44 replies

BikeRunSki · 02/09/2015 08:09

So Duo (or whatever they call themselves these days) do boots for wide calves, Bravissimo do tops for big boobs .... Does anyone do trousers for chunky calves?

I desperately need new work trousers - slim leg chinos are ideal for the type of work I do but I can't find any to go over my lower legs! I am not particularly fat (14) but do have very high and pronounced calf muscles (partly genetic, partly because I have always been quite sporty).

I have tried - M&S, Next, FatFace, Boden, Dotty P and Gap. All get stuck on my calfs. Lands end would probably work, but v frumpy cut and "meh" colours.

I work out on building sites, riverbanks and in the countryside a lot, but also in the office with suppliers, and have days where I can be in and out office/field. Smart casual chinos (easy to tuck into wellies too) and a nice shirt seems the ideal solution, and it works really well - but I only have one pair of chinos that fit, and they are getting tatty. They were from Sainsbury's s few years ago, they don't have anything similar now.

OP posts:
iwantgin · 02/09/2015 08:14

OMG. Yes! I am in the same boat. Am a standard size 14 with good muscle tone. I yearned for chinos earlier this year but could not get any to not cling tightly to my calves.

I tend to wear jeans in various colours as the fit can be tighter yet still look okay.

Watching...

addictedtosugar · 02/09/2015 08:14

I was about to say waide legged trousers are the only ones that deal with my thighs, but they are going to fail the welly test.

What about the much hated leggings, and a dress over the top?????

addictedtosugar · 02/09/2015 08:15

Wide, that would be, but would waders work Grin

Original poster
BikeRunSki · 02/09/2015 09:08

Tunic and leggings wouldn't cut it in the office. I do tend to wear jeans, but as I'm getting ore senior, I am distinctly under dressed.

OP posts:
iwantgin · 02/09/2015 09:54

But we want chinos dammit

iwantgin · 02/09/2015 09:55
Grin
Zorion · 02/09/2015 11:01

have you tried levis curve? They did chinos when I was in their store in NY in July.

Original poster
BikeRunSki · 02/09/2015 14:26

I have tried Levi's Curve. The lower legs are still too narrow.

OP posts:
Original poster
BikeRunSki · 02/09/2015 18:52

Has anyone tried Gudren Sjoden? these look like they could be ideal, but pricey, and returns (to Sweden?) seem complicated.

OP posts:
blodynmawr · 02/09/2015 19:03

Bike I am fat of calf (>40cm circumference) and get on well with the Boden Chelsea turn ups as they have stretch. No good?
Alternatively what about Ponte leggings like these Next ones which I have and are great for site work when wellies are required.
HTH Smile

Original poster
BikeRunSki · 02/09/2015 20:30

I have tried the Chelsea turn ups, and they just did;t seem to fit anywhere, or fell off in a bigger size, but otherwise they would be ideal!

I hate ponte! It makes my skin crawl, sorry.

Clad circumference is 45 cm.

OP posts:
blodynmawr · 02/09/2015 21:12

Next polyester/elastane? They are not cotton but they are not £, which IME is the way to go for site gear, and may stretch more than the Boden ones?
Lands End chino options. Have only ever bought adult coats or DC clothes at Lands End though so cannot comment on trouser fit/quality - I would assume good quality though.
HTH Smile

blodynmawr · 02/09/2015 21:14

Sad Sorry you said Lands End was too frumpy!

blodynmawr · 02/09/2015 21:22

<a class="break-all" href="//www.tmlewin.co.uk/Clearance/Clearance,en_GB,sc.html#url=www.tmlewin.co.uk/Clearance/Clearance,en_GB,sc.html?prefn1=categoryCIMS&prefv1=Trousers&prefn2=gender&prefv2=Womenswear" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">T M Lewin sale options but mostly suit like.
Maybe get a seamstress to take in the waist of a larger size if it means you get the calf fit right?
Phase Eight but look suspiciously ponte like.

Original poster
BikeRunSki · 02/09/2015 21:50

I am reconsidering Land's End. I have ordered these in a couple of sizes and colours to try. I have had LE cords in the past, and the cut was awful and baggy and flappy, but these look like they might be more refined.

I need something where I could look smart and businessey with a shirt and brogues in the office in the morning, then move seamlessly to a site meeting with wellies and high vis in the afternoon.

Thank you for your help Blodyn, very much appreciated.

OP posts:
Original poster
BikeRunSki · 02/09/2015 21:52

Alas, also suit type trousers are not much good, as they will get muddy most days. DH does a similar job to me, and he is Mr Gap Khakis.

OP posts:
CarpeJugulum · 02/09/2015 21:59

Mantaray at Debenhams work for me. Not all, but most are forgiving of my thighs and calves.

These are my most recent pair.

RaisingSteam · 02/09/2015 22:18

Would you find something sold as "straight" is better than "skinny"?

GAP true straight come up large but are a nice shape and very stretchy. I found them a bit loose but they might do you OK. I bought them exactly for office-to-site days.

TKmaxx also have loads of random trousers from brands you've never heard of, might give you more choice?

blodynmawr · 03/09/2015 07:23

No worries Bike Wink. I feel your pain as finding the Boden Chelsea trews for me was an epiphany! I have some wide leg wool trousers too but though, obvs, they fit my entire leg, they are a bit frumpy and not really suitable for site.
JL chinos with good reviews. There are some other chino options at JL on the sale here but lots are cropped.

iwantgin · 03/09/2015 10:45

I like the Gudrun's Sjoden website. Lots of quirky looking items on there.

and the models are all different ages. Nice.

Have youtried any trousers on yet OP?

bookbook · 03/09/2015 10:55

Have you looked at Rohan - they are mostly walking gear, but do chinos.

nothingwittyhere · 03/09/2015 12:10

Artigiano? The straight legs I have from there are quite wide in the leg.

Original poster
BikeRunSki · 03/09/2015 15:34

Raising I only even try something sold as Straight or Slim. I am currently wearing FatFace straight legs, which fit skinny on me, but they fit so I bought 2 pairs. I haven't tried those Gsp ones, because I had some Gap Real Straight jeans that were too tight on the calf, and I have had trouble with other Gap trousers. But since I am actually going to a shopping centre with a Gap on my way home I will give them a try!

Blodwyn thank you for more links! Will check them out.

Gin I have tried loads! (See OP). My life is a perennial search for trousers.

Book didn't realise Rohan did chinos now but makes sense. I'll have a look. Similarly, I have looked at Patagonia and Barbour.

Nothing I hadn't thought of Artigiano, although my mum shops there.

Thank you for your help!

OP posts:
randomsabreuse · 03/09/2015 16:20

Leggings and dress can be as smart as the dress but probably less site to office friendly. My cords have generally been Sainsbury specials... better than Tesco for my shape but not durable.

RaisingSteam · 03/09/2015 19:16

The other thing is that quite a lot of walking/outdoor trousers are very stretchy and a bit straight cut, and not as pockety/scout looking as they used to be.

this type of thing