Not having a good pair of jeans is making me deeply unhappy

[MargotMoon]

Basically I'm a size 13. I've put weight on my hips, bum and (most of all) tum. Size 12 jeans give me a muffin top, if I can do them up at all, and size 14 just feel hugely uncomfortable.

I'm not very well off - could spend £35 or so at the most on a new pair of jeans. I used to buy them from Top Shop or Debenhams or New Look but everything I've got now doesn't fit well and makes me feel so unhappy and badly dressed it is actually having a bad effect on my self esteem.

Any recommendations as to where I could try? I can't keep wearing leggings and tunic tops when the weather gets warmer!

Try makes that do odd waist sizes like 29" or 31". They tend to be pricier but I've had luck in the charity shop. Or try M&S as their sizes are rather generous.

Gap have 35% off at the moment (online, don't know about instore). I like their real straight jeans but they have loads of different styles. Tend to come up large, so you should fit a 12.

Also Sainsburys jeans get good reviews on here and they might still have 25% off.

Waiting other opinions with interest

Make it an incentive to lose weight rather than buy a bigger size. Once you start upsizing you're on the slippery slope. Next and GAP jeans always good for me

Next jeans are roomy. I'm a 16 in next jeans ☺

try levis (sale) as they do a range of waist sizes. Also try to get a fit that truly flatters your shape. I would def try TK maxx also or try a range of jeans on in John Lewis or similar then hunt for a cheaper version online?

I love m&s per una roma rise jeans. I'm a size 11 and fit into a size 10 of these. They are very flattering and lovely material. They come in different leg styles so bootleg, slim, straight, skinny etc and you can get them cheaper on eBay.

I bought 2 pairs in the fat face outlet for £12 each! They are flared, slightly stretchy and have washed and worn well.

GAP outlet. Their jeans are the only ones that don't give me muffin top.

I'm much the same as you. I bought a few pairs of ASOS for between £6 and £12. Kept two pairs and sent two back.I get lots of compliments on the cheap ones. Dark denim flares, stretchy but the denim looks real not cheap.

There are so many jeans now a days I can't believe you can't find anything.

No two shops have the same sizes, in fact different styles in the one shop are often completely different. Also I have to size down in some shops like Next because there is so much stretch in them.

Find a shopping centre with next, M&s, top shop, H&M gap and oasis. Take your time and take loads into the changing room.

H&M are good for having jeans in in-between sizes, so 28,31 etc

My fave jeans for hiding a muffin top but going over my bum too are molly jeans from river island, they give me a fab shape as do my joni jeans from top shop, both are my faves.
I also love the mom jeans from top shop as they are great for bigger bums but they're not my favourite ones to wear every day.

Try fat face everyday jeans - I should probably be in a size 13 but their 12 fits me fine and is v comfortable.

Levis ,I go to an outlet .Lots of different styles and sizes

Gap. Straight jeans. Size 12.

(I'm a size 10 in gap but am a 11 or 12 elsewhere).

Wow, loads of great tips here, thank you. I think my problem is that I hate clothes shopping so I end up going to the same places, try on one or two things and then go 'oh that'll do' when clearly it needs a bit more time and effort.

I live in a city stuffed full of shops so there's no excuse really!

I've recently got some River Idlanf Molly jeans and I'm in love with them! Also try Eden jeggings feimDorothy Perkins. Good luck.

Island!!

From. Fail!!

I've had most consistent success with jeans from uniqlo. They go by waist sizes. Also I find cotton jeans with little elastane/stretch are a much better fit and more comfortable.