I only want a pair of black trousers, how hard can it be?!

[KichenDancefloor]

I went sale shopping for a pair of smart black trousers today. I don't want anything weird or niche, just a pair I can wear to work.

These are the requirements;

• black
• trousers (not leggings, jeans, jodhpurs or shorts)
• not made of static inducing flimsy polyester
• not sequinned, frilled, studded, corseted or blinged up in any other way
• must fit from waist to ankle without wonky seams, gaping pockets or the dreaded camel toe.

I tried on 20 pairs of trousers and came away empty handed. This should be easy surely?!

FWIW I don't think I'm an odd size or shape (8-10 and average height). I'm just going to be in opaque tights for the rest of the winter unless I get some recommendations.

So help, where do you buy trousers (uk high street or online tips welcome). Ta!

I have nice plain good quality black trousers from jigsaw and zara. In fact I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the zara ones.

I'm a very different size and shape from you but the best ones I've ever had were from John Lewis, their own label, in their basic work clothes collection. i think they always do pretty much the same ones and you can get matching jackets too, although I didn't because I don't work in a "suity" environment.

I second Boden Richmond. Lovely thick fabric and the cut suits me (small hips, not much of a waist, bulgy Tum)

I haven't had a work pair for nearly 10 years. Size 14. Not been able to get a pair to fit.

Those Gap ones look like cropped pants. Not what I'm looking for!! I'm looking for proper trousers rather than skinny jeans or leggings.

I long for a pair of black work trousers. I'm a size 14 & pear shaped. It is impossible.

I have these in black they stretch well and are a good fit on me (5'7" 12-14 pear, fat legs)

I've also got the Uniqlo ones - great quality and fit but I was surprised to find they were elasticated.

Also got a fantastic pair in the Arket sale for £27.

boden ...i have the black richmond trouser...now on third pair

M&S any good?

Found some decent straight leg ones in Debenhams - their own collection.
I'm 5'7" and they were a decent length too as I often struggle with ankle swinger length or camel toe!

A third recommendation for Boden Richmond.

I have just bought the Boden Richmond too.
They are really good quality trousers. Need to get a pair in another colour now before they all sell out!

I got a pair from &Other Stories. They are short - ankle length - but they are really nice. I hadn't ever worn trousers before I got these!

@Lucked this shows the bottom of the trousers with low-heeled boots (I took the pictures upside down and in a mirror so not the best quality!)

They do seem longer than most of the other styles I tried on my fruitless shopping trip, which all seemed to be 7/8 length.

The S size is perfect for my post Christmas cheese belly and I got an XS in navy which will be ideal for the rest of the time.

I don't love them, but they are just what I need for an average work day and I won't worry about being near naked flames. As a PP had said the elasticated waistband is odd (and made my DH laugh) but no one will see that.

I'll definitely bookmark this thread though so the next time I need to find decent quality clothes I'll know where to look first. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

I thought of you today when I was in M&Co they has a couple of designs, both obviously work wear

Esprit. Consistent sizing and I find the quality good.

Boden Richmonds

It's very difficult, OP. All I wanted was a v neck black slim-cut jumper. Eventually I conceded defeat and gave up.

CountFosco - thank you for saying M&S - straight leg that might actually fit me....fingers crossed....!

it is ridiculous that it's so hard to buy such a basic item.

I bought an emergency work trouser and cardigan from Matalan few weeks ago, i didn't have time to go anywhere else and Matalan was just accross the road so decided to try as pot luck. It turned out to be a good fit and very reasonably priced. For that price, it's perfect.
I've worn them several times now and looks and feels good.
By the way there are varieties for different body shapes.
I'll be buying from them again. Normally i go to M&S or buy from abroad in our annual holiday.

I too went shopping last weekend for a plain pair of black (or blue, or grey) trousers. I am large of tum, but narrow of hip and leg, which means that I needed a straighter, slim cut. Having tried 28 pairs (I counted) from various shops, department store, I gave up. Popped into Sainsbury's for shopping this week and walked out with two pairs of Tu black trousers. They were only £16 a pair, but they fit, looked fairly smart and I am willing to give them a run to see how they perform.

Topshop have high waisted slim leg black smart trousers like 22 pound j think.