Loose linen drawstring trews for middle aged fattie this summer.

[whoseafraidofnaomiwolf]

Somehow I put on 2 stone last October and despite efforts (admittedly not prolonged and a bit half hearted) it hasn't shifted (definitely middle age spread). So this summer none of my wardrobe will fit and I have to face the probability of a 'fat' summer. Thinking ahead I'd like to invest in a navy, and a white/cream pair of loose linen trousers I have to be very mobile in my job so they need to fit well as I have to get up and down from the floor a lot. Over the years I've tried various makes of linen trousers and never found any that I felt really comfy in - which ones would you recommend for style and comfort?

Oh gosh, this thread has gone down some odd rabbit holes.

Back to the trouser issue - I get that some of you hate them. I get that some posters have been fat and lost weight so are dismissive of anyone else who might struggling with doing the same. And I get that some of you are just not very nice (PP suggesting that because they don't think linen trousers are stylish that the post shouldn't be in S&B - how arrogant and solipsistic can someone be?)

To everyone else, I'm really grateful for your advice. I am taller than average and I do have long legs so I generally carry weight quite well. I still think that linen trousers are the way to go for me this summer, and will check out a few of the suggestions that posters have helpfully made for me here. Thankyou. x

I think that poster was suggesting that suggestions as to what might be more stylish or flattering than drawstring linen trousers should not be pooh poohed as this topic is S&B.

Not that linen trouser threads don't belong in S&B because they are perceived as not stylish.

I think the OP was asking for linens for work as she has a physical job. So possibly not aiming for high style cocktail party chic?

They’re not perceived as stylish by some people. A woman with style can wear anything and it will look stylish. Hope you find something to suit, OP. I’m delighted you posted this as I found the Cos trousers as a result and they’re lovely.

Like your comeback OP!

Hope you find the perfect trousers 👖

Jesus, this thread.

Did someone leave a gate open at the cunt farm?

As Also said, it's about being stylish, and to add - getting the rest of the outfit right. I know someone who is very stylish. She's in her 70's, quite short, a bit overweight, and she looks great in her cream coloured linen trousers.

I live in linen trousers every summer, but with long floaty tops. These style of trousers can look great with a long loose top, but very unflattering with a shorter to or t shirt.

@Pinkarsedfly, what a brilliant line. Can I adopt it, please?

naomi some people just can't help themselves, I think. It's like, whenever there's a thread where the OP mentions that they're overweight, some sort of bat signal - fat signal - goes out, and all the parsimonious, judgy, disapproving people come flocking. It really gets me down about MN sometimes.

I'm overweight. Its because I eat too much and can't be arsed to exercise. I still like to make an effort and find comfortable but stylish clothes. Summer is hard when you're fat because you can't hide it under jumpers and cardis. So any kind and helpful advice is very well received, and indeed I have received it myself on this board on several occasions.
Those of you who think you're above fat people because you're thin can quite frankly fuck off. This thread has had some awful comments.
OP, I've just bought some Asda trousers, they're cheap and cheerful, comfy, and look great with a floaty top. Also they're definitely vanity sized as I bought a 14 and I'm more of a 16. So there's that to consider too. Hope you find what you're looking for.

Jesus this thread
Everyone has different ideas about style and beauty, how boring if we all wanted to wear the same clothes from the same few shops, that pass the MN litmus test for what is allowed to be called stylish.
So what if people want comfy clothes that wash well ffs

I came to this thread via a search about linen trousers... Never been on MN before as I am not a mum but had to register as I was so shocked by the vitriol on this thread. I hope MN is not normally like this because if it is, then I don't think I'll stay.
Anyway I have been looking for linen trousers today. Big M&S has a huge range of casual linen trousers in (plus tailored ones in Autograph). Lots of colours & leg shapes - tapered, wide, cropped wide etc. Elastic waists at the back but drawstring at the front. 100% linen & linen blends. I prefer 100% linen as it wears/washes/feels better altho' you do have to iron it. Tried on some of the tapered ones & they looked fine for summer. Also looked in White Stuff/Fat Face/Next/Debenhams - linen is everywhere! M&S linen quality felt the best - Next's very thin. White Stuff's ones were more "chino" shape - feel this style needs a firmer fabric.
Hope this useful & you find something - linen is super comfortable when it's hot as long as you don't mind the creasing. Definitely worth going to shops rather than online without seeing, as you have to feel the fabric to get best sense of quality.

I liked the per una chinos last year in cream and navy. They looked smart.

I used to like indigo ones by M&S but obviously no more indigo. They did have. A waistband though.

@PinkOrangeRed

Sometimes it can be like this thread. Something seemingly innocuous sets off the vipers.

Don’t worry there are a lot of kind souls here too. Don’t ever post in AIBU and expect gentle responses. That is a vipers nest.

@PinkOrangeRed, this is exceptionally vitriolic for Style and Beauty. Don’t be put off, most threads in this section are really supportive. Thanks for sharing your shopping experience.

@MoniqueTonique - I think I love you. YOu've just become my hero of the month

@whoseafraidofnaomiwolf aw thanks I've just had enough of feeling ashamed, I am who I am and if you don't like it, don't look. Actually I've just popped back to Asda and bought these, they're linen and comfy, and very reasonably priced. They had lots of choice.

I shall pop into Asda tomorrow & I've also bought 2 of the the H&M ones - they look great actually - cheers everyone .

I think linen floaty trousers can look very stylish. There was a trend of wearing burnt orange ones with navy tops and they looked great.

The black and navy ones look more sack like unless you style them nicely. If you have a waist or smaller top half a tighter t shirt looks great and non swampy.

I'm 5'10", size 10 and I feel like a sack of spuds in a wide-legged, drawstring.

There is something about a paper-bag/drawstring that just frumps me right out, but I have seen it look lovely on others, so it's clearly just me.

I think it's probably worth thinking about what you're going to wear on the top half. Often it's tops riding up at the rear that makes the rear look vast. But equally a long top that covers your arse paired with wide legs isn't the greatest.

More reasons why I just avoid these sorts of trousers. They're too hard work.