Buying jeans when you’re a little bit flabby

[ViaRia]

I’m aware that getting well fitting / flattering jeans is difficult for many of us. I’ve recently had a baby and have never found it quite this difficult before.

My body shape has changed (I assume temporarily although I can’t be sure) and I’m a bit larger than I was before pregnancy with a flabby tummy that hangs over a regular waist band. I’ve always had slightly larger thighs - I think I’m now a size 14 on the bottom and 12 on top.

I like high waisted skinny jeans. I don’t want to spend hundred as I am not sure how my size/ shape might change over the coming months.

I bought jeans in Hollister - a couple of sizes / styles so that I could find my fit and send back the rest. 30 waist felt too small so I stuck with the 31 waist, which was snug but comfortable. I happily snipped the tags off and felt good in the new jeans… for about 30 minutes. They soon became loose and started falling down. Disappointed and uncomfortable, I went back to the 30 waist to give those another try. Very tight uncomfortable to wear, began to hurt after 10 minutes or so. I continued wearing them around the house to see if they would stretch a bit to fit, but no.

So, what am I supposed to do? I’ve never struggled this much before. There’s so little difference in these two sizes but the difference feels huge when I’m wearing them. Is this just the struggle everyone has and I’ve only just found out about it!?

Can anyone suggest anything to help? Any tricks or tips? Recommendations for reasonably priced options?

Thank you!

What were they made of? It sounds more like a fabric content issue.

I have heard good things about the M&S magic shaping skinny jeans.

I don’t know about the M&S shaping jeans but I can recommend the Per Una high waisted ankle grazer skinny jeans. I’ve got a couple of pairs of regular length ones on the go at the moment which fit me like normal length jeans rather than ankle grazers.
Over the years I’ve wasted a lot of money trying to find the perfect jeans for me and all but a couple of pairs of high waisted slim fit Levi’s have ended up on eBay.
These are still in my wardrobe for the time being but the M&S jeans are definitely my go to jeans at the moment as they sit just a little bit higher on the waist so there is no bulging and they have plenty of stretch over the stomach which means they zip up easily but don’t gape at the back
Being honest the Levi’s are a better quality denim (which they should be as they cost 3 times as much) and give a better bottom shape but I’m happy to forgo this in the interest of comfort.

I haven’t worn jeans for a couple of years now - they’re not comfortable. I wear leggings, harem trousers, dungarees and walking trousers.

I'm similar to you. Have a flabby tummy but slim thighs and calves. I buy a 12 jeans as 14 is too big and just end up too baggy. I wear a 12 with top button undone for a bit until they stretch

Do you wear a belt?

It might be that you might need to try a different shape eg mid rise for a bit. I would go for inexpensive jeans eg sainsburys until your figure has settled

I like next mid rise skinny jeans. I do wear with a belt though - size 20

The Next Lift and Shape jeans (or something similar to that!) are pretty good.

Matalan cheapies .

www.matalan.co.uk/product/detail/s2661016_c888/kimmy-skinny-jeans-darkwash best jeans ever

Next lift slim and shape. They come in a range of fits and colours but stretch in the right places and hold stuff in at the places you want it holding in. The only downside is that they can be a bit variable in size across different cuts/colours.

Have you tried non stretch high waisted jeans? They wouldn't be skinny but they stay up.

I like M&S Ivy Skinny Jeans, £19.50, quite high waisted & in a few different colours.

I second giving Matalan a try.
April jeans for skinny, Jolie for slightly looser in the leg. These have got me out of elasticcated waists for the first time in years.

Next Lift and Shape. They almost feel like leggings and don’t fall down. Super stretchy and high waisted.

I may be wrong but I thought a 14 was a 32 waist not 30? Might be where you are going wrong?

I swear by River Island Molly jeggings (and I am far too old to buy anything else from there!). I have them in many colours. Honestly - give them a try, you won’t regret it!

I'm a 16/18 with a tummy, and prefer high waisted
Recent success with
M&S magic skinny shaping jeans - thick sort of power stretch and hold you in, I found they came up a bit small so the 18 was perfect
M&S Harper jeans (I got the turn up ones) - very soft. High waisted and came up bigger so I went for a 16. Not skinny but fitted around the bum then looser everywhere else

Try Florence and Fred contour jeans. They're high waisted, skinny and stretchy. Only 25quid and you can order from Next online

Jeggings

Next lift slim and shape for me too. All I’ve worn for the last ten years.

@MistySkiesAfterRain material composition is: 72% Cotton, 17% Polyester, 9% Viscose, 2% Elastane. What do you think I should be looking for if that is the issue?

@millymae Levi’s we’re a favourite before baby, I just didn’t want to spend so much right now, until body settles down (however long that might take…!?) They didn’t have as much stretch in them though so that’s the answer - a good fit but without stretch.

I haven’t tried with a belt @timeforteaforyouandme. I’ve never needed to before and I prefer the more sleek look without. I’ll try to look out for a less bulky belt though, and try with that. Thanks.

@dementedpixie, @OldTinHat, @pastabest, @Maraki, @daisydalrymple, NEXT lift and shape was actually my first stop and I had the exact same problem. This time it was size 16 fitted comfortably in the shop and too loose after wearing for 30 minutes. That’s another pair of no-good jeans in the wardrobe.

Thanks for all the other suggestions for your favourite skinnies/ other fits worth trying. I think what I need to understand is how do I know when it fits? Should I expect them to be tight at first and allow them to loosen? That doesn’t seem to work with the Hollister ones I tried. So maybe it is (1) go with less stretch, (2) wear the size that fits comfortably (3) use a belt if they go a bit baggy.

I really can't get on with jeans that have elastic in them. I'm carrying a bit of post baby (is it still post baby if your youngest is 2?) weight and still find 100% cotton Levi's the best fit - they start a bit tight and loosen within 10mins. I like a vintage 501 for a straight leg, but they do loads of different styles. I recommend you try some new ones for sizing and then hunt on eBay or Depop.

72% Cotton, 17% Polyester, 9% Viscose, 2% Elastane.

I know 97-99% cotton and 1-3% elastane don't stretch too much. I don't know about polyester-I do have polyester mix jeans that can fall down but they may be the wrong cut.

I wonder if it is to do with the viscose. I've not seen that a lot in jeans.

Any jeans with elastane will need a belt.
I recommend M&S and FatFace if you want stretch

Otherwise Levi's, Gap or 7 for all mankind

Have you considered jeggings?

@JofraArchersFastestBall

I really can't get on with jeans that have elastic in them. I'm carrying a bit of post baby (is it still post baby if your youngest is 2?) weight and still find 100% cotton Levi's the best fit - they start a bit tight and loosen within 10mins. I like a vintage 501 for a straight leg, but they do loads of different styles. I recommend you try some new ones for sizing and then hunt on eBay or Depop.

I prefer jeans without elastic too. Even my 99% cotton ones get loose and need washing when they aren't dirty to shrink them back. My new favourites are high waist straight leg and completely non stretch.