Anyone struggling with clothing sizing and fit - thick waisted?

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Hi all, I’m new to mumsnet but wanted to see if anyone is having the same quandary as me and has any suggestions.

I’m struggling with finding clothes, particularly trousers and shorts that fit (and look flattering). I am a very straight up and down shape and have a thick waist (but reasonably flat stomach) relative to my bust and hips. Ive been looking at brand sizing measurements rather than just guessing (my usual tactic) but if I go up sizes to get the waist size right/closer then the measurement for that the hips and rest of the general fit is too big baggy and I just look like a mess! High waisted fashion at the moment (which I don’t particularly like) makes it particularly difficult.

Has anyone got any brands they can recommend? I’ve just bought some Levi’s (normally I buy cheaper jeans) because their sizing seems to be better suited to my shape but I am especially in need of trousers (not leggings). I don’t want to spend a fortune because I (wishfully) hope to lose weight but in the interim I do need some reasonable fitting clothes!

Hoping someone has some insight into the world of fashion that is really getting me down 😔

Try maternity or men jeans. I had a period of my life like that and I needed to overhaul my diet. I was having too much sugar and alcohol and suspect I had Candida overgrowth as my Celiac test came back normal. I ended up eating Paleo and then Keto for a good while and though the weight loss wasn't a huge amount my shape changed from an apple to an hourglass. My visceral fat reduced and stomach calmed down so much I ended up with a 15 inch difference between my hips and waist. I will say that I was also exercising 6 or 7 times a week (Davina fitness DVDs, Yoga with Adrienne and 30 day Shred with Jillian Michaels) and I made sure to walk daily for an hour. It also helped with other issues like my skin and my mental health and even teeth and gums felt healthier.
Sorry I know you didn't ask for health and diet advice but your post really took me back to that stage and I remember the awkwardness of clothes and discomfort. Good luck!

Thanks, interesting to hear, I do have a sugar weakness at the moment and keep meaning to try harder to cut it out but on maternity leave at the mo and struggling for will power to not have cake on my coffee shop trips! 😂 I’m doing some HIIT training once a week (ish) and a fair bit of walking with the buggy but unfortunately struggle to find the time for more exercise with 2 young kids. I need to be stricter with myself!

I am hoping to get tips here too.
I have no waist really, but I do have a pretty darned flat stomach.
It's not weight related for me - just a rectangular shape!

Are you breastfeeding? Your body does seem to hold onto fat around the middle while you are. It goes very gradually.