Best summer trousers for short fat women

[Rainyface]

I mainly wear dresses in summer but we're visiting somewhere where insects can be a problem so I need some trousers. I'm very short and fat (16-18). No bits worse than others, they are all dreadful! Anybody advise which trousers would be least worse and even better, link to any they've bought recently. Thanks!

Tesco's have a lot of loose, wide leg trousers at the moment. I bought some last year and really like them with a more fitted top and trainers or sandals.

What's your body shape OP? Apple/ pear/ hourglass etc? And how tall are you?

Fat face on the John Lewis site seem to have short length versions of all their casual trousers. I've ordered a few to try on so we'll see!

Body shape is hourglass (if the hourglass was covered in a layer of playdough) oh and I'm 5ft 1 so complete shortarse - I think I just look like a rectangle in long wide legged trousers although maybe it depends on the type?

I'm short and have chunky thighs and I agree that wide legged pants make me look like a brick. They hang from the widest point and go straight down. I think I'm taller slimmer frames the rectangle is a long narrow one. On me it's a short wide rectangle. Not at all attractive and makes me look big

H&M have some lovely loose wide leg linen trousers

Are people deliberately mis-reading the OP? I am also short, and agree wide legged trousers are not flattering. I would think something tapered would be better. Look in M&S petite, Next petite, maybe Sainsbury's too.

I have short legs and a round tummy and I’ve found that straight leg trousers work best for me. Agree, wide legs aren’t flattering, and neither are tapered.

M&S short length used to be perfect, but apparently they’ve changed their sizing recently so the short length is longer and I’ll need extra short now. I haven’t tried any since the change so can’t be sure about this.

An elasticated waist solves the tummy/bum/thigh proportional fit.

I’m the same height as you although I’m a size 12 so a bit smaller size wise. I find wide legged trousers are great if I get the right ones - so not too wide, more tailored than baggy straight iykwim, and shoes makes a big difference - so if I’m wearing trainers I wear more of a platform trainer to give me a bit of height or something like a wedge espadrille, as both elongate my legs. I also tend to go for a more fitted top, so maybe something like a fitted t shirt and short denim jacket, just to balance things out a bit.

Who is misreading the OP?

OP is 5 ft 1 and a size 16-18 - not being funny but wide leg will look much better than other cuts. H&M do culottes that look like a skirt from the side and are lovely and roomy around the bum and hips so won’t dig in.

I’m a bit taller than you, OP, but with a long body and short legs - picture an upright corgi. Although wide-legged trousers generally look terrible, I find linen ones are ok. I think it’s because they are soft, so swish around your legs, instead of sticking out. H&M are usually good for them.

Another option is a maxi skirt with light leggings underneath, to foil the bastard mozzies.

@Rainyface I know how you feel, I'm 5ft 3 and a 16/18 - to be honest I've been in your situation and I wear very long floaty dresses with very thin cheap leggings underneath them! I don't wear trousers at all- leggings or jeggings yes- but think trousers or even jeans look crap on me

Buy a pair of wide, flat front trousers, so ones which zip at the side. They are less likely to give a camel toe. Then find a dry cleaners and ask them to take them up to just above your ankle. It will make your legs seem longer.

I'm not short (about 5 ft 6") but I am about a 16 with chunky thighs, and wide leg trousers are so unflattering. They make me look much bigger. I prefer more tapered/slouchy linen type with pockets. If you can't get a petite version then you could just roll them up?

This sort of thing.

I agree with taper leg. Plus those like the ones above have a cuff to stop the blasted insects/leeches getting in.

Go for comfort

LOL so some votes for wide leg and others against! 😖Hard to know. If anyone has bought a specific pair they are pleased with, please let me know! Thanks.

I have lived in the tropics with copious mosquitoes and wide legged pants are a no no. The insects will massacre your ankles. Skinnies will be your friend, coupled with socks. Not stylish but better than bites.

Go to town and try on a zillion pairs of linen trousers. You will hate almost all of them. Buy two or three pairs of the ones you least hate. Wash them lots of times before you go away.

After doing this last year and screaming and moaning a lot, I ended up with some from Next. This year I’m getting some from Arket but I will have to take them up.

Try Hush online. They have lots of soft summer trousers - from wide leg to straighter/slimmer leg. When you’re trying on, they may well be too long but tuck them up to a length that suits and take the hems up/bring them to a dressmakers/alterations place.

Harem trousers? There are some nice ones in Next atm.

I'm 5'2" and a size 16/18 and surprisingly these look ok on me. They are more on the casual side and I use them to loaf around the house

fhwt.app.link/1BglAAylmzb

To add anything that's 3/4 or ankle grazing is ok too.

Not wide leg, I saw a picture of me wearing some that I though were fabulous but I actually just looked like a huge rectangle. I was a size 12 at the time. A straight leg with a cuffed bottom works for me. I bought these recently at Zara.