An alternative to leggings!

[Mumofthree8]

I hope someone with a broader idea of clothes can help me, I absolutely love leggings, they are comfy and practical for me but I don’t feel comfortable going out in public in such skin tight clothing (even thick ones) I’d love to hear of trouser alternatives. I’m a 12-14 with a big bum but relatively small waist, my top half is a size 8. I’ve got sensory issues (autistic) and wearing anything tight or restricted (denim) makes me irritable and I can only stand them for a few hours at a time which means multiple outfit changes in a day!
I tried a pair of paperbag waisted light denim jeans but they didn’t look great, the cut wasn’t good.
any ideas and links appreciated, thank you!

Do you have a link for these please? 🙂

Sorry @Fighterofthenightman1 - I got mine in store.

I've got these. Just as comfy as leggings. I had to size up as I like a looser waist.

www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-denim-tapered-ankle-grazer-joggers/p/clp60527648

Lucy Dodwell ultimate joggers. Also available in a much bigger variety of colours on the Suzy D website. Sometimes available on Vinted. I love mine. I've even got a leather pair.

I absolutely live in soft jersey, one size dungarees at home. Little t shirt underneath, lovely.

Another suggestion from M&S - their straight leg yoga joggers are super comfortable and look like normal trousers. The only downside is the white logo on the bum, but if that’s covered with a top (or black Sharpie!) it won’t matter.

https://www.marksandspencer.com/high-waisted-straight-leg-joggers/p/clp60488082?prevPage=srp#intid=plpnav_pid_pg1pip48g4r7c3

Unless I'm exercising, I would only wear leggings with a skirt over them- then we can get most of the same sensation of leggings but without it being too revealing @Mumofthree8 . You can get plenty of skirts that aren't overly tight at the waist, especially with our kind of shape.

Have a look at the M&S good move range. They have some walking trousers which are really comfortable and whilst still “active wear” they look smarter than jersey joggers.

My daughter has autism and sensory processing, alongside latex and elastane allergy. A lot of leggings are either too clingy or itchy for her. She loves harem pants, and I live in them. I have a complex health history including Ehlers Danlos, thoracic outlet syndrome, hand and foot disability and neurofibromatosis (which comes with autism traits). I hate buttons and zips. Harem pants are just lovely, easy to wear/ wash and ideal for summer.

I am a lover and hater of leggings!! I think they’re wonderful if worn as if they were thick tights but really dislike them being worn as trousers, especially with shorter tops.

I tend to wear leggings with skater dresses and find these work well for smart and casual depending on the dress. For work I get a lot of jersey material type ones as I work with children. I wear them with doc marten boots, sketcher shoes, trainers or Ugg boots depending on the weather. Jersey skater dresses are really comfy and I get a lot in the sale often from new look or Dorothy Perkins. Smarter material ones are lovely too from both shops as well as Apricot’s own online store (usually pick them up in new look).

I second landsend starfish range. Elasticated waits and comfy jersey. I used to live in Dorothy Perkins Eden jeggings but they changed the material and they aren't as soft now

I have jersey jeans from next. Look like jeans, but are very stretchy and soft, but thicker than leggings. I live in the,

KimWexlersPonyTail · Yesterday 08:36
Here they are....

https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-straight-leg-trousers/p/clp60461069?image=SD_01_T59_6907_Y0_X_EC_90&color=BLACK&prevPage=srp
Jersey Straight Leg Trousers | M&S Collection | M&S

These jersey ponte trousers are a versatile essential for formal occasions. Straight-leg pintuck design creates a sharp and sophisticated look. High-waisted style draws you in around the waist. Full-length leg. Added stretch for extra comfort and flexi...

https://www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-straight-leg-trousers/p/clp60461069?color=BLACK&image=SD_01_T59_6907_Y0_X_EC_90&prevPage=srp

I think they’re wonderful if worn as if they were thick tights

@celticprincess I wear knee length skirts with them nowadays. Bought a skater dress by mistake but I'm always wanting to hitch it down lol.

I used to think leggings were fugly but I think they've improved in terms of not going saggy for ages etc.

Started wearing them because tights didn't seem to be as durable as they used to be.

I like them with a little ballet pump/basic Mary Jane shoe.

Get all my basics, leggings and so on from Primark although the sizing can be weird.

Almost all dresses/skirts by Sue Ryder etc.

Ideally cottagecore knee length dresses.

In the summer, knee/thigh high socks (anything above ideally hidden by skirt, I'm 46 lol) can be nice instead for a bit of breathability.

Magic trousers i keep seeing them advertised on social media and our local boutiques stocking them

I think lots of people like the idea of these - I just went on to buy myself a pair and they're out of stock in my size in the colours I like. I'll sign up for an email notification when they come back in stock. Thank you for sharing!

Next Harem trousers - hopefully this link will work.

My daughter is autistic and wears these a lot. Just another random idea - my daughter never ever wore jeans but we went to a vintage shop and tried on some really old jeans and she found a really comfy pair that she actually wears a lot. Broken down denim can be really soft.

https://www.matalan.co.uk/clothing/blue-denim-look-ankle-length-leggings/14330387.html
These are great look like jeans but soft and comfy like leggings and not jeggings

Wanted to second these and great colours, I have the light brown colour and the onyx I think, a green.

River Island have absolutely amazing smart cargo trousers in at the minute that work wonders for disguising a mum tum or bigger bum. They’re elasticated waist and have saved me after 6 months of wearing leggings and long tops. Can be dressed up with heels or work casually with trainers or sandals. I’ve bought them in 3 colours!
https://www.riverisland.com/p/beige-wide-leg-cargo-trousers-756431

M&S are also smashing it with trousers. I’ve just ordered these and will wear them casually with trainers or sandals-
https://www.marksandspencer.com/side-stripe-wide-leg-trousers/p/clp60558391

The M&S ‘magic leggings’ are really thick and more like a smart trouser material so look much better if you want to look smart, but still have the comfort of leggings
https://www.marksandspencer.com/high-waist-ankle-grazer-leggings/p/clp60273400?gclid=CjwKCAjwge2iBhBBEiwAfXDBRzXvhXgxlE7hjhfW0-6oYgI3tyR_uwUSJztecRbdVqkKFFMegfqYeBoCf4cQAvD_BwE

Hope this helps

This! Wool tights are brilliant. Short skirts, flappy skirts whatever or dresses. Chunky boots, brogues / loafers /trainers all look good.

You lot are my tribe, thankyou for this thread! I too am ND and live in jeggings and tees due to sensory issues. I can't do tights with dresses as that's far too many layers to feel and dungarees might be a goer although they might get annoying with how many times i have to go for a wee, but still I wanted to find some nice alternative to wear, so great suggestions!

@NewAnon I have the exact same two and wear them all the time but definitely prefer my SB ones - more comfortable and the Hush ones have stretched and gone a bit baggy but the SB are still good as new bobbly aside but I wear them A LOT!