What trousers would look good on me - chubby upper thighs

[RobynRuth]

Please could anyone advise. I'm completely lost for finding new trousers. Reasonably slim - size 10/12. But my weight sits mostly on my tummy and upper thighs.

I'm trying to find some new trousers that are smart but also comfortable, and can't seem to find any style that looks good with my figure. Skinny jeans do look good, but are not quite comfortable enough for me anymore. I'd love to find something a bit looser which I think would be more comfortable to wear, and more 'me' now at my age (40). But anything more stretchy (or with a pattern, say checkered or stripey jersey trousers) tends to look very unflattering on my thighs. Anything wide-leg, non-skinny makes me look wider overall as my legs end up looking the width of the thighs all the way down, when my lower legs are actually much slimmer. I like the shape of culottes and paperbag trousers on other women, but can't wear them myself as they don't hide the tummy. I also love the look of tapered trousers like these, with this kind of ruching on the thighs which I think is a lovely womanly shape: https://www.next.co.uk/style/ls382302/k62708#k62708 but on me looked huge and baggy around my midsection. Where am I going wrong?!

Anyone else have a similar figure and would have any tips for me?? Or do I just need to stick with dresses every day? TIA

Wide leg?

I too carry my weight in my thighs. So I'm following with interest. Though I'm yet to be convinced that the best trousers for me aren't skirts....

It depends - possibly mom jeans? They give a feminine shape but are more forgiving than skinnies. M&S (I know!) does them well.

Wide legs are likely to give you a shapeless look, but it would be worth trying different fabrics.

my thighs are on the larger side in proportion to the rest of me and stretchy fabric is my enemy! I like jeans with at most 1% stretch.

For me skirts are mostly unflattering too because of the tum, but dresses are good. But I also have such lovely tops and blouses that I'd like to wear, so wish I could find a stylish option other than dresses!

Thank you. I forgot to mention I'm also not the biggest fan of jeans... Ideally I'm looking for something smarter, as work wear.

You sound like me. I look far slimmer in skirts, upper thighs hold all the weight

I usually wear black jeans/ trousers and a big help is tucking your top in - it makes you look slimmer

https://www.next.co.uk/style/st381164/a86460#a86460

Just seen no jeans

These would look good

I’m the same size and shape as you. I’ve recently discovered these which I love. https://www.hush-uk.com/amie-joggers-black/010982-2809.html
They probably aren’t suitable as workwear (although I have seen them styled with a blazer and they looked really nice) but I wear them casually with knitwear and really like them. Comfortable but I still feel put together. I would recommend sizing down as they are quite roomy.

https://www.johnlewis.com/hush-amie-joggers/p5327611
Sorry, just to add if you scroll down to the ‘Feel Inspired’ bit on the JL website there is a picture of someone modelling them with a white t-shirt and blazer. I found it helpful to see this as they are modelled very casually on the Hush website.

Is there any style of skirt you would recommend that hides rather than accentuates the tummy?? I can't even remember the last time I wore a skirt. But maybe that's the way to go?

Wide leg or tapered.

I have heavy thighs, and after a lot of experimenting, I have found that three quarter length barrel leg trousers work well. Difficult to find though.

there any style of skirt you would recommend that hides rather than accentuates the tummy??

^^

Pencil skirts

Wide belt, top tucked in, draws attention to the leg beneath the knee. I always go for black or dark colours, obviously never horizontal stripes

https://www.abercrombie.com/shop/uk/p/curve-love-a-and-f-sloane-tailored-pant-52812268?categoryId=6570771&faceout=model&seq=17

These! They have extra thigh room so are really good if you have bigger thighs. And come in so many colours

Like this.

I'd wear a different blouse but you get the idea.

Not sure if this works in the UK - slightly wide leg

I have the same issue as you, minus the tummy (I have it, I just pretend I don’t). I live in these (and joggers like the ones shown upthread), as skinny jeans just don’t work for me now. Don’t know if the link is relevant as I live in the US, but the style works perfectly. I have these pants in 5 different colours. Might be worth investigating overseas shipping as I get them from Old Navy and never pay over $25 + tax. Here’s a picture in case link won’t open:

Flares/bootcuts! I can’t feel good in any other shape.

I have pretty chunky thighs but also short legs! I got these from M&S for work and oh my- they're so comfortable and the flare/bootcut looks so much better for me than tapered etc.

www.marksandspencer.com/jersey-elasticated-waist-flared-trousers/p/clp60548211?color=MIDNIGHTNAVY&prevPage=srp#intid=pid_pg1pip48g2r18c1

I carry all my weight on my thighs and wide led are by far the most flattering for me

For any skirts or trousers you want a flat front not a gathered one so that you're not adding bulk to the tummy area. That goes for every style and could be the difference between something looking good or not.

I have a couple of pairs of these M&S trousers for work - they're pretty flattering.

Thanks for starting the thread OP. No suggestions but I feel your pain. I have similar to you but petite to boot!

What type of dresses do you wear please?

Wide leg or tapered. Am similar age and body shape. All depends on the material. Don't go for lined suit material, it will add too much bulk. M and s trousers are fantastic right now.

Harper cigarette jeans for more flattering but still fitted than skinny

Wide leg trousers:
https://www.marksandspencer.com/ponte-utility-wide-leg-trousers/p/clp60627095#intid=pid_pg1pip3g2r1c1

https://www.marksandspencer.com/crepe-tab-detail-wide-leg-trousers/p/clp60579903#intid=pid_pg1pip7g2r1c1

Brax style Carola are pretty good.

Thank you all so much for your suggestions. I will give them all a go. Perhaps it does just take some experimenting until I find the best fit. Most of all it actually makes me feel so much better that I don't seem to be the only person in the world with this body type!

I'm not 100% convinced the pencil skirt will work, because of the tummy I'm also trying to hide- but would be thrilled if it did work and will order one to try.

I wish wide leg worked well for me but because my thighs are sort of big only at the very top, I feel like wide leg makes my legs as a whole look bigger than they actually are.