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Original poster

I am extremely apple-shaped, where is a good place to buy trousers from?

37 replies

bran · 05/04/2008 21:15

I have a big tummy and relatively narrow hips and a small bum. In fact I'm so apple-shaped that my hip measurement is smaller than my waist measurement.

When I wear trousers with some give in the waist (a drawstring/elasticated waist, or stretch fabric) then I usually wear a size 18/20 and the trousers are baggy like jodhpurs (sp?). If I try on trousers with a fixed waist then a size 20 is usually painfully tight at the waist and as loose as MC Hammer's trousers around the hips. This is not a good look on anybody so I rarely buy trousers with a fixed waist.

Any suggestions from wise and fashionable Mnetters? Please?

OP posts:
TooTicky · 05/04/2008 21:20

How do you cope with the stalk? Do you have to have hats specially adapted?

TooTicky · 05/04/2008 21:20

sorry, couldn't resist

colette · 05/04/2008 21:25

Because of your shapeI think it sounds as if skirts and dresses will just fit you a lot better. I wear trousers all the time too

Lubyloo · 05/04/2008 21:54

Bumping for you Bran because I have exactly the same problem and would love to know.

SmugColditz · 05/04/2008 21:56

How tall are you? If you can get away with Next Petites, I find these fit my apple shape very well.

I also find that apple shaped people have relatively slim legs, and a knee length skirt can be very flattering

CarGirl · 05/04/2008 21:56

How about gap? I have to wear hipsters for the same reason but I'm much more petite. I surprisingly got a pair of comfy well fitting jeans in dorothy perkins!!!!! I've found it's just a case of trying lots of different styles on.

Look for hipsters and lycra/stretch.

Lubyloo · 05/04/2008 22:19

Well I don't know about Bran but I'm 5ft 11 so no chance of getting away with a petite range Would never wear hipsters as tummy would just hang over quite disgustingly. Thanks for the suggestions though.

Original poster
bran · 05/04/2008 22:45

I'm 5' 7" so probably too tall for Next Petites, but I'll check them out. I do have quite nice legs, if a bit chunky in the calves, but I have thick ankles which isn't terribly attractive. I'm also just not very comfortable in skirts, I only really wear them in the summer.

At the moment my best fit is Hawkshead, but the range is very dull and they don't have any black stretch trousers at the moment, which is pretty much my uniform.

I hadn't thought about Gap, do they go up to size 18/20? I have worn hipsters in the past, but I find that they have a slight tendency to descend at inopportune moments and reveal flashes of big knickers.

OP posts:
brimfull · 05/04/2008 22:47

matalan's £10 trousers,like jeans in cut but they come in brown,black and navy are very generous on the waist.They aren't elasticatd but worth a try.

Original poster
bran · 05/04/2008 22:50

I'll check that out, thanks ggirl.

OP posts:
iheartdusty · 05/04/2008 23:02

bran, have you found anywhere good for dresses? I long to wear a pretty dress in summer but always look like a badly wrapped sausage due to apple tum and generous bosom.

wineplease · 05/04/2008 23:08

Bump....

I too really need help with fashions that suit an apple figure. Like lubyloo I am tall (5.11) so any suggestions would be great .

CarGirl · 06/04/2008 08:24

the lates susannah & trinny book is quite good - it has about 12 different body shapes in it and then shows you what suits each shape. I gave it a good read in Tesco and am def an apple shape. I find tops that hang loose over my tum are most flattering as is wearing a good bra.

When I said petite I meant I am a size 8ish (still have a big wobbly tum though) but I am a shortie too........I refer to myself as an anorexic apple, think people think I am skinny and tiny because of my size 6 hips but really I have learnt the art of disguising my size 10 tummy and where a gel filled bra to enhance my non existant boobs.

MrsMattie · 06/04/2008 10:07

Have you tried wide legged, flat fronted black trousers? You have to hunt around to find a decent pair if you're tall and a plus size (I'm also 5'11 and was your shape/size for a while), but they are quite slimming on the waist/tum and flatter long legs. I found a nice pair in Principles- not sure if they go up to size 20 but worth a shot? To be honest, I think jeans are the least forgiving trosuers for apple-shapes.

Buda · 06/04/2008 10:19

I know exactly what you mean. I have been buying jeans and trousers to fit my tum and after one wear they start to fall down and they are far too big in the bum and legs. Am 5' 7" and a size 20/22/24 depending! Tops usually 24 to fit the apple. Skirts and trousers have been a 22 but am going to squeeze into a 20 next - I think it will look better.

I would LOVE to find nice dresses - esp for summer.

Pannacotta · 06/04/2008 15:03

Principles def worth a look for flat fronted flared trousers, their sizes are quite generous so an 18 might be fine for you.
www.principles.co.uk/fcp/product/-/TROUSERS/Black-Belted-Wide-Leg-Trouser/6622
These are not quite flat fronted, but close and a deep waistband is great for holding in fleshy tummy

Pannacotta · 06/04/2008 15:04

Just noticed they go up to a 20 anyway.
These are also nice
www.principles.co.uk/fcp/product/-/TROUSERS/Black-Wide-Leg-Trouser/6495

MrsMattie · 06/04/2008 15:07

1950s style, full skirted dresses are flattering to apple shapes with good tits.

Pannacotta · 06/04/2008 15:14

I agree actually, drapey fluid tops plus pretty A line skirts with bit of pattern/detail/dequins etc are more flattering to apple shapes than trousers, and are esp easy to find in the summer.
Agree that the new T&S book is worth a look, the section on apples is esp good and the before and after pics really amazing.
SOme info here
www.trinnyandsusannah.com/rules/nowaist/

CarGirl · 06/04/2008 15:18

although those pictures don't have someone with a classic post baby tummy

Cloudhopper · 06/04/2008 15:19

I am an apple shape and stick to skirts. I'm not sure they make me look slimmer, but I look so awful in trousers that I can't bear to wear them.

However, my best tip is Levis 501 classic red tab men's fit. They are a good fit if your hips are smaller than your waist, and you can get any inside leg measurement.

CarGirl · 06/04/2008 15:21

I find skirts without a waistband best presumably because I wear them on my hips so they sit lovely on my hips and then wear a top that is long enough to hide the flabby bit

Pannacotta · 06/04/2008 15:26

I have a thick waist and find MOnsoon and Principles skirts are quite roomy on the waist - I also wear them sitting slightly below my natural waist.
Something like this might look good
www.principles.co.uk/fcp/product/-/SKIRTS/Chocolate-shield-print-skirt/7438
or
www.principles.co.uk/fcp/product/-/SKIRTS/Leaf-printed-A-line-skirt/7169

CarGirl · 06/04/2008 15:33

yes that is the kind of think I would wear - flat across the belly and then a fuller skirt. Tru A-line over the knee look awful though.

widgypog · 06/04/2008 15:53

i have a friend who is VERY apple shaped no hips as such all tummy she buys maternity sizes cause they only add inches to the tummy and then you dont get the bagginess around the crotch and hips and bum etc.

Think H and m the best as they do a lot of jeans with give and trousers without that big band across tummy, but even if it does you can wear a long top.
Or if you cant face it order Next online.but make sure you buy a few sizes smaller than you would buy normally cause they are cut to fit your shape