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

[bran]

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?

Thanks for all the suggestions. Principles looks very promising, I'll have to go along to a shop and try lots of things on I think.

What do you normally wear with skirts? I do a lot of walking and have odd-shaped feet (you would think my shape is odd enough, couldn't I have non-hobbit feet? ), so a pair of heeled boots would cripple me even if I only do my minimum 3 miles a day.

I might try maternity trousers, but would be much too embarassed to try them on in a shop. I wasn't sure how they would work as I assumed that they are all cut to fit nearly 9-months pregnant women and my tummy isn't that big. I'll have a look at Next.

I think alot of maternity clothes give so tummy that big unless you are. Like I said I think you may need to go down a size as if you are a true apple and say you buy size 16 now you prob have a load of excess material around your bum and front. So maybe a 12 maternity would fit better. Worth a try!!

anyhow if you go in h and m and try on some tops etc too no one will take any notice

I'm a bit , I just looked at the size guide on the Next website, and my hips are a size 12/14 and my waist is a size 20/22 according to their measurements, similar on the Principles size guide. I think some sit-ups may be in order.

I will try a pair of maternity trousers in the meantime, as everything I currently own is looking a bit worn out. Thanks everyone.

Any further guidance about footwear for skirts? Perhaps I should start a new thread about that.

Jeans from river island
I promise you they are perfect for apples

really countess?? I am hourglass shape size 10 and I find them really small. I thought River Island were cut for very skinny young people with no curves.

Bran ..My friend is just like you ..trousers she wears a 12-14 but always size 20 ish tops as she has a really wide back and tummy etc.

dont worry we are all different!!it took me along time to accept my j-lo bum !!

roma jeans from M&S are made specifically for apple-shaped people. they're nice and slim on the legs and fairly generous at the waist. however imo if you're over a 16 jeans aren't great cos of the bulge. but it depends what your tops are like, if they'll float over a bit or not.

bran how about skirts with a deep jersey roll-top waistband which would stretch around your tummy and fit ok on the hips? High St stores often have these, try Dotty P and Phase Eight.
Remember if you get a flared/A line skirt it wont matter too much if its too big round the hips as it will flare out anyway.
I'm a size 10 hips and 14 waist but Principles size 10 is ok for me, as long as I get things which sit below my waist.

If you did want to get maternity things yu coudl order on line, Jo Jo Maman has a good range and free delivery and 10% off for Mnetters. This is pretty
www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk/detailgroup.php?type=GRP&code=A9162&branch=&category=

Also I had a fab skirt from Is Oliver which is great for apples shapes (I wore it for ages after giving birth)
www.isabellaoliver.com/maternity-clothes/maternity-skirts/Ruffle-Wrap-Skirt/D/30100/P/2:100:1050/I/S K33

For feet, try flat boots or shoes with some support under the arch, Clarks Springers are good and Clarks have some decent comfy summer shoes out now, cant link to the website but have a look.

HTH

oh and Pilates is great for slimming the waist - I should follow my own advice !

Well, I am an apple sized 14 and River Island jeans are great for me!

apples don't have curves!
maybe that is why they fit us..

CD. maybe thats why...shame I like River Island!!