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I know trousers like this exist, but WHERE?

27 replies

Doncarlos · 08/08/2025 09:52

I've finally got on board with the idea that I don't just have to wear jeans or leggings and there is a far superior option for comfort AND style. Trousers!

I've been enjoying wearing linen trousers through the summer so I'm keen to sort some nice sets for the autumn/winter - I may never have to wear a pair of jeans again!!!

BUT - I can't find any! I'm 5"2 which is my first obstacle. Also a size 16/18 with my belly being my least favourite element. I normally find nice fitting trousers from M&S, but all the ones I have just lose their shape 10 minutes after wearing and look a bit frumpy then.
I bought some from Next this week. They were perfect on paper. From the petite range, a nice brown colour, looked a nice fit around the leg - not too loose, not tight ,had pockets and were only £22. I was so excited when they arrived but bloody hell, did I remember why I gave up with trouser hunting from Next. They were like two bloody tents around my legs! Absolutely ridiculous amount of fabric, they just looked stupid (and make me look even fatter). Not only that, but still way too long! So now they have to go back I need to resume my search.

So, where I can find trousers that tick these boxes;

1- Fit a short person (I prefer to avoid getting them taken up as I find it changes how they sit
2 - Don't sag around your arse and knees after you've sat down in them and make it look like you're wearing your pyjamas.
3 - look smart enough to not be PJ's, but casual enough for everyday wear (either out with kids or in my very casual office)
4 - are a very favourable price bracket. I don't have £50 to spend on a pair of trousers, especially as I need a few pairs.
5 - Have pockets! Seems obvious but when hunting on Next, noticed some of their trousers (not cheap ones) had no pockets! They'd never do that to men.
6 - Will look lovely with Autumn/Winter looks, not just sandals

OP posts:
Skissors · 08/08/2025 10:02

I'm a similar size to you and I do agree. Bought short tapered linen blend trousers from m and s. They looked good in the m and s mirror but look like clown trousers at home.
So I've barely worn them 😒.

purpledaze24 · 08/08/2025 10:07

Unfortunately there’s a trend atm for very baggy trousers like barrel trousers so not many slim fitting trousers that aren’t jeans about. Try harem pants (although not slim fitting they’re super comfy and not that baggy)

notnorman · 08/08/2025 10:18

Here for the replies!
I have found short leg in halara stuff good. Also saint and Sofia but they’re £99 a go

fatgirlswims · 08/08/2025 10:30

Can you link to the trousers from next you didn’t like?

I ike barrel legs or carrot leg trousers. I do love my linen barrel from next for £26 (size down one or two)

Matalan did some good leapoard print joggers if that’s your thing in fact the have loads so I’d go and get and handful of styles and try on.

harem tend to be loose then tapered. I have some nice jersey harem from next as Morrisons although they always update the and they look terrible.

Matalan do a petite range. £ 22 isn’t a huge budget

also try Lucy and Yak Alexa from Vinted or MS from Vinted. Lots of people find trousers hit and miss and there are good value buys.

also look at ankle length or cropped for a full length wear. In 5’6 with short legs.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 08/08/2025 11:17

Chinos?

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 08/08/2025 11:23

Alexas are baggy. That’s why i like them.

babasaclover · 08/08/2025 11:25

ZeusandClio · 08/08/2025 11:18

Halara trousers are great, they have a wide range of styles and lengths and really keep their shape. They take a while to arrive, but are worth the wait. There are also always offers and discounts.https://thehalara.co.uk/?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=ukcpcsearch&utm_campaign=20439403872&utm_content=154742316425&utm_term=halara%20uk&htag=_&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20439403872&gclid=CjwKCAjwwNbEBhBpEiwAFYLtGDPU1hZ2gzBdqHPigPmNnAUivPgoc5AG695hEkP7eWeTeb_ZHCcnXxoC3OAQAvD_BwE

Have you been able to return okay? If necessary? It looks like you have to pay to return which I am fine for if it is an easy process.

Londonmummy66 · 08/08/2025 11:29

Uniqlo are worth a look - they often cut for a more petite frame.

Coffeeishot · 08/08/2025 11:35

I know its is seen as an "old lady shop" but i get my trousers from Bon Marche I am short 5ft and I get perfect leg length.

ZeusandClio · 08/08/2025 11:40

@babasacloverI have never had to return anything so I don't actually know. I have 3 pairs of jeans, 2 pairs of work trousers and a jumpsuit. I love them all and they fit perfectly, so I never tried. They are quite big and popular now, so I imagine it would be okay.

Comefromaway · 08/08/2025 11:42

Uniqglo.

I also have a pair from Mango but the quality isn’t as good.

Unicorn34 · 08/08/2025 11:45

My favourite pair of work trousers are from Matalan - they are ankle grazers, tapered from the knee down and have a side zip, so no bulky pockets. Stretch material too. They sit on my ankle bone so I can wear flat shoes with them. In fact, I'll be going back for another pair as ive worn them to death! I think they were £22.

ZeusandClio · 08/08/2025 11:45

@Doncarlos Do you like dungarees? I have 4 pairs of these and always get positive comments when I wear them. There is a huge choice of colours and patterns. Women's Ladies Dungarees... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08RJ9B5TB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share YESNO Women's Ladies Dungarees... www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08RJ9B5TB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

TheGlamour · 08/08/2025 11:50

I’m afraid you’re being unreasonable, @Doncarlos. I’m no dressmaker but have you never thought about the cost of enough decent fabric to make an average size pair of trousers? And then labour and other manufacturing costs?

Why would you think you could find your heart’s desire - new out of a shop - for £22?

Punsandroses · 08/08/2025 11:51

Sainsburys do a short range in trousers, something like this? https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc146149924
If not these specific ones, have a look through what else they have in the TU range, will be within budget

Buy Burgundy Wide Leg Ponte Trousers 18S | Trousers | Tu

Buy Burgundy Wide Leg Ponte Trousers 18S at Tu. Thousands of products for next day delivery or free in store collection.

https://tuclothing.sainsburys.co.uk/product/tuc146149924

shardlakem · 08/08/2025 11:54

H&M had some brilliant linen blend trousers this year which fit me perfectly at 5'3

coachinghelp · 08/08/2025 12:02

Hush sale has various options within budget and a lot of them have pockets. www.hush-uk.com/sale?prefn1=productType&prefv1=Trousers&prefn2=size&prefv2=16%7C18

YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME · 08/08/2025 12:49

Try Nomads Clothing, size down as come up big

yoshiblue · 08/08/2025 13:17

M&S black wide leg with elasticated waist (short leg)

Uniqlo are perfect for short women, not sure what size they go up to. Have their cotton relaxed trousers in 5 colours I love them that much 😂

Doncarlos · 08/08/2025 13:27

I'm interested to see the suggestions for Halara. I get adverts on my reels quite often (and probably will now) and they look good, but I've always been a bit nervous to try them. Perhaps I'll give them a shot.

We don't have many good shops where I live and I get a bit fed up of having to order online, paying for delivery and then returning everything.

I'm not opposed to chinos. I've got a couple of pairs from M&S (that I've shrunk in the wash so don't fit me properly now). I just worry that sometimes they emphasise my stomach and I want something I could possibly wear ankle boots with, with a bit more fabric in the leg. Just not too much.

thanks for the suggestions so far. Given me some places to look into.

OP posts:
liquoriceallsortfamily · 09/08/2025 05:25

Matalan petite range is great and affordable

GameOfJones · 09/08/2025 08:07

Halara is one of my go to places for trousers. I haven't ever had to return anything either. You can often get them on Vinted if you'd rather pay a bit less, I literally bought a pair of Halara cords on Vinted this morning for £6.

notnorman · 09/08/2025 10:29

GameOfJones · 09/08/2025 08:07

Halara is one of my go to places for trousers. I haven't ever had to return anything either. You can often get them on Vinted if you'd rather pay a bit less, I literally bought a pair of Halara cords on Vinted this morning for £6.

I bought the same a few weeks ago- they’re sooooo comfy

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