I have two (possibly related) dilemmas. Help with either please!

[Sidebeforeself]

Dilemma 1 - I cannot find a jeans style to suit me. Im 5 ‘ 4 , 2 stone overweight with thick sausage legs. Skinny looks just awful, straight looks like skinnies should, bootleg sticks to my thighs, Mom,boyfriend and barrel are too wide at the worst part of my thighs. Wide legs are good but only if I wear a heel so no good for day to day. Any other styles I can try?

Dilemma 2 - I live in jeans. I don’t mind that (apart from Dilemma 1!) but Im plagued with thrush/BV etc so really need looser clothes. I like skirts but only with tights which obviously doesnt help. What else could I wear for casual, day to day life that might give me more..air ?!

Thanks. I am a nightmare I know!

Snag do crotchless tights that I use for this very reason

https://snagtights.com/collections/mock-garters

Would you consider a denim skirt? You might find one you like.
If it's long your legs will be mostly covered.

I have short legs (29”) and chunky thighs and I think the right barrel leg is quite flattering. I have these ones from Uniqlo Barrel trousers. I also find wide leg jersey trousers with trainers or a pointy flat quite flattering. Do either of those make me look like I have thinner thighs? No, but they are definitely more flattering on me than straight/skinny fit jeans. I think it’s definitely worth dedicating a day to go try lots of different styles/cuts/fits in different stores and see where you land. M&S, Uniqlo, Zara, Hush, Albaray have all been hits for me. Good luck!

Non jeans, I like a long skirt with chunky boots and a chunky boxy jumper, or a more fitted knit over a shirt that has a nice collar.

ive just ironed my long denim skirt ! I think I’ll try it without tights when it’s a bit warmer!

Ignore the awful picture but the garter tights from Snag are amazing.

Have you tried palazzo jeans? I have some from M and S and they are fantastic. I am 5 foot 2 and thick of thigh and wear them with flatform trainers for a bit of a lift.

Sidebeforeself I havent worn jeans since my 20s! Usually wear stretchy trousers(jogging bottoms,or cool loose cotton trousers in Summer .) I find them so hard and uncomfortable .Also like loose skirts and boots in winter ,and summer dresses as well with trainers in summer .

• Long, like ankle-length, skirts with knee-high socks underneath.
• Stockings with suspenders under a midi skirt.
• Buy gussetted tights and cut the crotch gusset out.
• When at home or if confident with an unorthodox appearance, fisherman's trousers and MC Hammer trousers.
• Cotton knickers, washed hot.
• Stop using soap and detergent on your vulva. Yes, even stop using the stuff sold as being for your vulva. All you need to clean your vulva is water and your fingers to gently rub.
• Use an acidic BV pessary at the first sign of trouble. Many cases of "thrush" are misdiagnosed BV.
• Shower instead of taking a bath. If you have no shower, put a couple of cups of vinegar in the bath and don't use bath foam.
• Get your husband to clean himself properly with bar soap before sex, both his wedding tackle and its surroundings, and his hands. You want to keep his bacteria and fungi off you because they can mess with yours.
• Use a mirror to examine your vulva and help you place cream effectively during attacks.

The struggle is real.

I haven’t worn jeans for about 20 years because i realised they exacerbated my tendency towards cystitis with their roughness. I am overweight and have heavy thighs and never wear anything skinny of tapered. I have found some reasonably smart flared yoga trousers on Amazon which are soft and very comfortable in the abdomen area. Also, i wear tunic tops.

I was going to suggest that. My sister has loads. She says they are comfortable.

And/or wide jeans from John Lewis are the perfect length on me with trainers (I’m same height as you, actually half an inch shorter!).

dilemma 2 - are you ensuring that you wear knickers with a high quality cotton gusset and ensuring you get “air” at night. For instance, change into pjs/looser fitting loungewear when you’re just at home lounging

I also came on to say this. I hardly even wear tights now.

Also I'm a plus size 5' 3 and next stretch 'jeggings' are actually great. They are more like a Jean in that they have a zip and button but also lots of stretch so are really comfy.

You need M&S's magic jersey wide legs. They suit your leg shape ( i know because mine are the same. ) Very versatile. Work with trainers or heels. Proper waistband but slightly elasticated.

Also try wide leg linen trousers M&S, or uniqlo wide leg cords which are not too wide- half way between straight leg and wide leg.

I was also going to suggest cords. I have wide leg ones from Next and they are (a) not as wide leg as the jeans and (b) not as tight on the crotch. They are also more flattering than my jeans. I have petite length and am 5,2 but quite short body and longer legs so you might be ok with petite length too.

www.next.co.uk/style/su837885/h94215?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=7976629562&gbraid=0AAAAADm_5UXoLTj7175XqqNjTfbL0E8bq&gclid=CjwKCAiAtq_NBhA_EiwA78nNWIp6H0Wov8gtkkRj0KiA-bzmRjwiLJs7atwUTstud4xeRK3IqjNiZxoCgiAQAvD_BwE

Instead of trying for different jeans, try different shoes. You need some chunky soles rather than heels with wide legs IMO. I wear wide legs with https://uk.puma.com/uk/en/pd/karmen-ii-idol-suede-sneakers-women/397462?swatch=05&size=0170&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22526427071&gbraid=0AAAAAB_479WislUunO40fCOkLOmSGIC_x&gclid=CjwKCAiAtq_NBhA_EiwA78nNWOprTUkb7_OY4QilI0zwU2_rxsp_WPv7trBBhbKcGqX0pZEt6WLaCxoC4joQAvD_BwE these type of trainers, or with DMs. I won't be wearing heels again in this lifetime.

Unless you're looking for something especially 'smart' also look for joggers. They're very in at the moment. Casual lux leisure wear - bonus is it's super comfy! Treat yourself to some from The White Company...coincidentally I'm putting some on Vinted later

For jeans, I recently bought a pair from Live Unlimited and they're the first pair of jeans I've had since being plus size (22 at the bottom - used to be a 10 🙃) that are actually comfortable and flattering. They're designed for curves so seem to hide the less attractive bits on me quite well! And because they're designed for my size and shape, they're a lot kinder to my nether regions.

Have you tried merino underwear? Breathable and better at wicking moisture than cotton, so less chance of a soggy crotch. Outdoor activity shops and some sportswear shops will sell it - I'd probably go for Icebreaker, simply because I know the brand, but order from several brands if you can, so you can choose what fits best and feels softest. Merino is always recommended for expeditions because it doesn't get pongy...

https://www.hush-uk.com/harrison-pintuck-joggers-deep-wine/012077-1319.html

how about something like these? Hush do a shorter leg length too. Ive moved from jeans to smart joggers and they are so comfy! M&S do similar styles too.

I’m basically exactly the same spec as you and I’ve started buying all my jeans in Vero Moda. They fit me length wise and are flattering. I am currently on their flares. In fact bought a pair again today. I don’t buy anywhere else now

www.veromoda.com/en-gb/product/10287304_2105/wide-leg-fit-high-rise-jeans

When I wear midi dresses, so mid calf length, I wear them with cycling type shorts underneath which help me feel less wobbly and stop my legs from rubbing. You could wear a knee length dress or skirt with leggings underneath, though I don't think that's 'in' as such, more for comfort.

I am the same as you, live in jeans but have been slowly building up my dress collection from Vinted. I am 5ft 7 and size 18-20 depending on shop. I have jeans from everywhere though mainly M&S, but bought a pair from Simply Be which are so comfy. Straight leg but doesn't cling. I've also bought jeans in a short length and I fold up the hem a bit so they are more ankle grazers. I think it looks nice, but more importantly I feel comfortable. They are Sainsburys Tu straight leg jeans.

Why don’t wide leg work without heels? I wear wide legs all the time with flats - M&S do a short and very short option that means they don’t drag on the floor. At 5’4 the short ones are perfect.

Cargo style trousers. There will be light tencel ones in the shops for summer soon. This winter I bought two pairs of these in the sale and they're brilliant https://www.hush-uk.com/int/ava-washed-cargo-trousers-ivy-green/012039-2017.html I am a jeans girl but also now have these on repeat. In the summer I have found nice light joggers in Tesco the last few years.

Harem pants or wide leg cropped linen/ cotton trousers.

https://www.forgottentribes.com/collections/harem-pants-uk

yes - I second this

I find that wide-legged trousers with, for want of a better term, "single-sole flats" are either so long that they drag on the ground or not long enough to avoid flapping around my ankles. I have to wear a "flatform" (like brothel creepers have) or a heel so that the trousers can be long enough to not flap without dragging on the ground.

I lost weight due to health issues and am currently re-rocking everything that didn't fit me for years including my combats. I think I might be ahead of the revival. But they would solve dilemma 2. You could get slim fit jeans.