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Comfortable alternatives to leggings

3 replies

DesignedforRioting · 22/04/2026 16:14

I'm 45 and have put on a little bit of weight recently - a combination of it having been winter, having a foot injury that's reduced my walking, etc, etc. I'm probably a size 16 at the moment. The weight gain is getting me down a little.
Anyhow, I usually wear leggings because they are comfortable and soft around my waist and don't dig in - I find anything else does. I wear jumpers, blouses, tunics, etc in plain colours.
I'm not liking how I look in leggings with this extra bit of weight - my legs aren't my best feature at the best of times and it's getting warmer anyway so leggings are uncomfortably warm.
Could anyone recommend any alternative outfits that are genuinely soft around the waist? I don't know what it is but I can't stand restriction. I'm not adverse to wearing a long dress but I like very plain fabrics and colours (I'm not really a floral, pastel kind of a person). I'm thinking those sort of blouse dresses at the top with a maxi dress bottom. Sorry, I'm not very fashion clued up either.
I realise the brief is a bit vague but I thought it was worth a shot. The other challenge I have is that because of the foot pain I am tending to have to wear trainers most/all of the time at the moment and that limits things. I would really appreciate any guidance

OP posts:
Tortephant · 22/04/2026 16:18

Go for dresses. Anything with an elastic waist will make you look larger and be less flattering.

Koulibiak · 22/04/2026 16:24

I recently discovered me+em trousers, they are supremely comfortable and look great. There are several cargo styles with elasticated waist. They are generously cut and many are machine washable.

i keep reading that the Uniqlo wide leg elastic waist trousers are very comfortable - I don’t have any myself but they are very popular.

Pineneedlesincarpet · 22/04/2026 18:16

M and S wide leg jersey trousers. They have elasticated waist and are very comfortable.

Jersey Wide Leg Trousers with Stretch | M&S | M&S https://share.google/tn0B4EpjiUe85ftUS

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