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Which size trousers to keep, if any?

29 replies

Goroshek · 03/06/2026 10:28

Please can you give me your opinion?

I am a standard UK size 8, small but pear shaped and thicker in the thighs, so always struggle to find trousers that fit on the waist. The most flattering shape on me is straight or flared full length. Wide leg sound ideal but one (Ribcage) still needed to be darted at the waist to fit. I have tried all on plain, pleated, all sorts in tailored trousers, I look like a clown even in heels.

I am going to full time time, so need a week of outfits. I cannot find quality straight leg trousers, without elasticated waistband, I like classic tailored waistband.

So, I love this flared pair from Reiss.

Image 1 one fits perfectly in the waist but very hugging in the thigh. They hold me like a glove, but aim self conscious about slim fit in the bum and leg.

Image 2 feel great in the tight, fabric skims the leg, but they are huge on the waist, and sort of sag too low all over. The waistband on them is nice and thick and I do not trust my alterations lady to do a good job of making them fit better, speaking from experience.

So, really the question is do I keep the smaller size? No elastane, so unlikely to stretch with wear…

Which size trousers to keep, if any?
Which size trousers to keep, if any?
Which size trousers to keep, if any?
Which size trousers to keep, if any?
OP posts:
Lolamorte · 03/06/2026 10:33

2 look great on you- how about getting the waistband slightly altered to remove the slight gappiness?

Goroshek · 03/06/2026 10:36

@Lolamorte this is what I am thinking too, there are already two darts on the back and belt loop over seam, I think it would be better to have them tightened following existing darts but would mean extra two seams through the waistband.

OP posts:
Iriseee · 03/06/2026 10:36

2 are way too big. They look really off and not good sorry.

1 looks fine but if be wary about them shrinking in the wash.

Goroshek · 03/06/2026 10:37

I worry about the “wiskers” on the crotch on image 1. They should not shrink as dry clean only.

OP posts:
Petrine · 03/06/2026 10:38

If you don't trust your alterations lady to do a good job then I wouldn't buy either size.

The alterations needed to make the 2nd pair fit properly at the waist would be considerable and, as you say, the first pair doesn't fit well either.

Bunnyofhope · 03/06/2026 10:39

Neither, sorry. I have this problem too and I can't stand the gaping at the waist.

Goroshek · 03/06/2026 10:40

thank you…

OP posts:
JollyGreenSleeves · 03/06/2026 10:40

Yeah neither- you have a great figure but these trousers don’t do a lot for you.
A long flowy skirt with fitted waist would flatter your figure.

ZebraPyjamas · 03/06/2026 10:41

I would say neither also, they’re just not great trousers I think!

Goroshek · 03/06/2026 10:44

I am taking them back. If anyone finds nice straight leg trousers, please share the link.

OP posts:
henlake7 · 03/06/2026 10:52

Must be tricky to find ones that fit properly. Have you considered looking at ones with half elasticated waists?
Something with a tailored front but some elastication at the back might work.

nonmerci99 · 03/06/2026 10:54

So in pictures from the front they look pretty similar. Does the smaller pair feel OK on? If not too unbearable around your legs I’d go with those. I feel the very large waistband on the other pair would drive me personally nuts, as you’d surely feel it when sitting?

Whattinger · 03/06/2026 11:23

You need trousers that have that little half belt at the back that you can cinch in
I have a lovely cream pair from m&s thst also come in other colours

Whattinger · 03/06/2026 11:26

These ones @Goroshek

Which size trousers to keep, if any?
JustJoshing · 03/06/2026 11:28

They look more bootcut than straight which is why they're snug at the thigh and flared at the hem. The pattern exacerbates this fit.

Sympathize because I'm the same size and shape.

If you lift the hem to the thigh, it will give you the true cut no matter what the label states. A true straight leg should be equal width in thigh and hemline.

You might need to opt for wider leg for thigh comfort and a plain pattern. It also helps with the back gap.

Strandas · 03/06/2026 11:35

Pleats on the waist are much more accommodating for larger thighs, they give more room. Cos are good for these. The barrel/carrot leg trousers also give a good shape.

AImportantMermaid · 03/06/2026 11:37

Neither. Those trousers look like they’re wearing you, not the other way round. There are better slacks for you.

minipie · 03/06/2026 16:25

Agree they look more bootcut than straight and you would do better with true straight leg.

Look for sailor style trousers with the two sets of diagonal buttons at the front - these tend to be the ideal shape for small waist and larger bum and thighs

I can also recommend the Colette from Anthropologie

VividDeer · 03/06/2026 16:30

I miss wallis petite for trousers.

VividDeer · 03/06/2026 16:34

Well, wallis still exists online!

https://www.wallis.co.uk/categories/womens-petite-trousers

I can't really do online for trousers as have to try on about 100 pairs. But worth a try for op as my curves are much more curved ... (even when I was a size 8)

Petite Trousers | Petite Slim & Leather Trousers | Wallis

Elevate your look with Wallis's range of petite trousers. Featuring a wide range of petite flared, skinny and linen trousers, shop our collection.

https://www.wallis.co.uk/categories/womens-petite-trousers

Dollyparot200 · 03/06/2026 21:17

My daughter is very slim and she wears mens jeans, joggers and trousers. she can buy them by waist size and most have a bit of stretch and she says they fit her hips fine. I got some mens joggers as my waist is a bit bigger than my hips, should be if that makes sense they fit fine.

VoteForCurlews · 04/06/2026 00:24

I always try to find midrise trousers so that I can wear them with the waistband sitting on my iliac crests. Not many around at the moment, grrr.

Howdidlifegetsobusy · 04/06/2026 10:40

Have a look at the M&S crepe wide leg trousers with tab detail at the back. I have these as I can pull them in at the waist. They are very thick material so not ideal for summer. They do them every year in a range of colours.
for summer I tend to wear dresses in the office personally.
www.marksandspencer.com/crepe-tab-detail-wide-leg-trousers/p/clp60579903?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share

Walkingonairdays · 04/06/2026 12:19

What thighs? 😂

Seriously you look great in the first pair. Your fuller thighs are what gives you an excellent body shape. If they were any smaller you would be less attractive imo. I had a similar figure before children & nobody ever considered my sticky out bottom & good thighs undesirable 😉