Jeans people, what do you wear when you can’t wear jeans?

[Holdinguphalfthesky]

I seem to be on a phase where my waist is expanding and contracting- apparently it’s a nervous system response, not a weight gain thing or a digestive issue. Some days I look exactly like when I was pregnant- like there’s a ball in my belly, but no swelling or expansion on my hips, boobs, legs, or arms.

The problem for me is that it means I’m struggling to wear my beloved jeans- only my waist is expanding, so my regular pairs are uncomfortable but going up a size just makes the jeans too big everywhere else (I’ve tried). Jeans are what I wear for chores at home days, but also going out shopping, for lunch, for drinks… they’re basically my non-work uniform!

Please suggest alternative options for these bloaty days? I’m struggling to find a jeans alternative other than dungarees (which are fine, but Not The Same wardrobe niche - IYKYK).

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5437678-soft-waist-trousers-that-arent-awful?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=app_share You need this thread!

Easy. In autumn and winter… black tights and a dress

DS is 7 but I still miss my over-the-bump maternity jeans. Would that be an option for the days when you need the extra space?

This kind of thing from fatface

Black Jersey Stripe Wide Leg Trousers | FatFace Ireland https://share.google/Fbsgv00d1ZnXDrcf2

Would maternity jeans help? I mean they are specifically designed to be soft and expand at the waist and not be bigger overall.

So long as your top covers the stretchy part no one would even know.

I hadn’t thought of maternity jeans! Thanks, that’s probably worth a look.

i own a dress but it gets an outing about twice a year and I usually wear jeans underneath it 🤣 I’m just not a dress person.

Thank you, there are some good suggestions here and I might have to go to a few actual shops to try things on!

Places like Beyond Nine would probably work? I got some really nice jeans from Muthahood last year with an elastic waist but found them just too big in the bum/legs for me - I’m a 12 and got their M which is a 12/14. If you could get the sizing right I thought they had lovely things though.

Halara jeans.

Tights with a skirt or dress, or I have some great linen trousers from next, elasticated waist but not like granny trousers

Lucy and Yak Alexa cotton trousers in the non wacky solid colours - I live in these !

Elasticated waist balloon trousers.
M &S stretchy trousers.
I am having investigations for gastritis so I am often bloated.
My favourite bloated day trousers are these stretchy all over camo trousers from ebay. They are cheap too and just so comfortable.

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385083161274

Jeans with a stretchy waistband? Most of my pairs are like this as my tummy isn’t remotely flat.

If you don’t tuck tops into the waistband, no one sees the stretchy bit.

Definitely have a look at Beyond Nine - this is exactly what they exist for.

https://beyondnine.co.uk/

(I gather their stuff can often be found pre-owned if you don’t want to pay full price for new.)

Off topic but what’s the mechanism behind the ‘nervous system response’?
I would try some elasticated barrel joggers (beyond nine) and slightly cropped Uniqlo cotton barrel trousers with elasticated waist. They look good with both birks in summer and blundstones in winter.

@Holdinguphalfthesky I have a bulging stomach (slim thighs,bum and legs) and these M&S jeans fit me perfectly. I don't know how they do, because I'm over 10cm larger around the waist than the size guide says for my size, but magically they do fit. There's a slight stretch to the fabric. Edited to add, the jeans jeggings are good too.
https://www.marksandspencer.com/magic-shaping-high-waisted-slim-flare-jeans/p/clp61224842?color=MEDIUMINDIGO

Out of interest, if your balloon trousers are slightly more “summer”, thinner material, are you planning to wear them over autumn/winter, and if so how will you be wearing them? Ie footwear? Can you wear something like a doc boot? I’m at a loss to know what to do with mine. I’m still not 100% about them as I’m short so have only worn them a couple of times, but with chunky soiled sandals, but want to see if I can wear them longer, as like op I also have the same problem with my stomach and so now jeans are an absolute nightmare for me and I miss wearing them. Thank you.

Jersey denim jeans from Next. Stretchy and comfy but look great.

Denim skirt. Denim pinafore

Thanks for all these suggestions! Are there any winter-ready versions of eg the Alexas?

@momager22 apparently my diaphragm, pelvic floor, and transverse abdominal muscles brace when I’m stressed, and because I have a historic diastasis recti, my organs get pushed forward. Or something.

Can’t do dresses/skirts

I wear thick tights under them, a boxy cable jumper and chunky soled boots.
Those camo trousers have a really expansive waist which fit me in any state of bloating.

These. I'm wearing them right now ! Super comfortable, you can't feel them on but look like normal jeans as long as the waistband is covered by your top. They're a bargain too

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E483896-001/00?colorDisplayCode=65&pldDisplayCode=020&sizeDisplayCode=005&utm_source=awin&utm_medium=affiliate-influencer&utm_campaign=136348&sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=136348&awc=6771_1785168158_90975fdc6c22e8c06efe81b406d436f0

Next has some elastic waisted thick cord wide legs.

No advice just solidarity. I have very similar stomach issues and diastasis recti. I'm very bored of dressing my body and really miss fashion.