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Comfortable but high quality jeans with stretch, for a middle-aged waist?!!

41 replies

EmberStar · 22/09/2026 17:29

Help. For the last year I’ve been living in M&S mom fit jeans. They are very comfy as they are generous on the waist and have a decent amount of stretch for every day wear….

BUT they look really crap now - baggy at the knees and shabby! Caught myself in the mirror and thought no, this will never do!!

I want to upgrade to a better quality pair, but still retain the comfort factor on my middle age waist (I’m 44, 5’7, size 10, but get awful bloating, so can’t cope with anything too rigid)

Has anyone come across a quality pair of jeans that have some stretch in the waistband? Probably barrel fit, Mum fit or straight fit (I have an active day and find wide legs get in the way too much!)

I’m happy to pay ££ for the right pair that I can wear every day

Thanks style queens! 🙏

OP posts:
EleanorMc67 · 24/09/2026 03:38

EmberStar · 22/09/2026 18:39

I loved my M&S jeans but the long lasting quality on their stuff is just not good enough these days :(

To be fair the jeans I’ve had were only about £40…but I never intended to partake in ‘fast fashion’!
I expect them to last years, not a year…

Go along to a Levi store if you can, & try on several styles - you'll definitely find at least one that you like. You could also look at the jeans in the Autograph range in M&S?

If you dislike the thought of them being a "fast fashion" item, avoid Halara like the plague. They have terrible green credentials.

ButWhoAmI · 24/09/2026 03:53

I swear by Halara, others might not like them but they're so comfy.

Ratherhaveacupofteaandabiscuit · 24/09/2026 04:00

Not your daughter’s jeans are just what you need. My last pair was about £75 but also have pairs from vinted bought for £10-15.
Great quality and very comfortable.

Lookatmelookatmedontevenlookatme · 24/09/2026 05:03

I watched a YouTuber who does regular try ons of clothes for fifty plus ladies, she says M&S are removing the stretch from a lot of their jean styles and she much prefers Halara. Her channel is “Caroline - (Mrs M)” if you’re interested in seeing her review.

ETA don’t be put off by the fifty plus thing, I do know you’re only 44!

Treetreetreetree · 24/09/2026 05:19

Good American. They make the most stylish and incredibly comfortable jeans.

watchingthishtread · 24/09/2026 06:03

Stormyrose · 22/09/2026 18:18

Try me and em if you’re happy to pay more. They do most shapes. Here is the straight ones,

https://www.meandem.com/ultra-high-waist-straight-leg-jean-mid-blue-wash

I have two pairs of the leg elongator ones linked below. If you’re willing to loom at another shape, and they are the best jeans I’ve ever had, so so flattering on and look smart and expensive. They are cotton, but it’s the first non Lycra/elastane jeans I’ve had that are fantastic. soft to wear, give with your body but hold their shape and the cut is something else.

www.meandem.com/leg-elongator-jean-authentic-dark-wash

What is the sizing like on the leg elongator jeans Stormyrose? Do you take your usual size? I often need to size down in Me and EM trousers but haven't tried the jeans yet.

KeepOnCleaning · 24/09/2026 07:53

notnorman · 22/09/2026 17:39

Levis wide leg 318.

just amazing. They come up big

Funny this is the first comment as I came on to say exactly these!

OneoftheWeddingPeople · 24/09/2026 07:57

Why don’t the fashionable brands do elastic waist? The Mint Velvet one’s gorgeous but all harsh buttons on thin models. I don’t love Halara but the only ones I could find

Stormyrose · 24/09/2026 08:21

watchingthishtread · 24/09/2026 06:03

What is the sizing like on the leg elongator jeans Stormyrose? Do you take your usual size? I often need to size down in Me and EM trousers but haven't tried the jeans yet.

They come up a little large like most of their clothes.

On the ones linked, the leg elongator, I have a mid blue pair from last season which I wear to death, and they fit perfectly and are a 27, a little snug, so very flattering, due to the cut. However thats unusual they are true to size.

I ordered the darker indigo distressed wash ones now on the website, in a smaller size, as I could see on the model last year the paler ones were tight on her and pulling, and on this model they were loose so I ordered the 26, but they are maybe a bit too loose, too much material round the tummy, and too big on the waist, so am trying the 25, for comparison, I’m an 8, but I need to wait for them to be delivered, then will decide which to keep. As I’m a little undecided.

I also have long legs, I’m five six and a half. and their trousers fit me perfectly leg length wise, and I’d say the regular length is perfect at 32 inches. I also noticed this years have a slightly narrower flair than last years.

so the way I do it is look at the model and see how it fits on her, they are typically an 8 and if it looks loose, then irrelevant of your size, size down, and if it looks snug, stay at normal size. Alternatively order both sizes and return the one which doesn’t fit as returns are easy, that’s basically what I’m doing this time, I’ve ordered both then will return one pair.

the jeans are fab though, they hold their shape, very very flattering on, and soft.

mumumental · 24/09/2026 08:56

The leg elongater aspect appears to be heels and an over long hemline. 🙂

notnorman · 24/09/2026 09:11

KeepOnCleaning · 24/09/2026 07:53

Funny this is the first comment as I came on to say exactly these!

I don’t take mine off! buying the cords version next

Stormyrose · 24/09/2026 09:39

mumumental · 24/09/2026 08:56

The leg elongater aspect appears to be heels and an over long hemline. 🙂

Mine touch the top of my foot, I seldom to never wear heels any more,

Overwhelmedandtired · 24/09/2026 09:43

Ambela, they are designed for exactly what you are asking for. Unbelievably comfy for jeans, just not all styles in stock all the time. Loads of leg length options too, I'm around the same height as you and often find the regular length a little short but tall/long too long!

Nsky62 · 24/09/2026 10:33

EmberStar · 22/09/2026 17:29

Help. For the last year I’ve been living in M&S mom fit jeans. They are very comfy as they are generous on the waist and have a decent amount of stretch for every day wear….

BUT they look really crap now - baggy at the knees and shabby! Caught myself in the mirror and thought no, this will never do!!

I want to upgrade to a better quality pair, but still retain the comfort factor on my middle age waist (I’m 44, 5’7, size 10, but get awful bloating, so can’t cope with anything too rigid)

Has anyone come across a quality pair of jeans that have some stretch in the waistband? Probably barrel fit, Mum fit or straight fit (I have an active day and find wide legs get in the way too much!)

I’m happy to pay ££ for the right pair that I can wear every day

Thanks style queens! 🙏

Why the bloating, fresh ginger tea is helpful, hot water, in a mug of boiling water, stir in clock worse direction tummy button.
Had menopause bloating years ago

moggiek · 24/09/2026 10:52

minnowonthesay · 22/09/2026 19:09

I was in Sainsbury’s today and saw these dark denim elasticated waist barrel legs. I’d have bought them if they’d have had my size, sold out online too. They were great quality and looked way more pricey than the £20 price
https://share.google/TC3vPnyL2bZejekdd

Thank you for this link. I got a pair online for £17!!

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