Shopping for pear shaped people
February 27, 2019 3:13 PM Subscribe
I need pants/jeans/bottoms and I’m so lost. Where do you shop? What size might I be?
My body has changed a lot so I’m lost as to where to shop and what size I am. I guess I may be in the “curvy” shape arena and I feel a lot of stuff is straight cut. I get the dreaded back gap and things that won’t fit over my thighs/hips.
I primarily need jeans, pants, shorts, and skirts.
Wishlist:
High to super high waisted. I have a long torso.
FULL length pants (I’m about 30/32” inseam min.) NONE of this cropped and ankle trash.
Stretchy - especially at the waist as my stomach is sensitive
Skinny/straight and maybe wide leg.
Around or under $60
Size:
Actual high waist is about 30” but everything fits my long torso lower at about 32” waist size
Hips 41”
Thighs 23”
30”/32” inseam
Where do I shop? What size may I be there? (I find that size charts can vary widely from reality.)
Preferably online. I can do limited in-person shopping so “explore the thrift store” is unhelpful.
My links are in my profile for style. I enjoy retro and alternative fashion.
I normally peruse ASOS and Nordstrom Rack. I’ve done a lot of searching there and elsewhere and can’t find just what I need. I feel ASOS jeans are very straight cut.
My body has changed a lot so I’m lost as to where to shop and what size I am. I guess I may be in the “curvy” shape arena and I feel a lot of stuff is straight cut. I get the dreaded back gap and things that won’t fit over my thighs/hips.
I primarily need jeans, pants, shorts, and skirts.
Wishlist:
High to super high waisted. I have a long torso.
FULL length pants (I’m about 30/32” inseam min.) NONE of this cropped and ankle trash.
Stretchy - especially at the waist as my stomach is sensitive
Skinny/straight and maybe wide leg.
Around or under $60
Size:
Actual high waist is about 30” but everything fits my long torso lower at about 32” waist size
Hips 41”
Thighs 23”
30”/32” inseam
Where do I shop? What size may I be there? (I find that size charts can vary widely from reality.)
Preferably online. I can do limited in-person shopping so “explore the thrift store” is unhelpful.
My links are in my profile for style. I enjoy retro and alternative fashion.
I normally peruse ASOS and Nordstrom Rack. I’ve done a lot of searching there and elsewhere and can’t find just what I need. I feel ASOS jeans are very straight cut.
I need curvy tall pants, and now that I am in my mid-thirties I have transitioned to higher waisted jeans from Eddie Bauer and Lands End. You can totally get them for under $60 with regular 40-50% off sales.
Mostly I just wear leggings and dresses, though, because pants have become more trouble than they’re worth.
posted by Maarika at 3:54 PM on February 27, 2019
Mostly I just wear leggings and dresses, though, because pants have become more trouble than they’re worth.
posted by Maarika at 3:54 PM on February 27, 2019
For jeans, go to Old Navy and try the Curvy range. They come in all styles and cuts, including skinny and wide legged and different torso lengths. Every style comes in the full range of inseams.
posted by DarlingBri at 3:57 PM on February 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by DarlingBri at 3:57 PM on February 27, 2019 [2 favorites]
My proportions are similar to yours and my go-to denim is Citizens of Humanity Rocket High Rise Skinny jeans which can be found on eBay in your price range. They're wildly comfortable and supremely flattering. I find the regular 2% spandex version to have plenty of give, but if it's stretch you're looking for, the Sculpt variety could almost be called a legging. I'd recommend a size 30.
posted by kayzie at 4:07 PM on February 27, 2019
posted by kayzie at 4:07 PM on February 27, 2019
High rise Levi’s? That’s what I wear; my proportions are similar.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 4:29 PM on February 27, 2019
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 4:29 PM on February 27, 2019
I just got a pair of universal standard jeans for my pear-shaped high-waist needs and its the first time I've actually worn jeans that have actually fit.
posted by wellifyouinsist at 4:33 PM on February 27, 2019
posted by wellifyouinsist at 4:33 PM on February 27, 2019
I'm here to recommend the AskMeFi favorite the Gloria Vanderbilt Amanda jeans. You can find them in dozens of colors at Kohls. They come in longs! They don't leave a gap at my waist! They fully cover my ass!
posted by hydropsyche at 4:43 PM on February 27, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by hydropsyche at 4:43 PM on February 27, 2019 [4 favorites]
I also have a long torso and have recently gained weight. These skinny jeans come all the way up to my true waist and go all the way down to my ankles. I got the size I wear in Levis or Lee jeans. Super comfortable and have held up perfectly to several washes and maybe 15 wears.
posted by Kalmya at 5:04 PM on February 27, 2019
posted by Kalmya at 5:04 PM on February 27, 2019
I need curvy tall pants, and now that I am in my mid-thirties I have transitioned to higher waisted jeans from Eddie Bauer
I bought a pair of flannel-lined boyfriend cut pants from Eddie Bauer at the start of the season and I have never in my life put on a pair of online-purchased pants that fit me so perfectly immediately out of the FedEx packet. We are similar measurements. I bought size 14 tall and waist-ass-hips-thighs were all perfect.
I also like the Lee Dream Jean. They're absolutely "real" jeans from the outside but they are made out of some kind of magical leggings-soft stretchy fabric and inside they feel like fake pants.
posted by phunniemee at 5:11 PM on February 27, 2019 [3 favorites]
I bought a pair of flannel-lined boyfriend cut pants from Eddie Bauer at the start of the season and I have never in my life put on a pair of online-purchased pants that fit me so perfectly immediately out of the FedEx packet. We are similar measurements. I bought size 14 tall and waist-ass-hips-thighs were all perfect.
I also like the Lee Dream Jean. They're absolutely "real" jeans from the outside but they are made out of some kind of magical leggings-soft stretchy fabric and inside they feel like fake pants.
posted by phunniemee at 5:11 PM on February 27, 2019 [3 favorites]
Do you sew / have a sewer in your life? I buy my jeans too big in the waist to fit my hips, and I was complaining about it while visiting my mother. Long story short, she fixed my jeans in under 10 minutes by adding darts into the waist. I brought her all my jeans, and stopped wearing belts.
posted by Valancy Rachel at 5:14 PM on February 27, 2019
posted by Valancy Rachel at 5:14 PM on February 27, 2019
Hey there! I have your exact measurements, and I get Loft's curvy fit jeans, usually in a size 31 but that depends on the rise. With coupons/sales they're super affordable. (I also have a pair of Madewell jeans that fits really well, but those are more like $100 which is pretty steep; I was disappointed to find that they don't last any longer than the Loft jeans.)
posted by goodbyewaffles at 5:43 PM on February 27, 2019
posted by goodbyewaffles at 5:43 PM on February 27, 2019
I can share all my years of research with you!
I've got almost the same measurements as you - 41" hips, 30/32" inseam, curvy thighs and a small waist. Jeans were a pain to find, but TopShop has been a blessing. The Jamie or Joni jeans are comfortable and very stretchy. I typically fit the W32/L30 or L32 size.
H&M has a bootcut, and a flare jean in 32/30 or 32/32 that are a great fit. There are a couple of the cotton shorts in a size L at H&M that look great and are super comfy for casual wear, but I always try them on before I buy.
The only shorts (1, 2, 3) I've found that are flattering are from American Eagle. Depending on the cut, size 10 or 12 work.
I've found black cigarette pants that look amazing on me at Zara, and my black leggings are usually ASOS or Lululemon (the latter have lasted years, so I don't mind shelling out for them.) Zara jeans are hit or miss for length - their size 30 (10) generally fits but if I'm not able to try them on in-store I wouldn't buy any.
Finally, for work pants, I wouldn't wear anything except these Wit and Wisdom pants. The size 10 fits a bit too snug for work but the 12 fits really well. I get tons of compliments on them. They're on sale at Nordstrom right now too!
Unlike you, I don't have a long torso, so with my pear shape, skirts tend to look dowdy. I can usually pull off a knee-length or slightly shorter pencil skirt but haven't found any that I love, so I stay away from them. H&M denim miniskirts have sometimes been flattering, but again, the fit isn't consistent.
posted by Everydayville at 6:17 PM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
I've got almost the same measurements as you - 41" hips, 30/32" inseam, curvy thighs and a small waist. Jeans were a pain to find, but TopShop has been a blessing. The Jamie or Joni jeans are comfortable and very stretchy. I typically fit the W32/L30 or L32 size.
H&M has a bootcut, and a flare jean in 32/30 or 32/32 that are a great fit. There are a couple of the cotton shorts in a size L at H&M that look great and are super comfy for casual wear, but I always try them on before I buy.
The only shorts (1, 2, 3) I've found that are flattering are from American Eagle. Depending on the cut, size 10 or 12 work.
I've found black cigarette pants that look amazing on me at Zara, and my black leggings are usually ASOS or Lululemon (the latter have lasted years, so I don't mind shelling out for them.) Zara jeans are hit or miss for length - their size 30 (10) generally fits but if I'm not able to try them on in-store I wouldn't buy any.
Finally, for work pants, I wouldn't wear anything except these Wit and Wisdom pants. The size 10 fits a bit too snug for work but the 12 fits really well. I get tons of compliments on them. They're on sale at Nordstrom right now too!
Unlike you, I don't have a long torso, so with my pear shape, skirts tend to look dowdy. I can usually pull off a knee-length or slightly shorter pencil skirt but haven't found any that I love, so I stay away from them. H&M denim miniskirts have sometimes been flattering, but again, the fit isn't consistent.
posted by Everydayville at 6:17 PM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
Came to suggest Agolde Jamie jeans and the Mother Looker jeans. Love them.
posted by Marinara at 8:34 PM on February 27, 2019
posted by Marinara at 8:34 PM on February 27, 2019
American Eagle has curvy, stretchy, high waisted jeans that are right around $60. They have some super distressed styles, but also have good dark washes available.
posted by wsquared at 10:15 PM on February 27, 2019
posted by wsquared at 10:15 PM on February 27, 2019
I have a very similar problem. I mean, really the same - tall and curvy, long inseam, etc. You can get one-off shipments from Stitch Fix, I just asked that all five items be jeans and described the fit problems I have. Everything in the box fit and I kept my two favourites. They really did a fantastic job. I did not have to go to any stores, and returning the rest was easy. A++ would do again, highly recommend!
I have also had jeans taken in at the back waist. Very satisfying and worth the $10-15.
posted by jrobin276 at 11:42 PM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
I have also had jeans taken in at the back waist. Very satisfying and worth the $10-15.
posted by jrobin276 at 11:42 PM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
High waist is in right now. You might want to try the “mom jeans” from the Gap. I think they tick all of your boxes. (And before you buy anything from Gap, have a google around and/or sign up for their email, as they routinely (pretty much weekly, in act) have 30-40% off full-price and other discounts on sale items).
posted by stillmoving at 1:55 AM on February 28, 2019
posted by stillmoving at 1:55 AM on February 28, 2019
Eddie Bauer has been my go-to for years for both jeans and work pants (hips 44”, thighs 24”). I wear size 16, so 12 or 14 would probably work for you. Both their Slightly Curvy and Curvy ranges fit me with no gap and no straining at the thighs. Curvy is an inch smaller in the waist and larger in the hips and thighs, but I usually prefer the Slightly Curvy especially in jeans. For jeans try the Elysian Slim Straight. The Boyfriend Slim is good in a lower rise. For dress/work pants I wear StayShape Twill Trousers, I usually hem these up an inch since I wear flats. I wear Legend Wash Boyfriend pants too because they’re fun colors but the rise is much lower. They have regular sales and a great reward program. They focus more on activewear and casual wear in store these days so definitely shop online if you’re looking for more than jeans.
posted by impishoptimist at 5:50 AM on February 28, 2019
posted by impishoptimist at 5:50 AM on February 28, 2019
I have very similar measurements and was recently very pleasantly surprised to find the Uniqlo high rise jeans fit quite well - and they're only around $30 - 40. I have the ankle length ones but they are not really all that short (I am 5'7 and have fairly long legs as a data point) - I'm sure the longer ones would have plenty of length.
posted by annie o at 6:13 AM on March 1, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by annie o at 6:13 AM on March 1, 2019 [1 favorite]
Seconding Loft Curvy jeans, I like Curvy Skinny. Sign up for their email list, there is always a sale.
posted by radioamy at 8:10 PM on March 2, 2019
posted by radioamy at 8:10 PM on March 2, 2019
This thread is closed to new comments.
Land's End also has lots of pants at that price point, but I have no experience with their pants.--just their ponte dresses, which hold up well and are suitable for work, if nothing exciting.
posted by crush at 3:34 PM on February 27, 2019 [1 favorite]