Pants can be one of the hardest pieces of clothing to buy whether you have wide hips or not. Using these tips will help ensure that you always have at least one great pair of pants hanging in your closet at all times. Plus, these tips will help you not dread purchasing pants anymore if you do have wide hips!
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1. Length
One of the first tips for buying pants is to consider the length. In general, pants that hit at the heel of your shoe create the longest leg line. If you are very tall, you will need to find pants that have a long inseam in order to achieve the best possible length. Similarly, petite women like myself need to look for pants that have a short inseam. If you have been frustrated with finding the right length, checking the inseam of the pants before you try them on will take much of your frustration away. Who wants to spend time trying on pairs of pants that will be too short or too long? I know I don’t. Finally, when considering the length of your pants, it is important to know that capri pants create a choppy leg line because they hit the leg at an odd place, and it is probably best to stay away from them.
2. Style
Knowing the best style of pants for your body will make pants shopping so much easier. With so many different styles to choose from, it can be hard to know if you look best in slim, boot cut, tapered, etc. However, there are some general rules you can follow to know what style fits your body best. The slim cut is great for slender women of any height since it will highlight any curves they may have. A tapered leg is best for women who are very tall and slender. Wide leg pants tend to look better on tall women, but wide leg pants that have a high waist can make a petite person look like they have mile long legs. In fact, wearing wide leg pants with a high waist is one of my favorite tricks for looking taller. Boot leg pants can balance wide hips, but boot leg pants can also highlight your thighs. So, if your thighs are not your favorite body part you might want to consider trouser pants or straight leg pants. Both of these cuts are almost universally flattering.
Understanding the nuances of pant styles can revolutionize your wardrobe. Straight leg pants offer a clean, continuous line that works well for various body types. If you're looking to create an hourglass silhouette, consider high-rise pants which emphasize the waist. For those with a pear-shaped body, opting for flared pants can add balance. Remember, it's about highlighting your strengths—select cuts that accentuate your favorite features. For example, skinny jeans tend to showcase the legs, whereas palazzo pants add a touch of elegance and comfort that's hard to beat. Keep experimenting until you find the pair that feels like it was made just for you.
Frequently asked questions
Finding a pair that fits comfortably around the hips without being too loose around the waist or too tight on the thighs can be a real struggle. It's about getting that perfect balance.
Totally! Wide leg pants can be super flattering for wide hips. They flow nicely and balance out the proportions, offering a chic and comfortable look.
Stretchy fabrics are a game-changer! Look for materials with some give, like spandex blends. They move with you, making the fit so much more comfortable.
Opt for mid to high-rise pants; they can help elongate your silhouette. Also, darker colors and vertical stripes can create a slimming effect.
Skin-tight pants or those with bulky pockets on the hips can emphasize width, so it’s often better to go with a cut that flatters and smooths your natural curves.
3. Fabric
It might not seem like it, but the fabric of your pants can make a huge difference in how they fit. My grandma was a seamstress, and she taught me the importance of fabric. For pants, you want to look for a fabric that is sturdier like wool, cotton, or a cotton polyester blend. This will ensure that your pants hang right on your body and will not bunch in weird places. Fabrics that are thinner can highlight trouble spots, and it is best to stay away from them. That is unless the pants are tailored really well and it is a more expensive fabric, of course. However, since that can be hard to come by, it is easier to stick with fabric that holds its shape.
4. Pockets
Believe it or not, pockets are very important to consider when you are looking for a great pair of pants. When your pockets are in the wrong place they can make your bottom look saggy and wide, which isn’t something anyone wants. If you have a small behind, look for pants with slightly larger pockets that are a little farther apart. However, if your bottom is on the larger side, you will want to look for pockets that are slightly closer together because that has a slimming effect. Finally, those of you with a flat behind can look for embellished pockets if you want your backside to look a little perkier. A thicker pocket with a button can give a flat bottom a fair amount of oomph!
5. Rise
The rise of your pants is the distance between the crotch and the top of the waist band. It is important to find a rise that looks good on your body. In general, a medium rise is best for everyone. This rise will keep you out of mom jean territory while still keeping your behind covered up. If you have a shorter waist you can look for a slightly lower rise, as this will make your waist appear longer, and if you have a longer waist you can look for a slightly higher rise to help even out your proportions. Of course, there is also the trick I mentioned earlier of buying high waist pants with wide legs to make your leg look longer. If you can’t tell, this is one of my favorite tricks since I am so short.
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6. Color
The color of your pants can actually help them be more flattering. If you love your legs, a lighter colored pair of pants is your friend. This will highlight your legs. However, if you are on the other end of the spectrum and would rather not draw attention to your legs, I suggest looking for a darker pair of pants. I also always stay away from pants that have a lighter wash on the thighs. This makes your thighs look larger, which usually isn’t something women want to achieve.
7. Pattern
The last thing to consider when you are looking for a pair of pants is if you want a pattern. If you do want a pattern on your pants there are a few things to know. First, larger prints will always look better on tall women. Petite women end up looking overwhelmed in large prints. However, they look great in a small print. Vertical stripes are flattering for almost anyone, but they are especially flattering on shorter women because they provide the illusion of length.
I hope these tips for buying pants will help you find a perfect pair of pants. What tips do you have for buying pants? Do you struggle with purchases for wide hips? Maybe petite body purchases? Let me know in the comments!
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