Hi there. I have always been a size 6 (even after my son) until the last 2 years or so. I am now a size 10, but I don't look like a 10 at all. My problem is that I'm used to having a flat stomach instead of one that sticks out. I have always found Levis to be the most comfortable jeans, however, also like the Tommy HIlfiger "boyfriend" jeans...old style w/o spandex that I get from the outlet mall. My problem is that every pair of Jeans I try on that is "my size" squishes my stomache, and most squish my thighs too; however, if I get a larger size, they fall off. Is is "normal" for pants, and jeans in particular, to squeaze your stomach when you are about a size 10? I've tried hundreds of styles, fits, brands, etc, and they all seem to do the same thing. I don't know what else to do, and I do NOT want to live in sweats or workout clothing. I save that for workouts.
After a little bit of feedback, I'll let you know what I typically buy. I tend to like mid-rise, although lowrise isn't too bad if my butt doesn't hang out over the top. I have been wearing Levi's 505's most recently. I like straight leg or bootcut, and am disappointed in most "straight leg" jeans today being more like what I would expect to be tapered leg. I tried on a pair of 545's today that seemed to fet pretty well (low rise), so maybe I need to be trying more low rise stuff? not sure. I tend to fall out of those at the back. Oddly enough, the curvy Jeans by Levi's, I have tried on before and HATED, even though I tend to have larger hips and a smaller waist. Most of the jeans I find "comfortable" these days start out with a very uncomfortable muffin top, and losen up over a couple days
There was a question raised about age...
I will be 30 in a few weeks. I started noticing changes to my body and figure about 2 years ago, so my guess is some hormonal change to do with nearing 30, and that I will have to get used to my new shape, even if I return to a size 6.
Thanks in advance.
Well, I was so fed up, that I went to Fred Meyer yesterday and tried on a size 10 of every pair of Levi's they had. I came up with 2 things. I LOVE the way the 512 boot cut looks, but it was SO TIGHT (maybe I should try a 12, but I refuse to believe I need something that big...guess that means i should stay away from value village too ;)). I brought home the Levi's 545 low rise boot cut. The only thing I'm afraid of with those (b/c they seem pretty comfy w/ no muffin top) is that they will stretch out over time and fall off (low rise tends to travel south a bit on me, hence why I tend to stick with mid-rise). Is it so wrong to wish that the low rise ones would stay UP?
The other problem I have is when I finally do find a pair of jeans that I love the look of and can stand to wear, my bf loves them too and I end of having to fight off grab-a$$ all night! LOL
I say try the Gap jeans....they have a few different selections and seem to fit really well. I love Levi's though because they always always seem to fit just right....but I love the gap ones too. Also, Kohls has Apt. 9 jeans and they are pretty good too.
stay away from eddie bauer's jeans. They are cute, but totally not sized right.
I invested in a nice pair of jeans at Coldwater Creek several months ago, and I love them! They were more than I typically pay, but they were worth it. I'm petite, size 8, but with a tummy "pouch," so I don't like low rise...and it's hard for me to find jeans I don't have to hem. I'm thinking of buying another pair now!
I'm watching the responses on this, but I've found that Gap and Old Navy jeans tend to fit me better than other brands. I shop the outlets too. Also, you might try Eddie Bauer bootcut. Their "straight leg" is nearly tapered. You might have some luck at the Supermall. All three stores are there.
I had good luck with The Gap Jeans when I went from a 6 to a 12 and it's the only place I shop for jeans now (wasted so much time and frustration other places). I also have a pair of "Not Your Daughter's Jeans" and they fit beautifully and are comfortable, though they ride high. I didn't used want to try anything that was mid or high rise at all b/c I was so accustomed to having my jeans low and my tummy flat and cute. But the high riding jeans actually are much more flattering for my new and improved mommy body.
"Jeans designed by women for women", or something like that, is the tag line on the Aura jeans from Wrangler. I buy mine on line since nowhere in my area carries them; probably because they are kinda a custom fit thing. You have to choose your inseem length and rise and then, no kidding, order one size smaller than your regular size! They don't gap at the back, they are a slight boot cut, snap back into shape after every wash, wear like a dream, have some stretch in them so they give a smooth look and come in different colors. Good tough jeans. They are all I will wear! I order mine through Shepler.com. They are great about returns too if you need a different size or color.
Happy Jean Hunting!
try gloira vanderbilt.. kohls carrys it... they really fit great.....
You sound a lot like my shape and the best jeans I've found to fit me are from Gap. I can usually find them at a reasonable price at the Gap outlets in the Troutdale or Wilsonville outlet malls. I also have good luck with Sonoma brand at Kohls. I can't ever find Levi's that fit me, and I have NEVER found a pair at Old Navy that fit, most of those are for more straight figures w/o real curves.
!
I really like DKNY jeans. They have several different styles and one in particular (I think the Soho) has a bit of a higher waist that seems to keep them up better than the low rise. They're sold at Macy's.
The other option is to go up a size and then have them altered to fit your waist (that's what they recommend on "What Not To Wear"...you buy to fit the largest part of your body and then have things altered to fit the rest). The jeans themselves are under $60 so they're that expensive.
Are you trying on the low rise? Maybe a mid rise or higher would work. I love low rise jeans (size 7 or 9 depending on the day and the brand and how much salt I ate) but the pair that flatters my figure the most and doesn't leave a muffin top? My jeans from Black House White Market that come up a little higher than mid-rise....they smooth everything out.
Funny, All my favorite jeans (all 2 pairs) start out with a very uncomfortable muffin top and losen up over a couple days too! :) I dont mean to make light of the subject, but you described that perfectly.
I find that my favorite jeans are Levi's, but the ones with a little stretch to them and cut mid-rise to low-rise (but not super low, know what you mean about your butt coming out the top :)). I also have a couple friends that LOVE Lucky jeans and they always look super cute (even with the post baby belly buldge as we like to call it). I am a size 8-10. I would love to be a 6 again, but even then I feel they are tight in the middle... Please let me know if you find something great. Also, How tall are you? I am 5'3"...length is another struggle! :)
I have not tried Not Your Daughter's Jeans, but I've heard a lot about them They apparently are higher in the rise and have a patented spandex panel to hold in your tummy. Not sure where you live, but Nordstrom carries them in their Narrative department. Or check them out online: http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/6014958/0~###-###-####~###-##...
I've also noticed that jeans with a wider waistband (the type you'd see on trouser jeans) are much more flattering and seem to hold in the tummy better, too. Good luck...jean shopping may arguably be more work than labor! = )
I love Old Navy's Sweetheart fit jeans.
Since I am the opposite, I am now a size 6 and used to be between a 8-10, I really liked Candies jeans in the juniors section at Kohls. They seemed to flatter and fit correctly. May be worth a try since it sounds like you are having an awful time and good fitting jeans is essential for all of us!
LOVE Eddie Bauer Curvy or even Modern fit jeans. They are a little pricey, but I've had mine for years! You might also try Style and Co. from Macy's. Good luck!
Look for curvy jeans. A lot of places have a curvy bootcut... I think they are cute. I have wide hips but a small waist and it is hard to find something that won't squeeze you but still fits on your waist! This is the closest I have come. The best jeans I have owned come from Express, for some reason they just work well with my body shape. Hope this helps!
have you tried banana repub or j crew? they have a good selection and no matter what jeans i wear, anytime i go somewhere else and buy the size i was wearing it is a different size. i dont wear the same size in any jean - they are all cut different. you may want to try the custom levis...where you can have them done the way that is good for you.
I am amazed that no one mentioned St John's Bay jeans from Penneys. Yes, I said Penney's!
They fit amazingly well and come in a variety of styles: boot cut, flare, straight leg, low-rise, mid-rise, at waist. I have worn nothing but for about 15years. Even before I had kids.
The other great thing about these jeans: they cost about 20 dollars, not 50!
I am telling you you are missing a great value and a super fit if you don't give tham a try.
Hi L.,
I don't know exactly how you're built but I'm a little larger than I used to be as well...was a size 0 when I got married. I've found that the extra tummy changed my shape enough to where men's jeans fit me perfectly. I can pick up a pair at Costco almost without trying them on.....My husband hasn't noticed the difference!
Just a thought!
M.
I love, love, love my Eddie Bauer Curvy Fit Trousers (jeans). I fluctuate between sizes 6-8 lately, depends on my stress level...lol! But since I become a mom, I don't feel comfortable on my older jeans (sizes 4-6 can't remember the brands). These from Eddie Bauer are comfortable and stylish...that's what I need! I just got two more pairs online because I wear them all the time!
Here they are:
http://www.eddiebauer.com/catalog/product.jsp?&ensemb...
Find jeans that are comfortable and that make, what I affectionately refer to as the muffin top, look as small as possible. Some times I like the low rise better...but I purchased some extra long undershirts (from layersclothing.com) to wear under my tops to my rear doesn't hang out...and a good belt too (The wider belt, the better for me). Other times I prefer to wear a mid-rise jean but make sure the fit is "relaxed fit." My favorite jean store is Buckle. They have their own brand BKE, about $75 for one pair. This is spendy but well worth the money. I have two pairs of their jeans which I'd much prefer over having 3-4 jeans that don't fit right. Plus they're high-quality with cool back pocket patterns. The KATE stye is mid-rise and relaxed fit, if you want to check it out.
Once you have this part down, the other key is to find shirts that are flattering, that hide that part of your body. I love shirts with empire waists that are loose-fitting around the waist, and shirts with a wide band around the hips, then loose above. to create a flowing look (while hiding the middle section).
Hope this helps! Good luck!
-C.
Vancouver, WA
You don't say how old you are. Women get into their 40's and the hormonal changes bring on a different figure. A German proverb says in age women either turn into goats or cows. Look at photos of your grandmothers and mother to see what your potential is.
Of course you can take up yoga and it will whittle your figure but it won't make you look 35 again unless that is your age.
A woman's figure changes over her lifetime. Our Bodies Ourselves is a good book to own and consult. It was published by feminists as was Ourselves, Growing Older.
Have you tried Old Navy? I really liked the fit of their jeans after I had my little ones and I didn't feel bad about buying stuff there that I knew I wouldn't wear forever because it's inexpensive.
It looks like you have lots of good suggestions already! I'm the person who every single one of my friends goes to for clothes advice, so I can't help but put in my 2 cents too.
My body shape has always been boyish, with a tendancy to gain weight in my tummy, so I have had to deal with a pinched waist in every size from 4 (ahhhh, I remember those days!) to a 10. The best suggestion that I can give you is to take time to try on every style jean you might be interested in at every store you can in every price point you consider reasonable. AND JUST AS IMPORTANT: When you find a style you like, TRY ON EVERY SINGLE PAIR OF JEANS THEY HAVE ON THE FLOOR IN YOUR SIZE! Clothes are cut in huge stacks, so they vary a lot within the same size. I can't tell you the number of times that I try on 8 pairs of the same size and they range from "Ugh!" to "Eeeh" to "Wow! Who knew I looked so good!?!" It really is worth it. As far as jeans that work for my (waistless) body, I really like jeans from Old Navy and the Gap, Kut From Kloth at Nordstrom, and Rock and Republic. That's a huge price range difference, and the Rock and Republics are ridiculously expensive, but they make my thighs look super skinny, so they were worth it to me. :) Good luck.
My favorite jeans ever because they're comfortable and I feel like they look good are comfort waistband Stretch Lee. I know Kohl's and Fred Meyer's both carry them. Good luck - a comfortable pair of jeans is a true joy! ( :
I love Levi's Mid rise 505s
I am currently a size 12 and in the process of losing the "baby weight". I have always been curvy, even when I was a size 6. Seems like a lot of jeans leave the huge gap in the waist at the back, which drives me nuts! But anyway, currently I find the lower rise jeans to be more comfortable most of the time, but they do tend to stretch out, so I just wear a stylish belt with them to keep them from sliding down. Not sure if belts are uncomfortable for you or not, but there are some really cute ones out there. I also like the Bandolino Blue line of jeans that are available at Macy's. They just always feel comfortable to me and have a slightly higher waist so they don't slide down. Plus they are more affordable than some other brands.
I know this might sound silly, but buy a pair of jeans and wear them around the house for a bit without taking the tags off. If you find they are uncomfortable after a couple of hours, then at least you can still return them but you will get a much better idea of how they fit than just a quick try-on in a dressing room. Good luck!
