Get A Leg Up On Finding Pants That Are Comfortable

Many women complain that they are not able to find trousers that properly fit. One of the reasons may be because of the inconsistencies in sizing during the manufacturing process.

In a recent survey of popular brands of blue jeans, Consumer Reports magazine found that no brand tested was consistent in sizing.

When comparing size 12 women’s jeans, Consumer Reports found variations of as much as three inches in the waist from one pair to the next for the same brand.

So what are you to do? Sometimes you will have to try on several pair before finding the ones right for you.

Following is a list of what to look for when searching for that perfect pair of pants.

The material should be cut on the grain of the fabric, not the bias. This means the fabric should run straight down the leg of the pants from the widest part of the thigh.

To feel comfortable, they should measure at least one extra inch in the hips than you do. If you measure 40 inches at the hip line look for pants that are 41 inches in that area.

Length varies depending on style, but for classic trousers the hem should touch the shoe in the front and be slightly longer in the back.

Pay close attention to the way the pants feel at the waist when you try them on. They should not be too loose or too tight.

Pants that zip up the back or side usually are more flattering to all figure-types than those that zip up the front.

Bright and light colors attract attention and tend to make you look heavier. Darker colors have a minimizing effect. Select a top of a similar color that falls below the hip and you can look several pounds thinner.

Pants classified as trousers are full cut through the hip and thigh areas. They usually have pleats at the waist. This is a good style for women trying to disguise fullness from the waist down. It’s also a good choice for very thin women as long as they are properly fit and not too baggy.

Straight-leg pants have slightly narrow legs and less fullness. These are a good choice for tall, thin women.

Tapered-leg pants are narrow to tight at the ankle. This style will make your feet appear much larger. If you have narrow, long feet avoid tapered leg pants.

Alterations are often called for with pants. You can do it yourself, if you are an experienced seamstress, but we strongly suggest hiring someone who does alterations professionally. The better clothing stores and most dry cleaners have people they can recommend for this task.

According to Doug Vestal, owner of Careful Cleaners, the average price for simple adjustments is $7.50, a bargain if it means getting a pair of trousers that fit right.

Fit is important, especially in pants. If the pants are too tight they will make you look heavy, too loose and you can look just plain sloppy.

Don’t assume there is something wrong with you if the slacks don’t fit; no two women (or pants) are built the same.

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