Women’s pants are the most important piece of clothing you can own. They’re your go-to for everything from work to weekend outings and come in various cuts, styles, and colors. But women’s pants have changed a lot over the years, and finding pants that fit well can be more complicated than you might think. Here’s how to navigate the tricky world of buying pants so that your new duds fit like a glove.
Before you buy any pants, measure your waist, hips, and inseam.
You should measure your waist, hips, and inseam before you buy any pants. This will help you find the right fit for your body type.
Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, which is where a pair of pants would naturally sit on your body.
Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your buttocks—this is usually about 8-12 inches below your natural waistline.
Inseam: Stand with one foot slightly ahead of the other and measure along the inside seam from crotch to floor (or if there’s no crotch seam, measure all the way down).
Stay away from pants with pre-folded cuffs and pleats.
While you may be tempted to purchase pants with cuffs that are pre-folded for an easy fit, this is really a case of “it’s not what it looks like, but rather how it fits.”
Pants with this style are typically cut wider at the bottom and flare out more than flat-front or bootcut styles. This can make your calves look beefier and create unflattering folds in the fabric around your ankles. Additionally, pleats tend to add bulk to your waistline. If you want to go for this look, consider pairing it with a high-waist skirt or top instead of pants so as not to draw attention away from your waistline.
Choose a slightly higher rise.
A higher rise will help you look slimmer and longer, which is always a goal for your legs. It also helps avoid muffin tops, camel toes, and wedgies.
A slightly higher rise will give you more coverage on the bum so that you can pull off those cute jeans without feeling self-conscious about them being too tight in the backside area. You can choose from either low-rise or high-rise pants, depending on what kind of style suits you best!
Go for a dark color to elongate your figure.
You might be surprised to learn that a dark color can help elongate your figure and make you look thinner. Dark colors are more flattering on various skin tones and can be worn in professional settings without being too risky. Additionally, darker colors are easier to match with other items in your wardrobe and can be paired with an array of outfits.
Find the right length for your height.
When it comes to pants, many factors can affect how you look in them. One of the most important things is length. The right length will transform your outfit from sloppy to chic, depending on your height and body type. There are two main kinds of pant lengths: full-length and cropped. With a longer hemline (a full-length), your pants will fall past your ankles; with a shorter hemline (cropped), they won’t reach beyond mid-calf or above it if you’re tall enough for maxi styles like skinny jeans or leggings. The ideal inseam for each type depends on various factors like leg shape and height.
Avoid overly baggy or tight pants, and look for a nice drape instead.
Avoid overly baggy or tight pants. The fit of your pants is important in achieving the right silhouette. A good pair of pants should be a bit loose, not too tight (think about how you want to feel). If you’re constantly tugging on them because they’re so tight, consider getting a size up and/or wearing them under something that adds some bulk around the waistband (like a belt).
Conclusion
If you take the time to make sure that the pants you are buying are the right fit, you will be able to enjoy them for years to come. It’s important to remember that even if they don’t look quite right after an hour or two of wear, it could just be because they need some break before they start feeling as comfortable as your favorite pair of pants.
