Boden clams feedback

Becky

I, like many others on the forum, ordered the Boden clams in denim and white. I like the idea, but I don't want to delude myself into thinking they work if they don't. My main concerns: Because I have meaty thighs and a full rear, I am not sure this silhouette is for me. Does it just emphasize these features of my anatomy? Should I stick to bermuda shorts? Also, the rise is a bit lower than what I am used to (especially in the back). I don't even think I have any underwear that wouldn't show if I bent over. What does one wear in that situation?

Here is the front view:

http://i285.photobucket.com/al.....oo/051.jpg

Here is the side view:

http://i285.photobucket.com/al.....oo/052.jpg

I cuffed them to show where I think the length *should* be for me. Do you agree? I would have them hemmed to that length and wouldn't cuff them.

Thanks for your feedback. I love being able to ask the most stylish people on the planet for their opinions!

17 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Dani

Maya

Veteran

I really like them on you Becky, but I can see why you might be concerned about the rise. I think it depends on your comfort level. If the underwear thing is the only thing that bothers you, you can get some low rise undies, but it probably isn't worth it if you're not going to FEEL comfortable. Look at your flat as a board tummy though! Lucky girl! You can definitely wear a lower rise in the front, that's for sure.

17 years ago

anne

Veteran

Becky,
I think we have a pretty similar shape (ie the thighs and bottom!) and I personally would not feel comfortable with a rise that low. (I had to hem, and take in, some longer cropped jeans in order to get clams with a higher rise)
That said, they seem to fit well.

Could you show us some complete outfits with them yet ? I usually wear mine (though I have made exceptions) with tunic length tops and this hides those areas!

17 years ago

Dashrashi

Veteran

I think I actually like them slightly longer on you (i.e. unhemmed). They still fit on a flattering part of your leg, and it makes the line slightly longer.

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

I like the length as is - no need to shorten.

Have you tried wearing them around the house to see if the rise bothers you?

I wore mine once and they stretched out a bit, not much, but I was glad because I bought them very snug. Also, I wore mine with a voluminous top that goes to my low hip so that eliminated any potential "bottom cleavage" issues.

17 years ago

shana

Veteran

Becky, they look great! I like both lengths although the shorter one does make your legs look longer. I agree with the others about the rise - it all depends on your comfort level. Since I don't think you will be wearing cutoff, belly baring shirts with your clams (or are you????LOL), you won't really have to worry about exposure, right? I couldn't wear this rise - with my non-existent bum, a rise this low would slide right off me. I am getting bum envy looking at you!

17 years ago

Becky

Veteran

Maya, thanks for the compliment. *blushing* I'm just really not sure I'd feel comfortable in that low a rise. Because I have young children, I bend over a lot, squat to be at their eye level, etc., and a lower back rise often reveals more than I'd like.

Anne, I've been contemplating the option of shortening cropped jeans into clams if I find the right pair. I don't usually do tunic-length tops because my legs are so short. I feel I need a bit shorter tops or it makes it look like I have no legs at all.

Dashrashi, I actually liked the longer line of the uncuffed original length as well, but I wasn't sure which would be more flattering.

Laura, I have a pair of jeans with a similar rise, and while they don't actually fall off of me, they feel like they might at any moment and I find myself wanting to tug them up constantly. I'm just not sure whether I'd get used to it.

Shana, thanks for confessing your "bum envy!" You made my day! And, no, I absolutely *wouldn't* be wearing belly-baring tops; I just wanted you all to see exactly where the clams hit in the front and back. Actually, though, with the bending over and squatting I do, even regular length tops and lower-rise bottoms sometimes result in a "credibility gap" which I'd love to avoid.

17 years ago

lwc

Active Member

Becky, I understand where you're coming from. I have 2 small kids, and am constantly bending over and stooping down.

I'm about to let go of a pair of low rise bootcut jeans for this very reason.

I say if you're not comfortable, let 'em go, and keep looking. All of the tugging and insecurity isn't worth it, IMHO.

17 years ago

anne

Veteran

Becky - I thought you might say that (re tunics)!

17 years ago

Laura

(website)

Veteran

It's funny, I was worried I'd be tugging at mine too to pull them up, but through some miracle they didn't slip down on me. I was amazed. I agree about the low rise in the back and little kids though. Keep looking if you're not sure!

17 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Wow. A washboard stomach after 2 kids – I’m wildly impressed! Becky, you look KILLER in the clams. I almost fell off my chair. You have a delicious bod and are covered in beautiful creamy white skin!

I hear you on the rise thing though – nice that Laura could give her experience on the actual product too (I love this forum). Would having the waist adjusted at the back make things feel more secure? I know that tailoring is a pain in your neck of the woods but you could even try to do it yourself. I’ll help you.

17 years ago

Becky

Veteran

Oh, Angie, your compliments give me the warm fuzzies! I guess the clams look can work for me after all, if I have Angie's KILLER rating! What do you say about the length, Angie? Do these need shortened?

Actually, the waist contours nicely against the back (often an area where I struggle), so it doesn't need adjusted, it just is much lower than I'm used to. Laura, thanks for the feedback on the way yours fit throughout the day. I'm going to give them a test run with a top and see how they do before I make a final decision.

17 years ago

Dani

Veteran

Becky, I really like the clams on you and I prefer the longer length. Are you long waisted? The rise was very comfortable on me. It's amazing how much body shape comes into play with these things! Just proves how hard it is to buy off the rack on be perfectly satisfied.

I think you look great in these (but completely understand the not wanting to moon anyone when your picking up your little ones). I think you should definitely continue the hunt should you decide these aren't the ones for you.

Do you have a Macy's nearby? I can't remember but I know shopping is a challenge for you in your location. I was there yesterday and there were quite a few walking shorts and some clams (I didn't try any on so I don't remember specifics...sorry). Might be worthwhile to take a look and I'll keep my eyes peeled as well. Let us know what you decide!

Btw...you look great!! I wouldn't even guess that you have two little ones!

17 years ago

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