https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 05 Apr 2026 09:40:27 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues/page/2#post-770229 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:58:55 +0000 HeleenH 770229@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi Shiny, I am a little late to the conversation. You mention "more inner thigh compared to outer" and and I think that might be exactly your problem. You need a little bit more material on the inseam (and maybe a little less on the outside seam. I took pictures from the book 'Pants for real people' where they address this issue.<br /> Maybe your solution is to make your own trousers/jeans... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues/page/2#post-767269 Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:39:13 +0000 elpgal 767269@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bump! I am following this conversation and taking notes. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues/page/2#post-753805 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 21:11:59 +0000 krishnidoux 753805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, what brands are your favourite pairs? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues/page/2#post-753772 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 19:11:59 +0000 Gaylene 753772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Krishni, that picture of your Gap jeans is pretty familiar; I see the same fit issues on many of the jeans I try on in the dressing room. My only saving grace is that I have athletic calves, so my skinny jeans have to first fit over my calves, which usually means the style also has a bit more width in the thigh area. But I have to try on dozens of jeans to find the right ones. And, since I like wearing jeans, I have an extra incentive to keep that thigh area toned. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues/page/2#post-753701 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 15:57:58 +0000 shiny 753701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Krishni, you are so adorable! Outfit #7 made me keel over.. how amazing is that?? And #8 makes me want to try BF jeans now! We are built similarly, I think. Thank you for posting all these photos! </p> <p>Gaylene, DD#2 has a more athletic build than I do. We are quite similar shapes, except she is more exaggerated, if that makes sense? She is an IT, but her shoulders and back are broader than mine are (from lots of swimming - butterfly being her best stroke). She has more of a chest than I do. Her waist is much tinier. She has a bit of a belly, like I do. Narrow hips and small rear. Like me, she gains weight in her upper body and not her lower. </p> <p>One major difference between us: her thighs (hamstrings and quads) are MUCH more pronounced than my own. So, we are more or less same hip width, but she has more rounded, athletic thighs. I know from experience there's no way my own thighs would ever get that developed -- not with all the running and weight training in the world. This is why she calls me "chicken legs!" She also pointed out during this shopping trip that my arms are also slim in comparison to hers. (I personally do not think I have slim arms, and in fact, if I am weight training, I bulk up quickly here; if I gain weight, my arms get heavier... but not my thighs.). </p> <p>So yes I do think you are on to something here, and it's all about my thighs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues/page/2#post-753641 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 14:00:24 +0000 krishnidoux 753641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I totally understand the inner thigh issue. In fact I have obsessed over it for a good part of my life, especially because jeans and cool pants didn't fall right on me. As you can see in the pic below, I carry my thigh fat inwards. </p> <p>As Gaylene points out, it seems the jeans are always too tight from the front. Low rise jeans are even more difficult to wear as they tend to shorten the leg line, but they do offer more ease in the front of the legs. A very good pair of lower rise jeans usually looks better. Another option are higher waist straight jeans with wider legs. But these are not on trend right now. </p> <p>Even my best fitting jeans crunch at the crotch and I must say I am trying not to get bothered by it, somewhere deep inside still I am. However I have noticed that when my behind is perkier, the problem is less apparent, so I thought it might be a solution. </p> <p>I have no such problem with the BF jeans nor with harem-style pants (for obvious reasons), slouchy or high waisted wide legs palazzo styles. </p> <p>Below: </p> <p>1- you can see that I carry my extra mush inside instead of outside the thighs.</p> <p>2-3: a pair of Gap jeans that otherwise fits me to a T. Waist is higher than low-rise but is not high. However you can clearly see the crotch problem here.</p> <p>4- These Guess by Marciano skinnies do show a little bit of pull in the thighs, however I am very fit in this pic and my butt is perkier. I thought that might be a solution.</p> <p>5- I love these Roots skinny cargos, however even in them I cannot hide the thigh issue. Somehow it seems to my eye that it's not as bad with skinnier legs (compared to 2 and 3).</p> <p>6 - Slouchy pants (Guess by Marciano). No issue.</p> <p>7- Palazzos (Kookai). No issue.</p> <p>8 - BF(Gap 1969). No issue. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-753529 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 03:20:33 +0000 Gaylene 753529@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, one tip that I received in a tailoring course was that the ends of the "smile" (or "frown") usually pointed to the area where the fabric needed to be released. On a fitting muslin, that was the area that needed to be slashed open so that extra fabric could be incorporated into the garment at that point.</p> <p>Just wondering if we squishy rectangles with no butt and no hips are having trouble with the front of the pants not having enough room. A lower rise would obviously eliminate this problem, but, as you point out, may end up causing other issues. And I know what you mean by the pot belly over the waistband feeling--that definitely does NOT feel fab! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-753527 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 03:14:06 +0000 shiny 753527@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, my mom is an awesome seamstress. I grew up at the base of her sewing machine. She taught me initially by having me make little dolls out of muslin. I know quite a bit about sewing; I even worked in a fabric store as a teen. I sewed my kids' clothes when they were toddlers. Then I got frustrated with it and I gave it up. Both my kids know how to sew, because their grandma taught them. There are three sewing machines in this house. But I haven't touched mine in ... 15 years!</p> <p>I am so tempted lately... but it would be to alter and tailor, not to create from scratch! And that, as you very well know, is a totally different skill. Where did you take your course? Maybe I ought to look into one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-753525 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 03:10:07 +0000 shiny 753525@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ah, okay! It's actually not tight there on me at all, but it whiskers anyway. In a ... smile? I don't know how to describe it. That's the part that weirds me out... the jeans are definitely NOT tight there. There is all this loose fabric, yet it'll often also look.. shall we say... obscene? But I can usually fix it if I scrunch the waist down lower (dropping the crotch point), assuming the waist is loose enough that I can do so, which is not often the case. And when it is, it is wayyy lower than my personal comfort zone. </p> <p>This whole recent exercise made me realize why Angie thinks I could wear lower rises. The problem is, they don't *stay* low. They want to inch back up again, and that may be because of more inner thigh compared to outer. And even if they did stay low, as soon as I sit down, I'm all... "yuck... pot belly over waistband." Even if I could hide that, I just do not like the way that feels AT ALL. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-753524 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 03:09:19 +0000 Gaylene 753524@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, nice to find another seamstress. I used to do a lot of sewing because both my mother and grandmother were expert seamstresses who made most of their own clothes. My mother used to create all her own tailored suits when she was a "working girl" (loved her way of referring to herself) in the forties and fifties. I'm still stunned at some of her outfits when I look through the family albums.</p> <p>Fit has always fascinated me because it is so much more complex than most people realize. I took a few tailoring courses when I was younger just so I could figure out how to sew garments that I'd actually like to wear. Tailoring was an area where I could exercise my perfectionist tendencies without driving everyone around me crazy! LOL </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-753523 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 03:00:40 +0000 Mo 753523@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I mean that this is where the fabric pulls on me and is usually tightest. I am 5' 4.5", so a tad taller than you, but not much. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-753522 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 02:59:34 +0000 Mochi 753522@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll read the comments tomorrow, but let me join you on the No Hips bench. I want some hips! If jeans can slide down my apple belly, there's no stopping them from making their way to the floor! Even a belt can hardly stop them. Just one more thing to make fitting into stuff more complicated. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-753519 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 02:53:57 +0000 shiny 753519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet, I'm sure the early hip issues are cause of current hip/leg pain. I've been through enough PT because of it. I also have other issues too.. so called "acquired" issues.. one leg is slightly longer than the other. Creating bunions on one foot. It's acquired because of the congenital hip issue. If I keep up with the yoga, the bunions disappear. Oh, and I have had hairline hip fractures in the past. Yeah. Which is why I no longer run. But enough whining! </p> <p>Gaylene, thank you so much for your detailed explanation! This is what I was looking for. I love to analyze and figure out why one garment works better than another. Then I can get better and better at picking clothes off the rack, or requesting detailed measurements for online orders. I am going to measure the jeans and pants that *do* work, compare them to those that don't, and try to figure this out. You have pointed me in the right direction to measure. As an ex-seamstress this makes total sense to me. (More and more I'm thinking I need to drag the sewing machine out and get back into it again). </p> <p>Mo, we have *very* similar measurements! What do you mean by pulling at the base of the zipper? (I wish I had taken a bunch of pics, to show you all exactly what I'm talking about). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-753510 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 02:29:39 +0000 Mo 753510@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not sure it helps, as I have the opposite problem of pulling at the base of the zipper, but most of my thigh 'meat' is also on the inside. I have 36.5" hips right now and about 26.75" waist. But my waist is high and so it is not the standard 8" distance between these measurments, more like 10"! My rear is not exactly, ahem, high. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-753508 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 02:25:41 +0000 Gaylene 753508@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, I'm tending to agree with your analysis that the problem is with the inner thigh area.</p> <p>If you lay a pair of jeans flat, you can see that the back of the leg is usually cut wider than the front since most women have a curvy rear end. If you have a flat rear end, the extra fabric just sags in the butt/upper thigh region so the most common solution is to grab a smaller size jean, which is easy to do with today's stretchier jeans. But sizing down also means less fabric in the front of the jean. If you have a fuller inner thigh, you needed that extra fabric at the front to avoid wrinkling and pulling in the thigh area. Even 1/4 -1/2" can make an enormous difference.</p> <p>Another part of the problem is that those of us with no outside hip curve tend to gravitate to the skinnier, straighter jeans which are usually designed for a young, straight figure with thin inner thighs. "Women's" jeans, on the other hand, are designed for a fuller thigh, but most designers assume that the fullness is needed in both the outer and the inner thigh which gives us straight-hipped women those fabric pouches on the sides.</p> <p>The only solution that I've ever found was to stay with the straighter "young" jean but try on zillions of different brands until I found a style that had that vital extra fabric at the front. Men's (or boy's) jeans can be an option if you have a flattish stomach, but they don't have much allowance for a rounded tummy which can be a problem for many women. And sizing up to fit a tummy usually means that the jeans end up fitting quite loosely all over which may, or may not, be a good look for some people.</p> <p>Anyway, that's my analysis. I love wearing jeans and am willing to search until I find ones that fit my shape. But I can certainly see why some women just don't think it's worth the effort. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-753499 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 01:52:58 +0000 Janet 753499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, how funny. I had a brace for my hips as a baby as well. I was born almost a month early, and my hip joints were not quite fully formed, so my legs just dangled and had to be supported to let the joints correct. But my legs naturally turn outward slightly, and I carry my thighage on the outside of my legs, not the inside. Interesting that we both had hip issues in infancy but in different ways. I also wonder if the hip/leg pain I get is related to those issues. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-753454 Sun, 21 Oct 2012 01:10:45 +0000 shiny 753454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't *think* it's lack of derriere.. when my derriere has been perkier (running, lifting heavy weights, step aerobics etc, shapely enough you could bounce a coin off it), I still had this very same problem. </p> <p>I'm still analyzing but I think it is all about the width/shape of the outer and inner thigh right at the crotch point. A perky derriere is above that point, is it not? (Maybe when mine sags a bit more this will be a moot point!! HA!). My inner thigh seems a little more copious than outer, so it's possibly pulling things in the wrong direction. </p> <p>I'd be quite interested in doing a survey of people's measurements at this lower hip/top of thigh/crotch point dimension, vs waist. To calculate a ratio. If anyone is interested? And see what is going on here. Derriere may indeed still play a role... or perhaps it's lack of hamstrings, because this is where they start?</p> <p>ETA: what may be a factor is that I was born pigeon toed -- feet pointed inwards. Had to wear a brace as a baby to turn them outwards. I have wonky hips as a result - and lifelong issues because of that (repeated sports injuries, pain etc). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-753171 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 18:21:02 +0000 krishnidoux 753171@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, what you need are not saddlebags. What you need is a derrière. I'm the same. believe me, a developed rear end pulls everything up and in the right place. </p> <p>In the advent of a natural tendency towards a lack of derrière (like me), two choices :</p> <p>1 - Make yourself one <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq1HnakX5C8" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq1HnakX5C8</a></p> <p>2 - Get a shape-wear butt booster pantie <a href="http://www.spanx.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11792164&#038;locale=en_US" rel="nofollow">http://www.spanx.com/product/i.....cale=en_US</a>. It works! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-753122 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 16:24:23 +0000 amiable 753122@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, me too. There's a whole club of us with flat bottoms, and straight-to-indented hips and proportionally large waists. I haven't found a solution yet. (But I did deal slightly with the bottom issue by doing squats). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-752961 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 08:09:12 +0000 lyn67 752961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OMG, Shinny never thought on this! So enlightenning! I always thought it's only my apple tendencies and flat bottoms, but now I see I have one more issue...the lack of saddlebags:-)). YESSS! Now I got it, too. This is so important, for the crotch point for the jeans looks... (I have wide thights, and hips, but not there where it shoud-much lower or higher and not on the crotch point!:-(()<br /> And mee, too- I look ever better in skirts and dresses!!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-752939 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 06:54:55 +0000 Caro in Oz 752939@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tea &amp; sympathy from me. I'm another one with this problem - lack of hip, flat bottom &amp; proportionally large waist. I found some skinny jeans that actually work (local Australian label) &amp; I bought x3 pairs. They are out there but I think being petite must add to the problem. I wore Levis 501s when I was younger - maybe boy's jeans are worth a try. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-752895 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 04:08:59 +0000 RunningSue 752895@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Shiny, since it seems that you and I are shaped somewhat similarly I can suggest some new denim styles that have worked really well for me. I tend to have extra material at the crotch with lots of jeans and pants. I love to try new jeans and have found three that work really well for my frame. One is the Hudson Nico. That does not have the flap pocket which does not flatter a round derriere. And the Rag and Bone Skinny Zip Detail (from NAS) has a higher rise and hugs my non-existent hips. Joe's Chelsea super skinny jeans fit me perfectly (I got them at the rack for $80 in black). The rise is also a little higher which I think helps to place the waist of the jeans in a better place for as I have a long waist for a short gal. Maybe you can try these on your next Mother/Daughter outing. I cannot wait until my oldest can shop with me, she is 11 so just a few more years. Lucky you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-752884 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 03:45:26 +0000 K. Period. 752884@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Soooo, I know this is horrible to suggest, but have you considered boys' Levis rather than men's? They should be relatively straight, but cut smaller and leaner, with proportionate pockets. I know, though, that you've got a number of other lines that work well for you (hooray!). Your posts on MsKK's topics were great. And I just want to tell you, too, how much I appreciate this and every post that is made about straight hips and missing waists. I spent almost two decades ('80s and '90s) with either a painfully pinched waist or a baggy bottom. So miserable. It is nice to be one of many. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-752881 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 03:42:46 +0000 Clarissa 752881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have slight "saddlebags" but its strange because its not even fat, its bone. I do have fat on my inner thigh, but not on the outer thigh, but my hips still curve out at that point. Its just my bone structure I guess. I have an hourglass shape and pants gap in the waist so I have to wear a belt with most pants, but pants with stretch definitely help. I think jeans with stretch would probably help your situation too! Stretch is awesome. Its kid of a drag when pants don't fit you perfect, but keep in mind it happens no matter what shape you have, so you aren't alone </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-752859 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 03:11:08 +0000 shiny 752859@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Scarlet, just refreshed DH's jeans.. (I still have to do a post on that one to update you all!) .. he is now in the skinny Levi's and yes i tried them on... and NO they do not work. Too big! Wayyyyy to big! Hilariously too big! I'm 5'0. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-752857 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 03:06:49 +0000 Scarlet 752857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is it possible that wearing men's jeans would solve this problem? It used to be quite en vogue for women to wear Levi's men's jeans, specifically 501s. They always looked good on the girls with slim hips. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-752848 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 02:50:16 +0000 shiny 752848@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Janet - long ago, I mentally gave up on the whole idea of liposuction. For various reasons, but the vainest one was that, if they suck out the fat cells where I think I want them to, then I will just gain weight elsewhere... and trade one dilemma for another! </p> <p>With my luck, I'd end up with Popeye arms, or something ridiculous. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-752846 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 02:46:56 +0000 shiny 752846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Gaylene, that makes sense to me. I have had skirts and dresses altered to perfection, without much fuss. I do have this same issue with slacks -- it's a trade off, usually: to fit the crotch right, I get fabric tags/pouches. Which, as you say, is probably easily remedied, as long as there are no side pockets. </p> <p>Why then are jeans so difficult? I tried grabbing the sides today, this did not solve the crotch issue. I do have jeans that don't have this crotch issue... makes me want to analyze the "why".. I have a feeling it has less to do with the side seams, and more about the rise seams and how they are laid out? (Used to sew.. so I know a bit)... </p> <p>She is right; I do have chicken legs, just the meatier part is turned inward, not outward! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-752844 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 02:46:01 +0000 Janet 752844@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just goes to show you, the grass is always greener! With my saddlebags, I always have to fit that part of me first, and see where the rest falls. I have to get a lot of alterations taking in waists and backside of pants and jeans.</p> <p>I think I am over wishing I had skinny thighs and slim hips -- it's never going to happen, no matter what size I am. I've had saddelbags since i was 15 years old and 115 lbs, so it's just how I'm made. But there are times I think I'd gladly lend you a little of my excess! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/jeans-straight-hips-chicken-legs-fit-issues#post-752835 Sat, 20 Oct 2012 02:34:06 +0000 Gaylene 752835@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I always called them pouches instead of "fabric tags". They are actually quite an easy alteration on skirts with back zippers, dresses, and pants unless the garment has side pockets. Jeans, unfortunately, fall into this category. My biggest problem is my non-existent hips co-exist with my athletic calves (thanks, Dad) to make finding slim pants a fitting nightmare. So I wouldn't feel too bad about chicken legs.</p> <p>ETA: What you are describing sounds like a fitting issue that many women have with their tailored pants. With tailored pants, wrinkles that occur around the fly front are caused by insufficient fabric in the pant front to fit smoothly over the abdomen (especially common with women who have a more rounded tummy). If the wrinkles occur around the upper thigh, it's usually because the upper inner seam needs to be let out to provide a bit more space for the inner thigh, or the rise is sitting too low, or the crotch seam needs a bit more room at the front. Even a half an inch on a crotch seam can make an enormous difference.</p> <p>If a particular manufacturer doesn't cut the jean more or less to your shape, even if the fabric stretches, you still might have fitting problems in these areas. The only real solution is to keep searching for a jean that better fits your unique shape. </p>