A solution for the girl that can't find work pants to fit her hips

Lauren

As a woman with large hips and thighs I have never been able to find work pants that fit me perfectly. They are always too tight in the hips and rear, or loose in the waist. I finally decided to find my own solution and I would recommend this to anyone: order a pair of really cheap work pants on a cheapy website (I used a $30 asos pair) BUT order them three sizes too large. This way they fit your hips and thighs and you tailor the waist. I did it: http://bit.ly/10LUJiR

Let me know if anyone has tried this or done this with work dresses and pencil skirts? Does it work as well?

12 years ago

Dressing

7 replies

Latest reply was from rosee

Anonymous

I think this is what Angie recommends, having the waist taken in on the garments that you mention. However, why buy a cheap pair, especially if going to the time, work, and probably expense of having alterations done? A better quality of fabric will make a difference in the drape and overall look of the pants or pencil skirt. Spend as much as you can on one good garment, especially if it's for work.
BTW, be glad that you don't have the opposite problem. I have a thick waist but no hips. If it is to fit the hips nicely, it is too tight in the waist, which is a harder fix

12 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I bought the most expensive pair of pants I could afford and tailored them - when I was very young (17? They were almost $300 and my mom was like ... WTF!) and wore them for about 6 years until I swore off pants. I kinda miss those pants. So comfy.

12 years ago

amiable

Veteran

I have the opposite problem - narrow hips and a wide waist. I've been doing similarly - look for pants that fit my hips, then cut the waist and insert a triangle. Then I wear a belt to cover my tracks. Makes many many more pants wearable for me!

12 years ago

Jules

Veteran

Ok, I LOVE the end result. I'm also a fan of wide legs and high waists. You have a great shape and these look great on you!
I've never had pants altered in the waist but I know that I should be. I'm just barely curvier than the standard and I just sort of live with belts, dropped crotch etc. However, I pay over $10 for hemming. I imagine waist alterations are going to be quite a bit more than that. Since you have a great, reasonably priced tailor, I can see how it makes sense to try this with cheap pants (being a budget shopper myself!).

12 years ago

JulieJohn

Veteran

Great suggestion, Lauren! I have the same problem as you, and I never even considered doing this, although I have a brilliant seamstress. Doink! Now I won't be so quick to dismiss pants that gap tremendously at my waist. In fact, I can focus on learning how they are supposed to fit in the hips and butt, which is something of which I am woefully ignorant. A new day is dawning! BTW, you look sensational in your tailored pants.

Amiable, what a great fix you came up with too! Smart gals.

12 years ago

Lauren

(website)

Active Member

Thank you ladies! I can't wait to do this with other pants and dresses. I will no longer dismiss clothes b/c of a little waist gap

12 years ago

rosee

Veteran

...the story of my life - whether slim or chubby (like now) - pants that are too big in the waist and too tight in the hips...

I have a lot of sewing to do (or to have someone do it for me).

12 years ago

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