So, like a lot of women I struggle with my body shape and clothes. Looking through size charts online I can see why: my waist measurement is generally 3 sizes larger than my hip measurement. And, my waist is plus size but my hips are not.

I know that "the wisdom" is to buy to fit the largest part of you and have the rest taken in. But...there's so much more selection in normal sizes I'm often tempted to squish my belly into smaller stuff (uncomfortable).

Also, if I buy to fit my waist: how difficult is the alteration through the hip/thigh? I think the thigh/leg should be fairly straightforward, but I don't want to have saggy bum pants because I can't fill out the seat. And, it seems that seat shaping might be a difficult/expensive alteration.

Does anyone have recommendations for me? I'm on the verge of giving up and getting maternity pants. (and I'm not pregnant, and have never been)