Express used to have a great cut those of us who are round through the bottom called the Correspondent. I haven't seen it regularly, though. The Cassidy Fit from The Limited are similar. The Limited does use a lot of synthetics, but they usually have a pair or two each season in wool or linen, and lined!

Thanks, Cindy. Lined wool or linen pants sounds great. Some more for my list...

The Express pants don't work for me either.

I think everyone's already made most of the suggestions I would make. Talbots, Ann Taylor (maybe online because they have a greater variety of fits), Target's Merona line, and new to me recently, the Worthington brand at Penneys. All of these have curvy cuts, and I have found that if I want a fitted look I go curvy cut in my regular size, and if I want more of a slouchy trouser look I go a size up in the more rectangular cut and wear a belt.

Also, I am a big fan of the work trousers from Eddie Bauer. I don't know if they carry them in store so you may have to order from catalog/online, but they are returnable in store if something doesn't work out. The curvy cut is called Blakely and they have them in several different fabrications.

If budget is a concern Old Navy has some decent work trousers and they're always having sales and free shipping deals. The fabric isn't as swank as pricier brands but they can be real workhorses for the cost.

I've got no suggestions here, but definitely sympathize, and appreciate all the suggestions.

I also really need to get my head around sizing up and tailoring. I don't use tailoring as much as I should because of the extra time/effort involved, and I think there are also some insecurity issues for me at the thought of buying a bigger size in something. I know the latter is kind of silly, especially when it limits my clothes options, but it's sometimes hard to get over!

I wear Express Correspondent. They are upriver than the Editors in my opinion.

Thanks for your input, Laura and MeIIIIIs. Also thanks to Aubergine. You know, sometimes it's not even insecurity not wanting to go a size up and having it taylored. It's just that you do not know what the end result will be and once it's taylored you are out of luck and cannot return the garment. I suppose it works out if you have a good taylor and if the cut of the pants is good for your shape and the larger size only requires minor alterations.
Whether it's just buying properly fitting pants or having them altered to fit right is a lot of work... It will be easier with all of the suggestions on the thread.
Thanks so much to everyone!