Express Columnist pants - size discrepancies?? - YouLookFab Forum

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Express Columnist pants - size discrepancies??

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I am still on the hunt for the right interview capsule pant. My Gap Modern Boot were too big in 4 and I returned them. I have my eye on Express Columnist in 2, and have been given measurements of 31 waist and 36 hip. If these are correct, they should fit. The Gap ones were supposed to be 31/37 though, and they were in reality 32/38. I should note, these are two different sellers so no reason to doubt the current measurements I was given.
My question is to those who have tried the Express on in store. Is there some variation even within the same size? I can't imagine a true 2 in Express would fit me unless this is the case. I know Gap has had some reviews saying many pairs of 4's all fit differently so perhaps Express has the same issue . . . I hope??

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16 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It all depends on how you like the fit. I think you *might* need a size 4 in the Columnist - if you want them roomy like I do. They should not be tight, Malina.

To answer your question. I have not found any size discrepancies between the Columnists yet.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Angie. Yes, I was worried that 2 sounded awfully dangerous lol. But then the Gap 4's hanging off me makes me second guess myself. Silly sizing troubles!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Usually, Gap runs large. Their XS's often fit like a S.

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

Gap sizing is so inconsistent. I am a 2 in the L&L, 8 in the white always skinnies, 4 in the denim always skinnies (which I wouldn't recommend btw).

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Well, now to add to my confusion I am reading some reviews that say the Columnists stretch out and to go *down* a size. Argh. 2 would definitely be down a size for me!
I agree, Gap runs bigger every year it seems.

rae

(website)

Veteran

I tried on the Columnist a few months ago, Mo, and I had to size up to a 6, whereas I had on both a 2 and a 4 depending on the fabrics.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

It's all so crazy - some days I just can't stand it. I should be a 4. Period. But you know the pants craziness all too well, so I'm preaching to the choir here lol.

Jonesy

Veteran

The Columnists are cut for those who are more straight through the hips and thighs, I think (vs. the Editors), so that will factor in too I would guess. I have two pairs of Columnists in two different fabrics. With the "studio stretch" fabric, I got my usual pant size, but with the "ultimate double weave" I had to size up.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Jonesy - that makes sense. I am looking at Studio Stretch.

EDIT: and I'm not so much straight through the hip/thigh as it is my waist is catching up to them ha ha. So, I get a little less pear-like every year.

DonnaF

Veteran

Mo; my limited experience is only with the Editors a month or so ago, but I found that there were differences even within the same fabric and size!!! I ordered online, and returned three out of five pairs of the various P2 Editors I ordered. Then, I decided that one of the pairs was a bit too loose in the waist. I went to a bricks'n'mortar store and tried on another two pairs in exactly the same style/fabric/size. Those other two fit very differently; one really, really puffed out at the hips and thighs; the other was a bit smaller in the waist than the one I originally purchased. I wouldn't say the size differences were a full size; they were more like 1/2 size -- but enough to make a difference given the type of fabrication they use. This means that I might have actually gotten a fit in the size and style of the pants I returned had I tried on multiple pairs of my size. Hope this helps. I can't imagine only the Editors having some size discrepancies and not the Columnists.

Jewell

Veteran

I have found the sizing on the Columnists to be consistent. I own two pairs (see pics below). I'll add that the fabrication sometimes makes one version stretchier/looser than another. I wear a size 4 in most pants but a 6 in the Columnist pant and I have about a 26/27" waist and 38" hips.

The pants shown are the Ultimate Double Weave.

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Amy

(website)

Veteran

I had the same sort of experience as Donna.

Tanya

Veteran

I would agree that the material plays a big role. I have a couple of pairs of Columnist pants, in size 2 ( my Editors are size 0) and the Ultimate Double Weave ones feel tighter than the Studio Stretch ones. The second material stretches more with wear as well. I could have even gone with a 4 in Double Weave.

Anonymous

I have no experience with the Columnist pant but the Editors are my go to pant. The only thing I can add to what has been suggested already is that the signature stretch fabrics do have a lot of give. All of my pants fit really snug at first, but they relax after an hour or so after wearing. Since I dry clean them, the pants never go back to that initial snug fit.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

thanks so much for the detailed responses! I am keeping them on the back burner for now. I (fingers crossed) may have a rehire opportunity next week, and if so the perfect interview pants can be found at my leisure sometime this year.
Jewell, I especially appreciate you listing the details for me and pics, the most helpful thing is to see with your own eyes! I am 26 1/2" waist and 36" hip. I should be a 4 if one believes the charts. I have old (7+ years) Editors that are velvet and not stretch and they are roomy in a 6. I needed the belt to keep them up!

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rachylou

Veteran

My experience with the Columnist is that the fabric really makes a difference. I think there's an all cotton and a rayon blend one; the rayon ones are always too tight on me - and going up a size doesn't help me because of the cut. I do better in the Editors.

I find Express pants in regular length are really meant for wearing with heels.