K/R & Fit Lab: Loft Curvy and Modern Straight Cords

Help! I'm trying to overcome my habit of buying pants too big and figure out the fit on LOFT pants. Corduroy pants seem to have a very limited retail presence so I ordered several sizes and styles from LOFT, as I have found them hard to decipher in terms of sizing and they don't seem to carry these in stores. All of these are there straight leg, regular length (LOFT Petite is a hair short for me sometimes. Angie is making me more attuned to PPL and I don't really mind hemming).

#1 is the Curvy Fit in size 24 woodsy green
#2 is Curvy Fit size 25 woodsy green
#3 is Modern Fit size 26 coal grey (it fits between the 24 and 25 curvy in hips but needs to be belted an inch at waist and is about an inch longer in length despite all pairs being regular length)

BTW I also ordered the corduroy bootcut in the 24-25 and it runs 1-2 size smaller, is cut very narrow in the thigh, and the boot width is not materially wider than the straight leg. I don't even need to ask if I should return them.

I spent an hour reviewing Angie's old pants outfit posts, trying to come to terms with my aversion for knee bunching on me but not on others. Basically my calves seem about 2 sizes larger than my hips for my comfort zone. But I am determined to ease in by getting an inexpensive darker toned straight leg and see if I can find it JFE for me to reach for.

What if any of these is a keep, and PPL and footwear works best with straight legs.

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6 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

2 I think. Are they comfortable? All pants these days squeeze me in the middle...

LaPed

I think I prefer the curvy 25, but you might want to wear both pairs around the house for a while to see if they stretch. I've returned a couple pairs of cords this year because they sagged a lot after a couple hours. I may just have to stalk the straight-leg J Crew cords of yesteryear... they were the best.

I keep reading articles that corduroy is going to "come back" this year as a denim alternative, but I haven't seen it yet.

Sal

I like the second pair too but I would be mindful of stretching - after three hours pair one might be the best fit? I am inexperienced with cords now.

I have a similar problem - pants pull on my calf. Really irritating at times.

I wear straights cuffed mostly with sneakers, loafers or occasionally full length with a heel. As cords are a cosy winter classic I see these with sneakers or ankle boots mostly - either flat or a low heel.

Aurore

I also prefer the 2nd one, I think they looks better at the knee and calf. They seem to be more comfortable at the hips as well but that's actually hard to tell (it depends so much on the fabric!).

Christina F.

I'm familiar with LOFT pants, though personally I don't buy corduroy, so I can't predict how these might stretch. But based on my experience with other fabrics, I echo the caution that they might stretch or even bag out. I've had the latter issue with their colored denim. I agree #2 looks good now, at any rate. Keep them on for a while and see!

Fit varies often from item to item, even sometimes the same size in the same item. You have to play around to find the right item, though the fit can be very good once you do. I have some jeans and, Marisa pants, and skinny sateen pants that are workhorses. Once you find your size and preferred cuts, in my experience it gets easier.

Anonymous

FWIW, my previous season Loft cords stretched a lot.
I also lime the fit of #2 the best.

karen13

rachy - the fabric is pretty comfortable, even in the #1 out of the box. Lie is too short to be squeezed!
La Ped, Sal and Ryce -thank you so much for pointing out the stretch issue!! They went up almost a full size!
Sal - Thanks for the ideas - I will try them with some low boots and some high tops. As a short person, where the hem hits on straight legs does not help with lengthening, but I do like the style. Do you have any suggestions on brands that work for you?
Aurore - I see the same thing - I actually measured the calf on both 1 and 2 and it is the same, so I'm struggling with this. It may be the looser thigh balances the calf better. Grrrr. Honestly, if I could a good bootcut , I'd think about slimming the low leg (I sew a bit), but the bootcut versions of this was far worse. Or just go to wider legs, but I can't find cords that way.
Christina - I have tried both Marisa fit and Julie Fit trouser styles, and each seems to work in different fabrications. I found this discussion super helpful ttps://hertrustedstylist.wordpress.com/2016/05/12/marisa-or-julie-find-your-fit/ I liked the Marisa/modern fit in trouser styles (maybe because no calf issues?) and the Julie/curvy fit in the cords/jeans.

Thank you all! #2 is the fit I would typically go for, so it helps to have confirmation. But you all have uncovered the reason I am often finding things too big! STRETCH!

Based on the comments, I wore #2 for an hour and suddenly there was extra fabric everywhere. Is it camel toe when there is too much fabric pooching, as opposed to being too tight?

After an hour in #1, it looks a lot like the fit pictured on #2. If I keep them, I will size down to account for the stretch. Still on the fence.

Joy

Like Christina I don't buy corduroy and would beware of stretch. If the 24s fit like the photo of the 25s after wearing a few hours, those might be your best choice, or keep looking for a more stable cord jean.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

What La Ped said.

karen13, interestingly, my waist is much smaller than my hips, but it's so high and my hips curve out so abruptly (and I have a belly pooch) that I need the Marisa cut due to where the waistband hits me.

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