Leith Trouser Owners - can you help me?

Transcona Shannon

I've ordered (through Zapotee) two sizes in these trousers. Did you order your regular size, or one size up to get more slouch?

Also, at only 5'1", I'm concerned about the length being too long and these are impossible to shorten. Una is the same height as I am and thinks they will be ok. Anyone else have any thoughts on leg length?

One last thing - with my adorable apple belly, will these work or just look like clown pants?

12 years ago

Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from Transcona Shannon

Marley

Veteran

They will look adorable on you - and I don't think that the length will be a problem - you'll just have more pooling at the ankles, which (IMO) is super flattering!

12 years ago

Claudia

Veteran

Shannon, I am on the tall side and not an apple, so I can't say with 100% certainty, but here is what I am thinking.

Like any garment, you need to fit your largest part when it comes to sizing, in your case it will be waist/hips, not thighs or bottom. The beauty of these pants is that that are very fluid and forgiving in structure, and there is a lot of play and flexibility with the elasticized waist band and drawstring, and I've suggested that people size up. About the leg length, at 5'9" these fit me straight-ish and pegged leg, not long enough to scrunch. On someone petite they will bunch up at the ankle and the pant material will billow out a bit more, sort of like harem pants. A different look, but just as good!

ETA: the fabric is really soft and silky with beautiful drape, so NOT MC Hammer.

12 years ago

Nicole D

Veteran

I tried on a pair of floral pants in a similar style (elastic waist, tapered leg) today. They came about an inch above my ankle and I thought looked silly. They were tapered but not enough to make them look OK a a cropped pant. Plus I felt like I was wearing pyjamas - very comfy, but pretty sure if I started wearing them all the time I would slowly gain weight due to lack of waistband feedback. I would give them another try, maybe not in a print, but I don't think they are the most flattering apple look. Im glad skinnies still seem to be going strong.

But...I am sure they will look great on you, esp if they are longer and stack at the bottom. Can't wait to see pics!

12 years ago

Veteran

Well you saw my pics and I'm 5' 3" tall. Una's legs must be as long as mind, because we have similar scrunching with the pants. I stood against the wall and made a pencil mark from my crotch point to the floor and that was 30 1/4 inches. Maybe that will help in your decision factor.

I bought in my usual size, S, since I knew the pants were already baggy to begin with.

I was worried that it would look strange with my mom tummy, but maybe because I don't have hips, the bagginess of the pants balanced everything out? Angie did list these pants as suitable for apple and pear shapes and we know that Angie is always right. : )

I think since you enjoy wearing BF jeans, you'll like the slouchiness of these too. It's just getting the length right.

12 years ago

Beth Ann

Veteran

I don't have mine yet, but I've ordered them in both large and x-large. I chatted online with a Nordie's SA, and they said they ran TTS. Yes, but what does that mean on a slouchy item like this? In addition, I want them to drape easily, but not be really oversized. I hope to get mine on Tuesday. I worry a little about looking gargantuan, but I wear wide legs well and love a good drape in a trouser. As for the waist? It looks like the construction lets the waistband lie flat, which will help.

Whatever happens, we will be never be clowns. Ringmasters, maybe, but never clowns!

12 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I tried my usual size and one size up according to the size chart provided by Nordies. Regular size was perfect with plenty of slouch and room. Size up was very extreme and also made them considerably longer.

12 years ago

Sona

Veteran

I had to size down to a medium.

12 years ago

sarah

Veteran

Shannon, I'm 5'1", too, so I'm very curious as to how these fit on you.

12 years ago

Raisin

Veteran

Shannon I am loving these on everyone so far, and can't wait to see them on you. Seeing them on you shorter ladies makes me wonder if they are not long enough for me at 5'5 1/2" ? I think they will look great on you though!!

12 years ago

Jjsloane

Veteran

I just tried them on and my regular size was fine with the right amount of slouch, larger sat too wide around my hips and was not flattering at all. I'm 5'8" and they fell a little over my ankles to about mid top of my foot with no shoes on. They were not what I was expecting, I somehow thought they were knit. They are very drapey and remind me very much of all the elastic drawstring pants I loved in the 80's. Probably why I'm not ready to buy them yet, but they do seem like they'd be nice a cool on hot summer days.

12 years ago

christy

Veteran

Shannon, I'm 5'2" and I tried these on in a medium and thought they were way too long for me. I was happier with the length and "scrunch" when I folded the waist band over but then I couldn't use the pockets. They didn't have a small, which I think might have worked better, but I didn't love them enough to order them. I hope they work for you. As a fellow apple, I had no concerns about the tummy area and would suggest getting your normal size, not going up. Good luck!

12 years ago

cinnamon fern

Veteran

I would actually consider sizing down, Shannon - they're cut very generously in the waist, and it'll help with the length.

12 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I got my regular size S. I could have gone down a size but I like the slouch. The length is a little iffy for me. The zipper means there's not a lot of flexibility in the cuff when it's zipped, so it doesn't just fall in a pretty way, but I unzipped them a little, and with higher heels I could probably leave them all zipped up. Also I could hike them a lot higher, which I think I will do when I wear longer tops to keep from looking even more stumpy than I am.

12 years ago

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Ladies - once again, you have provided invaluable information and I thank you. If I'm reading this right, I should probably stick with my usual size. I don't think I want to risk a size down, and if I wear them with heels slightly unzipped, which I will want to do to extend my leg line with these, the length will hopefully work out.

BTW - to Una's point in her K/R thread with the trousers, she commented about the fabric being thin and not great for cold weather climates like ours. I'm looking at these for later spring (March/April) and into summer before the heat hits so that shouldn't be an issue.

Thanks again

12 years ago

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