Plus-sized and the rear view - Photos - YouLookFab Forum

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Plus-sized and the rear view - Photos

pastrygirl

(website)

Veteran

If you wear a US 16 or higher, do you concern yourself with the rear view? I've followed that blog about mom jeans, and find that so few pants and jeans fit me properly that I just have to accept that the rear view will not be ideal. But I'm curious: if you are plus-sized, do you hold out until you find something that's perfect in the back and front?

I just found these pants at Macy's and really like the way they fit and feel, but the rear view is probably unflattering:

http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....sn_results

http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....sn_results

I've searched high and low for black pants, and that second pair is just about perfect. The first pair is also great; I got them in raisin, and they will be my colored "jeans" for the fall.

I'm thinking about taking pictures of the back, but am scared of what I'll see!

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Dressing

25 replies

Latest reply was from Mander

Fruitful

Veteran

I'm not plus sized, but the rear view is the most important thing in pants for me, that's why I haven't worn any this year...

If I couldn't find pants with a flattering rear view, but I wanted to wear pants, I'd experiment with ways to make them work. In the past I've worn a long top, short dress or coat over them to camouflage that view. (I've only seen you in skirts which I loved on you btw!)

Alecia

Veteran

I'm not sure that the question is something that's specific to just plus-sized women. I never pay attention to the rear view (of my pants, my hair, etc.). I'm wouldn't advocate for that approach. I've been thinking I should probably pay more attention to that view. To get a really put together look, you probably need to take all these views into account. In any case, if you take a rear pic, you might be surprised to find your assumption was incorrect. Wouldn't that be nice?

Arya

(website)

I agree with Fruitful - the rear view is also important to me. I have a high, stick-out booty which tends to draw attention on its own. I am careful to select pants, skirts, and dresses that flatter this particular asset. It is often very challenging, and I'm a slim & petite gal!

I think it depends upon how you feel about it/if it's worth it to you. It doesn't have to be a judgement call, but one of priorities. If you want to feature your lovely shoulders, for example, then the rear view may not be as important when considering an outfit or a pair of pants.

I also agree with Alecia that you might be surprised at what you find behind you if/when you take a photo!

JR

Veteran

I have been thinking that knowing what the rear view is would be a very good thing, no matter what size we are. You know the feeling you get when you're walking behind someone and you think, "poor thing, she probably has no idea." Is that me?

Because of my apple - only get worse as menopause really takes over - I have a very difficult time finding pants that fit. If they fit around my waist, they bag at the back of the legs and who knows what else is happening back there? I'm kind of scared to find out.

I'm thinking I should get DH to film my backside in the pants I've got so I can have an idea of what's working well and what isn't.

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

I'm a size 12-14 in pants and rear view has always been my priority. I make sure to check it out in the mirror when buying, and then ask my husband (who is firmly on team Riveting Rear) to verify. Pocket placement and fit make a huuuge difference in how shapely (or not) the rear appears.

Astrid

Veteran

Rear view is definitely a priority for me. I try to pay attention to fit and pocket placement because it can make a huge difference. I feel like my booty is fairly noticeable and I'm self-conscious in the wrong pair of pants. But the right pair (and there's one perfect pair out there for everyone) makes me feel great!

I'd risk taking a look, you may be surprised.

Irene

Veteran

I have a small rear, and pants look so-so on me. Not really bad, but not that good either, although I understand that's pretty subjective.

On one hand, you got what you got, so you might as well like it the way it is or, if possible, try to change it.

But it is true that some pants can look better than others. I don't know what issues you have, especifically, but if it's about a larger than desired rear view, I would definitely go for the right pocket placement and rise. You'll find the perfect pants, eventually

FTR, I found my perfect jeans two years ago at Mango. It seems I am in-between two sizes, and the brand finally designed a pair of jeans in a 37. I have them in four different washes lol I'll just pray so that they don't stop producing them!

marianna

Veteran

I do care about the rear view. I know what you're saying about the perfect fit being so hard to find -- so sometimes I do settle, and wear tops that cover the rear.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I think that the bigger I am the more important fit is - everywhere on the body. This is where tailoring comes in for me. I understand the wanting to compromise; but in my experience it just made me feel worse

Atlantia

Veteran

I am a US 14/16 and my rear view is the most important thing. I think the issue with plus size is that there are fewer options than straight sized clothes, so it can feel even more frustrating. My pants must fit across my thick thighs, come in enough at the waist, and absolutely make my booty shine.

deb

Veteran

OK, I try to take the rear view into account but I have never acutally seen it in a photo. So, I just went to my mirror, put the camera on my shoulder, and snapped. Not as bad as I thought it would be, but glad I am covering it today with a long top. I thing I need to do this more often. Great thread.

pastrygirl

(website)

Veteran

Fruitful -- I think that's why I prefer skirts; I don't have to worry about the backside! I decided this summer to not buy a single pair of shorts because I think they look terrible on me. I wore skirts almost every day. But during the New England winter, there are days when I just want pants or jeans. Before finding YLF, I always wore fitted, knit tops that fell above my hips, but am now branching out to longer, flowy, woven tops. I think that will help with my two new pants in particular.

Declawed -- I'll have to ask my husband what he thinks. He usually doesn't notice anything about styling, good or bad. I sometimes wish he would, though!

Caro -- how does tailoring help?

Atlantia -- yes, that's the biggest problem I have. I just have such a hard time finding anything that fits. So few stores near me carry anything above a 14. I'm also between sizes 16 and 18, which makes it harder to find anything. I tried those black pants in a 16W and 18W, and the 16W fit better. Then I found a regular 18, and those fit best of all. All the same brand and style. It's maddening!

Desmo April

(website)

Veteran

It is soooo tough to find plus size jeans that work for the rear view.

I'm a size 20 so many of my tops cover my butt and I can get away with an imperfect fit there. I have specific pants to wear with shorter tops. I currently have 3 pairs of Am Rag Cie skinnies in two different lengths that make my rear look fabulous.

I wear jeans near exclusively so I'm always in hunt mode for good ones.

pastrygirl

(website)

Veteran

I think I also have trouble knowing what looks good from the back. Take the plus-size jean section on Nordstrom.com. I think most of those look unflattering from the back, but I figure that's just the way it is, and it's not going to look any better on me.

Which ones are the good ones on that page?

shiny

Veteran

This is not a plus size issue. My mom just posted an old pic of me on Facebook, I was a skinny size 2p but in the wrong style pants (high waisted khakis with no back pockets, aka "mom pants") the rear view was horrendous.

I do pay attention to the rear view when choosing pants. Pocket placement and size makes a big difference. My holy grail pants have a back rise nearly identical to the front rise, as for me I find this most flattering. And no yoke or one that doesn't hit too far down. And narrow in the hips. Yes I have analyzed this to death!

Mander

(website)

Veteran

Urgh. I ignore my rear view on purpose because it has been so impossible for me to find pants that fit. I'm more worried about the front view, TBPH! Maybe I should wear more dresses.

pastrygirl

(website)

Veteran

Finally took some photos, and it's not as bad as I thought! Are any of these a no-go in your opinion? Looking for brutal honesty!! I've gained weight and some are a bit tight, so I might not wear them this season, anyway.

I just found the Jag pull-on pair at Nordstrom Rack... for $16! They look the best, so much better than I thought I could ever look from behind. Phew.

I love the red pair from the front, but the back... is passable. I won't sweat it if I show my rear in those, but will probably try to cover up.

The pocketless... ha! I always cover up. I love them so much from the front that I don't mind that they look like granny jeans.

I usually cover up the green and ponte knit ones, but don't sweat it if I don't cover completely. WDYT?

Chico's, red jeans, and black trousers can still be returned, but they are perfect from the front.

Thanks for any feedback!

http://flic.kr/s/aHsjBQNAZm

ETA: These are all size 16 or 18.

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christieanne

Veteran

Those Jag pull on jeans are so fab - you will love them. I need to hunt up another pair and have hemmed for flats. I am on Team Untucked which hides my shapeless square backside but I try to check the rear view to make sure there isn't bunching.
Your new jeans are fine!

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

Dang, your butt looks so fab in those Jag jeans! The first two are great too!

Scarlet

Veteran

Personally I would always consider the rear view under all conditions. Those Jag jeans look really good! But I think it would be helpful to see a full body shot from the back. From the top two it looks like the first pair may be okay but the second one looks like it is bunching under the fanny.

fashionista

Veteran

They don't look bad.

Rear view is of primary concern for me whenever I buy any type of bottoms-jeans, skirts, suit trousers. I ever see that it looks good when I am wearing a jeggings or leggings (though I wear long tops or tunics with them). As much as other parts look polished I want my rear to look polished too....

One suggestion...go for dark colors in pants if you feel awkward about your rear fit and also wear jeans with no pockets and pockets make your rear seem larger.

Marley

Veteran

Those gray jeans look great on you! The raisen and the black both look "bunchy" to me in the back. I wonder if a tailor could fix them? Do you have a tailor that you trust (or who comes recommended) that you could consult with before deciding if you're going to keep them or not?

Fruitful

Veteran

The Jag pair makes your butt look tiny! I agree it's the best pair, however I think some full length photos would give the best sense of proportion. You have been diligent trying on and photographing so many, it's hard work!

pastrygirl

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for the feedback! Nordstrom has the pull-on Jag jeans in black, so I might try those to see if they look better than the Chico's pair.

I'm so torn about the raisin pair. They really look bad from the back.

Will try to dig out the tripod so I can take full-length pics. I feel like too much of a director when I ask my husband to take pics!

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I think the pocket-less pair look like they are too big in the thigh, perhaps. I have this problem a lot with trousers -- if they fit in the hips and butt, the thighs are swimmingly huge and bunch up. Jeans seem to be made differently and I have less of a problem with them, which is why I feel like I wear denim every day.

Someday soon I am going to find a good jeans pattern and try making some myself, but in a different fabric. Or else try to alter some existing pants to fit my legs better.