Finding Shorts/pants That Fit

Updated on August 25, 2009
S.H. asks from Charlottesville, VA
15 answers

I've been trying for a few years to find shorts and pants made to fit my figure. I seem to be outside the norm, with a waist much smaller than my hips. Everything I try on is either too tight through the hips or much too big in the waist. I've had things taken in at the waist, but that gets expensive! Does anyone know of clothing made for women like me? p.s. I didn't mention my size at first, but I need a 4 or sometimes a 6.

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J.G.

answers from Washington DC on

I have always had the same issue. Recently (within the past 18 months) I've rediscovered Geoffrey Beene for women's clothing. I would say 80% of what I tried on fit my frame, which is the highest success rate I've ever had. They also had nice casual and more business type clothes. I wear a larger size but all the cuts were about the same proportions.
Good luck!

More Answers

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L.S.

answers from Richmond on

I've had good luck at Ann Taylor Loft.

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R.L.

answers from Washington DC on

I have the same body type as you. I've had good luck with Eddie Bauer "Blakeley Fit" trousers, Levi's with "Curvy" fit, and most lower rise pants that have some lycra stretch in them. I still sometimes have to take in the waist in the back in order to avoid gapping at the back waist.

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R.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Consider buying drawstring pants and shorts. Also, yoga wear at www.gaiam.com as well as www.rei-outlet.com might offer comfortable alternatives to tailored clothing that generally is not sized to your figure.

There are also lots of interesting solutions, not only in athletic clothing stores, but also in ethnic clothing stores such as Amano's/ Takoma Park MD

Visit me at www.greenrita.com for more on tailoring your diet to your blood type.

Main idea is to refrain from building negative emotions around clothing. There are options that are more comfortable than tailored clothing and can move from casual to business settings with ease and grace.

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M.C.

answers from Washington DC on

You don't mention what your size is. Do you look for straight sizes or 'woman' sizes. A size 14 is cut more narrow in the hips than a size 14W.
M.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.C.

answers from Washington DC on

The curvy style at Gap may fit you; I also have a lot of trouble w/ pants and now I basically only buy this style for any fitted pants. I wear the same size as you; just be aware that their sizes run big (their 4 is the same as a 6 other stores).

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H.M.

answers from Norfolk on

I have the same problem although I am a size 12/14 with a very hourglass figure and short waisted. I find that a lower rise jean/short fits best. Falling just at my belly button I can buy pants that fit my hips without having the 4 inch gap at my waist. Levi's 515 are the best I've found and they make shorts and jeans. Good luck!

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K.H.

answers from Washington DC on

I often have the same problem. I've found the low rise (or super low rise) pants/shorts work great because they sit on your hips rather than up at your waist. The extra bulk in the back that I always had with waist-fitting pants is gone!

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S.M.

answers from Norfolk on

I am the same size and have much the same issue. I have good luck with St Johns Bay from JC Penny. I usually go with stretch jeans and shorts as the hips have a bit of "give".

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E.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Thanks S.. I have really enjoyed reading your responses. I have the same problem and I am so quickly defeated when I shop for pants. I found a pair of jeans at Chicos but they are last year's style so I have been unable to find a second pair. I am similar in size but I have a long waist and low rise pants accentuate that more (not a good choice).

Good luck with your shopping. I hope you are sucessful. I plan to make a list of choices from these responses and keep them on hand for future searches.

Take care,
Liz

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Have you tried hip hugger style pants, like low riders? Then you can just fit to your hips and not worry about your small waist.

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K.M.

answers from Washington DC on

Ann Taylor Loft makes a style of pants called the "Julie" that is supposed to be made for people with your body type. I would go check it out. Since it is the end of summer you might score some good sales. Hope this helps.

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T.J.

answers from Washington DC on

Low rise pants tend to fit your figure better than others.

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S.W.

answers from Washington DC on

I have a friend who has the same situation. After years of struggling, she has found that buy pants are are elastic is the way to go. They make jeans and all kinds of pants that are elastic in the waist. They are out there, but most of them are geared toward the older woman for ease of use, but thankfully even some of those are becoming more fashionable. Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.C.

answers from Washington DC on

You should try BabyPhat or Apple bottoms brands. They sell the BabyPhat line at the base Exchanges so you can get a great deal on them there if you live near a base.

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