I have found myself sitting in a fitting room among piles of crumpled trousers, a bead of sweat on my brow and a look of utter defeat on my face, one too many times. Finding the perfect pair of trousers is no easy task - and if you’re curvy like me you know that many brands don’t design with our bodies in mind.
If we know anything about shopping for trousers, it’s that one size or shape most definitely does not fit all. At 5’9” and a size UK 18, I accepted long ago that finding clothes that flatter and fit my body can be a bit of a challenge. But I’m here to tell you that through all the fitting room meltdowns and online shopping hauls (I write staring at the pile of overdue returns in my room) there is in fact light at the end of the tunnel…or, at least, a very fabulous pair of trousers. Here are a few of my favourite finds!
For The Perfect Jeans: Good American
If you’re anything like me, you have two to three pairs of reliably fitting trousers that you wear on rotation. The Good American Always Fits Good Legs Straight Jeans has been a key pair in my wardrobe for years. My favourite part of shopping Good American is the 'see it in your size' feature, which will show all e-commerce photos on either a size 0, 8 or 16 model so you get a better idea of what they’ll look like on your body (other retailers, please take note).
www.goodamerican.com
Although they’re a higher price point, I can honestly say these jeans are worth it. Not only do they make my butt and legs look amazing but I’ve worn them on a weekly basis for almost two years now and have no tearing of the fabric between my thighs (if you know, you know).
For Tailored Trousers: ASOS
ASOS has always been ahead of the curve (pun intended) when it comes to inclusive sizing with its petite, tall, plus size and curve ranges offering trend-led pieces in sizes UK 4 to UK 30. Far too often, I feel that curve and plus-sized tailoring fails to accentuate my body and instead leaves me feeling like I’m wearing a potato sack with an elastic waistband.
www.asos.com
The ASOS Design Curve Everyday Slouchy Boy Trousers maintain the cool oversized look I love without making me feel shapeless.
For Innovation: Finesse
I heard about Finesse a little over a year ago when the brand went viral for its technology-driven approach to fashion production. To simplify a very complex process; it uses AI to inform its designs on which the public can then vote on to decide what gets produced. I finally took the plunge and tried it last month when I discovered its sizes go up to a UK 26.
finesse.us
These are the perfect length for wearing with heels and their bold print never fails to get me compliments.
For Trend-Led Trousers: Miaou
When it comes to trousers, why does curvy always equal hi-rise? With bold patterns and lots of low rise, Miaou truly captures the essence of Y2K style with a contemporary twist (think Paris Hilton meets Bella Hadid) in a size range from XXS to 4XL .
The Raven Cargo Trousers hit my hips just right and are my go-to for a night out. Absolutely sliving.