Only coming into fashion for women during World War 1 for work purposes, pants are now acceptable apparel for everyday. This is one of the most abused pieces of clothing around. To paraphrase Johnny Corcoran, “if the pants don’t fit, the wearer should quit (wearing them)!”
How many times have you watched a women walk by stuffed in pants too tight or ill fitting to be on the street? Well let me tell my sisters of all sizes. Just because a designer or manufacturer makes something in your size it does not mean its appropriate for your body type. Pants can be tricky. They have to fit at the waist. No gaping in the back. We do not need to see your Victoria Secret thongs. If you are lucky enough to have large hips and a small waist, buy the pants to fit the hips but invest in a little tailoring to customize them to fit you.
This raises another area that needs careful attention. Too short a rise will create the deeded muffin tops. Good for Sara Lee, but bad on any size female. Too long a rise will be uncomfortable and give you the old lady look. The thigh area is one place where fitting can make or break a pair of pants.
Heavy thighs should not be stuffed into the skinny pants and skinny thighs need less material so as not look as if they are lost in them. Each year fashion designers will tell you what the “in” thing is, but women who dress well, will go with what is their best look. Also the type of shoe can dictate what your pants length should be.
There are pants in all lengths, including shorts. We should burn the short shorts, but most women can wear some type, if the length is appropeiate for their size and age. Capris and cropped pants are not good for short, full figured women. They cut the legs off and make them look dumpy.
A good pair of pants can make or break an outfit. They can also make for a long day if they don’t fit well. Don’t do the crime of buying pants that make you look and feel bad. Clothes should be an extension of your personality and not a billboard letting the world know that you should have checked the mirror before you left home!
