How to find the best pants for your body type
Of all clothing items, why is it shopping for pants feels like the hardest? Ugh. Between finding the right size to fit your body and the right style to fit your personality, it can sometimes feel like an all-day job to get a pair of plus size pants that are “good enough” to buy. Wouldn’t it be great if those pants actually made you smile, too? At Lands’ End, we believe that “good enough” just isn’t, well, good enough. That’s why we go out of our way to offer a variety of pants for a variety of plus size bodies in all shapes and sizes. Keep reading for a few frequently asked questions that will help you find the right pants for your body type and never settle for “good enough” again.
Are all plus size pants created equal?
Of course not. Thankfully, there’s a lot of variety for plus size pants when it comes to cuts, fits, styles and rises. The con of having so many options? Finding your perfect fit can take longer than expected. Knowing your body shape and what styles and cuts generally work best for it can give you a leg up when it comes to narrowing down your options.
How can I know what plus size pants will look best on me?
Identifying your personal body shape is a great place to start when you’re trying to determine what style of clothing is right for you. What pants work on a pear or hourglass figure may not work for an apple and vice versa. The objective of shopping to your body shape is to make the clothes work for you by enhancing the assets you love about your body and accomplishing a comfortable fit.
What plus size pant styles look best on a pear shape?
If you have a pear shaped body, you may opt to create a look that helps accentuate and elongate your legs. A straight-legged pant that is looser through the thighs gives the illusion of longer legs by creating a straight line from hip to ankle. Additionally, a pull-on plus size pant with stretch may offer more comfort and versatility for those long days where you just don’t have time to feel uncomfortable.
What plus size pant styles work best for an hourglass figure?
Like pears, straight-legged pants are always a good choice for a full-figured hourglass. Since an hourglass woman (and pear alike) has wider hips in general wearing pants that go all the way to the ankle – or beyond – is the best way to give the illusion of longer legs.
What plus size pant style looks best on an apple shape?
Apple shaped women may be interested in accentuating curves. Do this by wearing smooth, hip hugging slim leg pants that are fitted from the waist to the ankle paired with a flowy tunic top or chic belted cardigan that can help define your waistline. Plus size high-waisted straight leg jeans are also a great choice for an apple woman looking to balance out proportions and create an hourglass shape.
Are plus size pants available in petite?
Contrary to what you think you know, petite vs. tall actually refers to the measurement of your inseam (the inside of your leg) and not the number in your waistband. Generally speaking petite pants have an inseam measurement of 23-31. At landsend.com you can find a variety of women’s plus size petite pants in various cuts and styles because we think making clothes for everybody regardless of weight or height (or shape) is the only sensible thing to do.
Do bright colors and patterns work well for plus size pants?
Absolutely nothing is off limits for plus size pants. Grab your favorite style of jeans in every fun color and pattern you desire. As long as you feel expressive in your personality and style, you're rocking it! If you’re going to wear a vibrant pattern on bottom you may opt pair it with a classic solid dark color like black or dark gray to even out your look, but mixing patterns can also be a fun way to stand out.
Don’t waste another minute stressing over what plus size pants are going to be “good enough.” Brush up on dressing your best self this season and never settle when shopping again.