How to fit pants when your hip and waist have different sizes

A challenge many women experience is finding pants that fit perfectly when your hip and waist are drastically different sizes.

There are a few approaches you can take.

First, is having your pants tailored. This is certainly a great option for pants you already own (or those without elastic waistband). When buying new pants it’s usually best to buy pants that fit the widest part. That way you can ask your tailor to fit the part that is too loose.

A second option (and the one which this post is centered on) is opting for pants with an elastic waistband or elastic fabric.

See also our articles on the best pants to hide a belly and tummy control jeans.

Don’t automatically think that an elastic waistband means severely limiting your styling options or that you have to settle for a pair of very, very unflattering pants. Today we will show you the extensive options you have when it comes to selecting pants with elastic waistbands that create flattering and chic looks. From on-trend cropped jeans to wide leg black trousers, most every kind of pant you can imagine comes in elastic waistband styles.

Choosing the right pants means you no longer have to sacrifice style for comfort and function and it means you may be able to find a good fit without having to visit a tailor.

Some quick guidelines to keep in mind:

• Keep your body shape in mind when dressing.
• If you pick a dressy pair of pants that has a drawstring, it might be best to select a longer top to keep your look office appropriate.
• Keep the style rule in mind that it’s usually best to combine a lose fit with a tighter or more tailored top. If your pants have a tighter fit a wider top may look better. Treat these pants the same way you would any other style. They might be more comfortable and fit better, however, you should still strive to style them appropriately.

Dressy pants

As mentioned above, there are a number of great elastic waistband options. Typically, if you are going for a dressier option in this style you should aim for pants that do not have those scrunchy type of hems. These can be a challenge when going for an office-appropriate look, and can be more appropriate for casual or after-work hours looks.

• P.A.R.O.S.H. pink trousers
• Equipment wide leg silk trousers
• MM6 by Maison Margiela slim leg pants
• Jill Sander navy pants
• Phase Eight printed trousers
• 3.1 Phillip Lim white pants
• Phase Eight print trousers
• DKNY satin trimmed crepe pants
• Lygia & Nanny straight leg pants
• Chesca pink chiffon trousers

Casual pants

There are also a number of casual options with elastic waistbands. Some styles even create very flat waistband looks that almost appear to be button closure pants.

• Theory straight leg cargo pants
• M.I.H. skinny jeans 
• True Religion stretch waistband flared jeans
• SEA tapered jeans
• Kenzo cropped jeans
• MM6 Maison Margiela gray jeans
• Lucio Vanotti palazzo pants
• Madewell casual pants
• Max Studio drawstring linen pants
• Uniqlo wide leg ankle jeans
• Helmut Lang skinny jeans

Here are three ways to wear elastic waistband pants in a way that looks absolutely chic and current

To the office

• Theory crepe blazer
• Hobbs pink sleeveless blouse
• Shoes of Prey pointed toe floral pumps
• Diane von Furstenberg nude tote bag

To an evening out

• Adam Lippes tie-neck satin silk blouse
• BP. black dress sandals
• BCBG Max Azria crystal satin clutch

To a day spent in the park

• Proenza Shouler denim jacket
• Majestic linen t-shirt
• Tory Burch flip-flops
• Cambridge Satchel yellow saddle bag

Bonus: The jumpsuit alternative

Another approach you can take is the jumpsuit, which creates a complete look (which you can take a step further by adding a jacket or vest).

See also our article on the best jumpsuits for women.

Select jumpsuits that have elastic waists, drawstrings, and/or belts for loosening or cinching the waist. This allows you to have a customized fit at the waist without having to sacrifice a significant amount of a good fit for your bottom half.

• Iris and Ink jumpsuit
• T by Alexander Wang
• Enza Costa jumpsuit
• Iris and Ink crepe de chine jumpsuit
• Splendid voile jumpsuit
• M Missoni crepe jumpsuit

What are some your biggest challenges when it comes to dressing your body shape? What is your go-to style trick?

Feature image by Sandra

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