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Gail and Belinda: good jeans
Our fashion experts Gail Little and Belinda Alexander advise three readers on that perennial weekend wardrobe staple - jeans
Slim cut for a tall guy
Q: Fashion experts help me! I'm a guy who needs a fashion tip on which kind of jeans are perfect for my figure. Let's just say I'm tall but I have a huge waist, huge butt and huge thighs. Is it slim-type jeans or straight cut or boot cut or what kind of jeans would make me look slim?
A: I would advise you to look at Gap, whose trained staff will help you find the perfect pair of jeans. They select a number of styles and then look at you in them, helping you find a good fit. The other make that is well-cut is Hugo Boss. The secret, and I speak with a little experience having helped a client only last week with heavy thighs, is to go up a size in the waist and then the jeans will not 'grip' the thigh (not a flattering look). With regard to shape, boot cut is always the most flattering; avoid straight as far as I can see it only looks good on model figures! Avoid white jeans too, and go for darker shades. I hope this helps.
Jeans with a high waist
Q: I am only 4ft 10in and over the years have obviously got used to altering my clothes, but the current fashion of low waist/hipster fittings don't fit me at all. Having talked to a number of women (including young ones), I know it is not a popular fashion as not many of us wish to expose tummy flesh and underwear. Other than elastic waist items which I hate, where can I possibly find trousers and skirts that fit on my waist that are not expensive? Also, when will this fashion end?
A: In answer to your question, the good news for most of us is that high-waisted trousers are on the return. The unsightly bare midriffs era is becoming a thing of the past - hopefully forever. Unfortunately your height does mean that you may have to continue altering your clothes but do take a look at Zara (tel: 020 7851 4300) and their teens range. Zara clothes are high fashion and very reasonably priced. Their children's/teens section features a good range of grown-up super separates and you may just find trousers and skirts to fit. Take a look at Gap too (www.gap.com) where you will find a mix of styles and sizes to try. Look out for grown-up petite ranges too. Jaeger (jaeger.co.uk), Next (next.co.uk), wallis (wallis.co.uk) to name but a few are in the high street. A fresh-looking website catering for people of 5'3" and under is www.petiteaffair.co.uk which features all separates including a good range of trousers and skirts. House of Fraser (houseoffraser.co.uk) own brand Linea includes a petite range. Also at House of Fraser look for concession store Phase Eight (phase-eight.co.uk) - a label which tends to cut small and is therefore often perfect for a petite frame.
Jeans with a low waist
Q: I am 5ft 1in tall and size eight. I am having difficulty finding low-waist jeans and trousers as I am very short from armpit to hip. Hipsters sit on my waist instead of hips and petites don’t fit correctly either. Any ideas?
A: It may be worth trying Gap (020 7734 3312). We have advised clients to shop there for jeans and trousers as it offers a good fitting service. It also sometimes pays to buy well-cut jeans such as Armani, which are a little more expensive but often worth it. You can normally find these in local boutiques such as Chestnut in Darlington (01325 481975) and Limeys in Derby (01332 348742). Also, you could go to New Look (0500 454094) for something more cheap and cheerful. If you are happy with mail order, try boden.co.uk. It has a varied range of jeans and trousers at reasonable prices.
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Reader comments
The best fitting jeans I have found anywhere that do actually sit on the waist are from Per Una (M&S) and they do have a good selection of different fittings and colours.
Posted by: Gillian | 19/04/2009 22:13:31
Reply to Pam(30-1-09) J.D.Williams catalogue have some jeans with a "Knitted" waistband, pull-on style - 3 colours, wide legged . I have found them really comfy. Hope this helps, Holly B
Posted by: Holly B | 19/04/2009 13:24:18
I have a daughter who has a disability and she needs elastic waisted jeans for her independence. Her waist is SIGNIFIGANTLY larger than her hips by several inches and it is hard to find jeans or pants that will stay on and not slide down in the back. I don't want to use suspenders or anything else that will look stupid on a fine young lady of nineteen. She loves to wear colors and trendy clothers. Any suggestions?
Posted by: pam | 30/01/2009 14:37:21
I am around 5ft 6/7 slimish, and look in the mens ranges, as i dont have large hips. They fit a lot better than womens, as they have rounded hips.I walk a lot too.
Posted by: Doreen | 26/08/2008 16:36:07
I am 5'4 and I have a highwaist and long legs, I have a big but, and wide hips.what would look good on me?
Posted by: Kris | 23/08/2008 23:25:58
I am high waisted, wear a size 12, 5'9" tall, 150 lbs and I can't find a cut that fits me properly. I have a tummy and my waist is larger than I'd like so if the jeans fit my waist, then I swim in them. Elastic waists just ride up to under my bra and cut me uncomfortably. What would you suggest?
Posted by: cammy | 21/08/2008 19:20:01
