It’s Official: These Are the Best Trousers According to Style Experts
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@laurapithariusYorkshire-born, London-based designer Laura Pitharas founded her sustainable luxury womenswear label in 2021 after studying menswear tailoring at London College of Fashion.
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@laurapitharas
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@bubblyaquariusMost "tall" sections cater to women who are 5'7" and over, but influencer Rachael Keegan knows how to find trousers if you're taller than this. "Standing tall at 5'11", I’m always on the lookout for good trouser options that work for us tall girls."
Her first tip echos Pitharas—know your measurements. "It helps to know your inseam," says Keegan. "When shopping online for trousers, I automatically know that anything shorter than 30" won’t be long enough for me, so just be sure to always scan the product fit details section before adding to basket."
In the debate between online and in-store shopping, Keegan sits on team bricks and mortar. "I generally prefer to shop in person for trousers, however I can recommend a few brands that I usually rely on to provide a good leg length if you do want to shop online," she says.
"Arket, Cos and & Other Stories all generally fit me well, and I love that M&S offers petite, regular and long lengths in a lot of its trousers. Sézane trousers are usually made with longer legs, so I'm a big fan of them, too. Me+Em trousers usually have a thick hem, so you’re able to take them down if you’re on the taller side, which is a great hack."
"These are such a classic tailored pair, and it says in the description that they're shown on a 5'10" model, so I know they'll be a good ankle-grazing length on me."
"I love the flattering stripe of these Me+Em trousers. They also have a thick hem that can be let down if you need them to be longer."
"I got some beige loose tailored trousers from Cos last year that are my absolute favourites. They also practically touch the floor (unheard of for us tall girls). These ones look like this season's version."
"You can always rely on Sézane for a long length in trousers, and these are such a classic style and shape that they'll see you through season after season."
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@monikhAt 5'1", Monikh Dale is an expert at finding pieces that work for her petite frame. Her top tip? It's all about knowing your proportions. "I always say that petite girls can do any trend or style—it’s just about getting the right proportions for your shape. If you love something, there's always a way with clever tailoring or styling," she says.
Another hack for getting the right fit is to learn the basics of alterations, or have a great tailor on speed dial. "For tailoring, I often alter myself, but if it’s something a little more complicated or delicate, I’ll take them to Scobies in Wandsworth, London. I’ve worked with [owner] Diana for years now, and she knows exactly how I like things to sit and feel."
"I recently had a pair like this altered, taking them in on the waist so they sit higher. Then I got them taken up slightly at the bottom, still keeping a little length so they would puddle at my shoes."
"Cargo pants are a huge trend this season, and a pair like this with elastic bottoms is great. Pull the cord tight and roll the bottom under until they're the best length for you."
"An elasticated waist is also an easy tailoring option. I tend to do an easy side seam on these so I can unpick at a later date if needed. As they are slightly tapered at the ankle, make that seam more exaggerated, so that when the trousers puddle, the hem stays tighter to your foot and the trousers will then sit on your shoe rather than dragging on the floor."
"With jeans, I would go for good quality, slightly rigid denim that will hold its shape so you can do a simple roll hem. Keep it large."
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@styleidealist"In a world that seems tailored to straight up-and-down-type figures, it can be hard to find the right trousers when you're curvy with a smaller waist and bigger thighs," says Karina Marriott.
When it comes to choosing the perfect pair, Marriott is the queen of helpful try-on IG Reels to suggest styles to other women with curves. "I mean, I love a wide-leg, cropped culotte as much as the next person. But, as Peggy Lee once sang, Is that all there is? If you've ever struggled with waist gaping or fabric bunching in the crotch area (a personal re-occurring nightmare of mine) then my advice is to look for trousers that are elasticated at the back to avoid this."
"My obsession with Australian brands has reached a new level since trying Dissh. I’m really impressed with the quality of the pieces and think it makes great basics and capsule pieces for an all-season wardrobe. The Norah linen trousers are a personal favourite of mine —they’re true to size and have such an amazing fit without needing any tailoring."
"The tailoring of River Island trousers i truly unmatched if you have a smaller waist with bigger hips and bottom. With plenty of room across the widest part of my hips and an elasticated waist (zero gaping), these are a winner for me."
"I know what you’re thinking—Zara for curves? Really? I'm here to tell you that the linen palazzo trousers are a super-soft, comfortable and flowy linen that fit my curves perfectly. They have a drawstring waist and even come up slightly oversized, making them a cool summer option for work, a lunch date or an evening event."
"If you like your jeans high-waisted and struggle to find a good fit for your curves, Everlane Way-High jeans are incredible. They come in a curve range specifically catered to women with a smaller waist and bigger hips and bottom—jackpot."
Pitharas says, "Our hipster trouser are a more relaxed but still tailored fit. They sit on the hips and feature pleated fronts, which are known for creating more space for comfort and extend the look of the leg."
"Our wide-leg high-waisted trousers are the best fit for many different shapes, sizes and heights. The style is particularly good for women who are curvy as it highlights the waist and drapes nicely into a wide-leg silhouette, which is incredibly flattering as it makes the legs look longer. We've made them long in length to allow taller woman to be able to purchase them, and we leave a 5cm hem for even further amendments to increase the length if needs be, with the possibility to shorten them, too."
"Our tailored cigarette shape sits on the mid-waist and features a hem-split detail at the centre-back hem and slanted pockets at the front, which tend to be more flattering than side pockets. Cigarette-style trousers are complimentary on women who are more straight-up-and-down, as the narrowing shape towards the hem of the leg creates an illusion of curve. Cigarette trousers tend to finish around the ankle."