Inexpensive pants that fit you perfectly will look better on you than the priciest pair that don't fit well. Fit guidelines:
- Pant hems should touch the top of the shoe at the front and the top of the heel at the back, when you are standing.
- Narrow pant hems should end just below the ankle.
- With your pants done up, crouch. If the pants pull uncomfortably, they're too small.
- Pants that are too tight at the waistband will give you a muffin-top look.
- Pants that slip down your hips are too big. You shouldn't be able to pull off non-stretch pants without undoing the zipper.
- If you can slide your index and middle fingers between your skin and the pant waistband they're probably big enough at the waist.
- If pants reveal a panty-line or body bulges, try on a pair with a more substantial fabric, Lycra content and/or "tummy control".
- Pants that are too tight in the crotch look as bad as pants that 'pouch' there. You should be able to sit comfortably, but pants shouldn't bulge in the crotch when you're seated.
- If you are wide-hipped, buy pants to fit your hips and take in the waistline if necessary.
- If the pants fit well in the hips and thighs but are too wide at the ankle, have the pant legs narrowed. Hips look wider when pants are narrow at the ankle.
- Men's pants often have deeper pockets, great for working in or gardening. If you have a less-defined waist, narrow hips and a flat bottom, try men's jeans.
- If you find pants that fit perfectly without needing alteration, buy more than one pair.
Pictured above: Pants by Joe Fresh Style, as shown on the Elle Canada website.
