What can you wear if you can't wear slim-fit trousers? I have short legs with bulky thighs and, skinny fit jeans do hate me absolutely. In fact with Skinny Fits, I can't even slip my legs through all the way, so my quest ends in the changing room - or I should really know at a glance. So that's fine. My problem is often with a pair of Slim fits - slightly wider than a skinny fit.
How many times have I been deceived by those magic mirrors in the shops? I'd come home and try them on again... A man in my bedroom mirror standing on two pieces of carrots staring back at me. Before he starts to stamp his feet and swears "That bloody magic mirror is evil!" I would take the trousers off as quickly as I could and shove them right at the bottom of the drawer, never seeing them again.
I should return them, I know...instead of preserving them for 2 years before donating them to a charity shop.
Did You Know?
- Market Share: Skinny jeans have consistently held approximately 20-30% of the jeans market segment over the past decade.
- Demographic Preferences: Around 60% of millennials and Gen Z consumers have owned or regularly worn skinny jeans in the past year.
- Sales Growth: In the early 2010s, sales of skinny jeans saw a surge of about 40% year-over-year, solidifying their place in fashion.
- Gender Preferences: Approximately 70% of women between 18-34 years old prefer skinny jeans over other styles for their versatility and fit.
- Return Rates: Online purchases of skinny jeans have a return rate of about 25%, often due to issues with fit.
- Sustainability Concerns: Around 30% of consumers are now more concerned about the environmental impact of producing skinny jeans, seeking sustainable options.
- Comfort Factor: With the rise of athleisure, nearly 50% of consumers report prioritizing comfort over style, impacting the popularity of skinny jeans.
If You Can't Wear Skinny Fit...
Finding the right pair of jeans or trousers that make you feel comfortable and stylish can sometimes feel like a mission, especially if skinny jeans aren't your best friend.
So if you're like me and skinny-fit jeans/trousers make your legs look like carrots, what's your alternative? There are plenty of other styles out there that can make you look and feel great. Let's think about some options that could work wonders for you.
Ridicurrection
NO! Not a single one! They've all shrunk in the wash, I swear it! This is a conspiracy! A skinny jean conspiracy against full-figured fellows like myself!
Look at them! Taunting me! Those orange abominations clinging to my... my...CARROTS! I have legs shaped like overripe carrots! And those darn skinny jeans promised me a sleek, European look! European carrots!
This is it! Back to the comfy cave! No more trying to impress the fashionistas with my fictional slim figure! From now on, it's sweatpants and sensible shoes until the world appreciates the beauty of a full-bodied carrot leg!
Straight-Leg Jeans
Straight-leg jeans are like the cool, laid-back cousin of skinny jeans. They give you that snug fit around the hips and waist but offer more room down the leg. This means they're not clinging to your legs too tightly, which is a plus, right?
- Comfortable fit: They don't squeeze your legs, making them comfy to wear all day.
- Versatile style: You can dress them up with a nice shirt or keep it casual with a t-shirt.
- Timeless appeal: They never really go out of fashion, which is great for your wardrobe (and wallet!).
Straight-leg jeans work for pretty much any occasion, making them a solid choice for your closet.
Did You Know?
- Retail Expansion: Over 80% of denim retailers offer skinny jeans as a staple product, indicating their enduring popularity.
- Fabric Innovation: Approximately 40% of new skinny jeans lines introduced in the last five years feature stretch fabric for better comfort.
- Celebrity Influence: Celebrity endorsements and sightings in skinny jeans can spike search interest and sales by up to 50% within a month.
- Social Media Impact: Posts featuring skinny jeans generate approximately 20% more engagement on fashion-related social media accounts than other denim styles.
- Price Range: Skinny jeans can vary widely in price, from $20 to over $200, catering to a broad market spectrum.
- Cultural Shifts: The popularity of skinny jeans fluctuates with cultural trends, experiencing a resurgence every 5 to 10 years.
- Consumer Loyalty: About 55% of skinny jeans buyers are repeat customers, demonstrating strong brand loyalty within this product category.
Bootcut Jeans
Bootcut jeans have this cool flare from the knee downwards, which can balance out wider thighs and hips. It's a subtle flare, nothing too dramatic, but it does wonders for creating a more proportionate silhouette. Plus, they're perfect for wearing with, you guessed it, boots!
- Flattering for all: The slight flare at the bottom helps balance your overall shape.
- Great with footwear: They look awesome with boots or any shoes with a bit of a heel.
- Comfort is key: More room through the leg means you're comfy whether you're sitting, standing, or moving around.
They're flattering, comfortable, and easy to style.....who am I kidding? Bootcuts are even worse on short, fat legs. Carrots? Butternut squash.
Ridicurrection
"Eddie, honey, don't listen to them... some jerk at the gym called you 'thunder thighs'? Ugh, men can be so cruel. They just don't get it! Your legs, they're... strong, like tree trunks!
And when you wear those shorts, it's so...secure, you know? Like I can just melt right into you. Forget skinny jeans, those are for twigs! You're a bear, Eddie, a beautiful, cuddly bear. Don't let anyone tell you fat."
Wide-Leg Pants
Wide-leg pants are all about making a statement while keeping comfort front and center. They're airy, breezy, and give your legs all the freedom in the world. If you're looking for something different from the usual jeans routine, wide-leg pants could be your new best friend.
- Super comfortable: They offer plenty of room, making them perfect for warmer days.
- Stylish and chic: Wide-leg pants have a way of making an outfit look put together without much effort.
- Versatile for any body type: They can flatter a variety of shapes and sizes, making them universally appealing.
Wide-leg pants are hugely versatile, and you can find them in a variety of fabrics and colors to suit any taste.
But do you really think wide-leg pant are for you? Anything with baggy cuffs can make your feet small and unbalanced.
Did You Know?
- Size Inclusivity: Nearly 60% of brands now offer skinny jeans in a broader range of sizes than five years ago, aiming for inclusivity.
- Impact of Remote Work: The shift towards remote work has led to a 30% increase in the purchase of more comfortable, flexible denim styles over traditional skinny jeans.
- Second-hand Market: The resale market for high-quality skinny jeans has grown by 25% in the past year, highlighting a push for sustainability.
- Influence of TikTok: TikTok fashion trends have influenced a 15% uptick in sales of skinny jeans among teens and young adults in the past year.
- Seasonal Variations: Sales of skinny jeans typically increase by up to 20% in autumn and winter months, attributed to their layering capabilities.
- Innovation and Tech: About 10% of new skinny jeans on the market feature technology like moisture-wicking and thermal regulation, appealing to active lifestyles.
Relaxed Fit Jeans
Relaxed fit jeans are exactly what they sound like: relaxed. They're not trying to be anything they're not. These jeans are all about giving you space to move without being baggy. They're like the happy medium between straight-leg and wide-leg pants.
- Easy to wear: No fussing with tight fits here. Just slip them on, and you're good to go.
- Laid-back style: They have a casual vibe that's perfect for everyday wear.
- Roomy but not oversized: You get the comfort without sacrificing a tidy look.
Relaxed fit jeans are for those days when you want to keep things simple but still look put together.
Chinos
Chinos are a fantastic choice for those days when skinny jeans just aren't working out. They are great for any casual to smart-casual environment. They're made from a lightweight cotton blend, making them super comfortable for all-day wear. Plus, they come in a variety of colors, so you can easily find a pair that suits your style. Here's why chinos could become your go-to:
- Versatility: You can dress them up with a button-down shirt for a semi-formal look or keep it casual with a t-shirt.
- Comfort: Their relaxed fit is perfect for moving around without feeling restricted.
- Style Options: Available in slim, straight, and relaxed fits, there's a style for everyone.
Chinos offer that perfect middle ground, giving you the freedom to express your style in comfort.
Formal Trousers
Formal trousers are (not surprisingly) best when made to measure. I've rarely ever encountered a pair of trousers off the shelf that fit me perfectly. Of course, everyone has a different shape and theoretically, it is impossible to find the perfect pair that fits your hip size, seating measurement, and inseam length.
They're not just for office wear; you can mix and match them with casual pieces for a modern twist. Formal trousers provide a clean, sharp silhouette that can flatter any body type. Here's what makes them stand out:
- Elegance: They instantly make any outfit look more polished and put-together.
- Flexibility: Pair them with sneakers and a graphic tee for a relaxed vibe, or go all out with a blazer for special occasions.
- Variety: From wide-leg designs to straight cuts, there's a wide range of styles to choose from.
Isn't it great to have options that blend comfort with style? Formal trousers definitely tick those boxes.
Cargo Trousers
"You're not on a safari, and you're not carrying anything in your side pockets. So why wear them? Cargos are so 15 years ago, no good except for when you go exploring wildlife".
However, the side pockets disguise your leg shape very well. Extra pockets are certainly practical and, they can be worn with either trainers and a T-shirt, or leather shoes with a buttoned shirt. Baggy ones should be avoided though - they really are 15+ years old. Cargos should be straight-fit.
With that said, known for their practicality and comfort, cargos are a great alternative if you're looking for something different from the usual denim. Why consider cargo trousers?
- Storage: Those extra pockets aren’t just for show; they're handy for carrying your essentials.
- Durability: Cargos are typically made from robust materials, perfect for everyday wear.
- Styling: They can be styled with just about anything, from hoodies to button-ups, making them a versatile addition to your wardrobe.
Cargo trousers are an easy way to add a bit of edge to your outfits while keeping things practical and comfy.
Joggers (Tracksuits)
Joggers have come a long way from their gym-only days. Now, they're a staple in casual fashion, offering unmatched comfort and a streetwear vibe. Here’s why joggers might just be your new best friend:
- Ultimate Comfort: Made from soft, stretchy materials, joggers are like wearing a hug.
- Style Points: Modern joggers come in various styles and fabrics, some even suitable for smart-casual looks.
- Ease of Wear: The elastic waistband and cuffs mean they fit well, regardless of body shape.
I think they're really for younger guys, don't you? I do wear them for running in the middle of winter, and I actually wear a slimmer style, especially around calves, and tapered at the ankles. Otherwise flappy when jogging. Can be worn with anything including loafers, leather shoes, a leather jacket, or a blazer, but very difficult for a mature man to pull them off without looking chavvy.
What If Superheroes Had Bulky Legs?
A superhero, one you wouldn’t expect, has thick, fat legs wouldn't fit the usual superhero mold, right? Not scaling buildings in a single bound, but perhaps smoking cigarettes in the corner, contemplating their next move.
But here's the thing: credibility as a superhero is their heart, courage, and the drive - maybe they have other skills that come in handy. Intelligence, empathy, strategic thinking... The qualities that don't require slim legs but are just as essential for fighting villains.
They're probably plotting how to outsmart the villain in a way that doesn't require a high-speed chase. What a cheap metaphor. What I wanted to say is, we come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s our actions, not our appearance, that truly matter. And that’s something to think about, right?
Skinny Jeans Don't Fit Your Fat Legs, So What?
If you've ever felt like skinny jeans are the enemy of anyone who doesn't have legs like a pair of chopsticks, why? Your legs don't slip into skinny jeans like hands into gloves. So what? This doesn't mean you're destined for a life of sartorial shame. It means you have the opportunity to find styles that actually suit you and don't cut off your circulation. And clothes should fit you, not the other way around.
Ridicurrection
"Man, I know, I know, skinny jeans on a guy with full calves right? But these bad boys are workin' for me! See, these tears? Strategic rips, fashion statements, baby! Hide the bulk, create some breathing room, and hey, who knows, maybe even a little peek of my killer ink?
Confidence, my friend. This is a man's world but it wouldn't be nothing! Nothing, not one little thing! Without a gay man with fat legs."
One good thing about having a chunky set of legs is you look good with short pants/trousers. All my life I've wished I'd had skinnier legs but I actually look ok with shorts. My husband has fantastically skinny legs, great with skinny trousers and winklepickers. He doesn't like wearing shorts looking like a pair of twigs sticking out. I can't say I disagree.
Let's put it this way, you can't have everything you want. I just have to stick to regular fit trousers, forget any other.
I prefer chinos on a man over skinny jeans anyway. Chinos are classic looking, yet still always modern. My husband loves Chinos and Levis Regular Fit Jeans. He likes fabrics that breathe and that are lighter and definitely not clingy. We live in the desert of Southern California so clingy can get very uncomfortable in hot temps.
Great site. Very helpful information.
Gina
Hi Gina, thanks for your comment. Yes in a hot weather if I had to wear a full-length I’d go for chinos or cargo with thin material. Southern California – I’d love to live there by the way, thanks for stopping by.