Finding the pair of perfect pants can feel like an endless and frustrating quest. Should they be high-waisted or low-rise? Bootcut, straight leg, skinny, or something else? And don’t even get me started on rise, inseam, and other confusing sizing terminology!
But what if I told you the search could be over in just 5 minutes? You heard that right – with this simple guide, you’ll have the knowledge and tools to efficiently find your ideal pants every time you shop. No more guessing, stressing, or settling. Just a streamlined process for pants perfection!
Step 1: Identify Your Body Type
The first step is determining your body type. This gives you a starting point to narrow down silhouettes, rises, and other elements that will complement your shape. Here are the most common body types and their typical pants matches:
Hourglass
- Balanced hips and shoulders, defined waist
- Look for: Curvy and contoured styles like bootcut, wide leg, and flares. Medium to high rises. Stretch fabrics.
Pear
- Fuller hips, narrower shoulders and bust
- Look for: Straight leg, wide leg, and bootcut to balance top and bottom. Medium to high rises to define waist. Avoid skinny fits.
Rectangle
- Straight figure, waist not clearly defined
- Look for: Medium to high rise pants to create a waistline. Bootcut, flares, and wide legs to add curves. Avoid skinny.
Apple
- Fuller midsection, narrow shoulders and legs
- Look for: Mid to high rise to camouflage midsection. Straight, bootcut, and relaxed fits to balance body. Dark washes and thick fabrics.
Got your shape down? Great, you’ve completed the first step! Time to move on to step 2.
Step 2: Identify Your Rise
Rise is one of the most important factors for achieving the perfect fit. It refers to the measurement between the crotch seam and waistband. Choose a rise based on your body type and where you carry weight:
- Low rise: 2-4 inches. Best for hourglass shapes and those who carry weight in hips and butt.
- Mid rise: 5-7 inches. Most versatile and flattering for most body types.
- High rise: 8+ inches. Ideal for apple shapes or those with longer torsos. Creates defined waist.
A quick tip – when trying on pants, make sure you can fit two fingers between your belly button and the waistband. If not, size up or try a higher rise!
Step 3: Pick Your Perfect Pants
With your rise identified, it’s time to select the ideal silhouette for your body. Consider these common pant legs:
- Straight: Falls straight from hip to hem. Flattering for most body types.
- Bootcut: Fitted through hip and thigh, subtly flares at knee. Balances curvy shapes.
- Wide leg: Loosen, wide fit from hip to hem. Flatters pear and rectangle shapes.
- Skinny: Hugging, tapered fit from hip to ankle. For straight up-and-down figures.
- Flare: Fitted at hip, dramatically flares at knee. Great for pear and hourglass shapes.
Mix up silhouettes in your wardrobe – straight leg and skinny for casual looks, bootcut and wide leg for workwear. Play around and see what flatters you best!
Step 4: Mind the Fabric
Fabric impacts both fit and function. Consider:
- Stretch: Allows movement and accommodates curves. Look for spandex and lycra blends.
- Denim: The classic, rugged, durable pant material. Stiff at first but softens over time.
- Chino: Lightweight cotton with a matte finish. Tailored look, more breathable than denim.
- Linen: Light, breathable, and relaxed. Best for warm weather but wrinkles easily.
- Cotton: Natural fiber that gets softer with wear. Choose for casual everyday wear.
- Wool: Warmth in winter without bulk. Naturally resists wrinkles.
Combine these tips with your rise, silhouette, and fit preferences to select the best fabric for any occasion.
Step 5: Know Your Measurements
Accurate sizing is the final piece to a perfect fit. Take these key measurements:
- Waist: Measure around your natural waistline, just above your belly button.
- Hips: Stand with feet together and measure the widest part of your hips and butt.
- Inseam: Measure from your crotch to the floor barefoot.
| Measurement | Size Chart |
|---|---|
| Waist | 00: 22-24′′ 0: 25-27′′ 2: 28-30′′ 4: 31-33′′ 6: 34-36′′ 8: 37-39′′ 10: 40-42′′ 12: 43-45′′ |
| Hips | 00: 32-34′′ 0: 35-37′′ 2: 38-40′′ 4: 41-43′′ 6: 44-46′′ 8: 47-49′′ 10: 50-52′′ 12: 53-55′′ |
| Inseam | Short: < 30′′ Regular: 30-32′′ Long: > 34′′ |
With accurate sizing, you can confidently order pants online or grab them off the rack. No more guessing games required!
And there you have it – find your perfect fit in 5 simple steps. Knowing your body type, preferred rise, silhouette, fabrics, and exact measurements are the keys to pants success. Follow this guide, and you’ll eliminate the endless cycles of frustration and disappointment.
Instead, you’ll feel comfortable, confident, and put together in pants that were made for your body. And that’s a fashion win in my book! So try these tips the next time your legs are calling for some fab new pants. Happy shopping!
