How to Find the Best-Fitting Pants for Older Women
What is the hardest item of clothing to shop for as an older woman? PANTS!
Oh my, how we ladies struggle to find a great fitting pair of pants. Most women give up right there in the store and they settle! Well, no more settling. One thing we ladies over 60 know how to do is say NO!
So here is the pant shopping protocol.
First, interview the pants and then get naked! Got your attention?
Good… now read carefully! If you were going on a date with hopefully a well-dressed gent, what would be the requirements you might have for your prospect?
Let’s pick four things. He’s wearing a belt. He has change in his pockets. His pants aren’t dragging on the floor. His butt isn’t sagging in his cotton khakis.
Oh my, you are particular, aren’t you? If only you were that particular when it came to the choices that actually affect your pants!
Let’s visualize the process of hunting, gathering, finding a dressing room, and then getting naked in the hopes of exiting said dressing room looking like Cate Blanchett in a perfect fitting, traffic-stopping pair of pants!
Guess what – your chances of that happening if you have skipped the all-important interview process are nil, none, and zip! Plus – didn’t your mother ever warn you about getting naked on the first date? So what’s the point?
Let me help you with some “gathering” pointers – I call it the 4-point checklist.
Read more: Fashion for Older Women: Capri Pants for the Summer Months.
#1: Stop Buying Pants with Belts
When was the last time you wore a belt? Ten years ago? Then why are you still buying pants with belts? Put those pants back on the rack! You should buy pants that fit well and that don’t need a belt to adjust the fit anyway.
Brigitte™ Slim Ankle Pants come in several trendy colors and have just the right amount of stretch and an all-around panel to keep you looking slim and tucked.
Read more: 10 Elastic Waist Pants for Older Ladies.
#2: Say No to Side Pockets
Do you have a little extra in the hips? Then why are you still buying pants with side pockets? Note to self… there are no more phone booths so no need for jingling change in your pockets, which translates to no need for pockets. Put those pants back on the rack!
JM Collection Petite Cambridge Stretch Slim-Leg Pants, Created for Macy’s offer a sleek look thanks to a slim silhouette and a touch of stretch.
On the other hand, you may want to add some oomph around your hips with pockets if you have a slim body type. Make sure that the pockets don’t create bulges and also refrain from stuffing a bunch of things in them.
Anne Klein Liberty Stretch High Rise Wide-Leg Pull-On Pants have a sophisticated wide-leg design in a solid hue that pairs with any top in your wardrobe.
#3: Lose the Loose Fabric
Do you find you have a baggy butt in your pants? Then why are you buying pants with bottoms that are 12 inches wide? Do the math… 12 inches, times two sides, equals 24 inches of fabric that actually starts at the hip! No wonder you have a baggy butt!
Look for pants that have an 8 to 10-inch bottom. Go no wider unless you are going for the 70s look. Put those pants back on the rack!
Talbots Hampshire Lined Straight Ankle Pants have Invisiflex Comfort Waist Technology with an invisible elastic back waistband that adjusts to your body.
#4: Kick Out the Khakis
Did I mention khakis? Geez ladies… leave those stiff cotton pants for the guys! They can stand on their own – you don’t even have to be wearing them! You need to be wearing your clothing as opposed to your clothing wearing you!
Opt for Chino’s instead of the bulky khakis. Chino’s are typically made with lightweight cotton and have a similar look to khakis.
Cargo Straight Leg Cropped Pants feature an easy ribbed pull-on waistband and are perfect for everyday wear.
Look for luxury fabrics like Ponte knits, all-season tropical wools, and blended fabrics that include a bit of Lycra for ‘forgiving’ – anything but stiff cotton khakis that look like you are wearing your canvas tote bag. Put those pants back on the rack!
INC INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS Plus Size Skinny Pull-On Ponte Pants, Created for Macy’s
The long and short of it is shopping can be challenging! Don’t make it worse by hunting and gathering for the wrong thing and then dropping your drawers resulting in a huge frustrating waste of time! Plus, now you are naked in the dressing room with not a salesperson in sight. Can you spell waste of time?
Here’s another pointer – shop online before you even start the car! Take your measurements, match them up with the ‘store fits’ before you even step foot in the store.
How to Measure Yourself at Home (Without the Drama)
Before you head to the store or click “buy now,” grab a measuring tape. Knowing your actual measurements makes pant shopping a whole lot easier – especially online, where sizing can vary wildly between brands.
What You’ll Need:
- Soft measuring tape
- Mirror
- Pen and paper (or your phone)
- Maybe a friend to help with tricky spots
The Big Three:
- Waist: Measure at the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above your belly button.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and rear. Keep the tape level.
- Inseam: Measure from your inner thigh down to where you want the pant hem to fall – or measure a favorite pair of pants that already fits well.
Why Bother?
Because your size can change depending on the brand. Knowing your numbers means fewer returns, better fit, and less dressing room drama.
List of Stores with Great Pant Options for Older Women
- Macy’s – Carry Regular, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite
- Talbots – Carry Regular, Petite, Plus, and Plus Petite
- Landsend – Carry Regular, Petite, Tall, Plus, and Plus Petite
- NYDJ – Carry Regular, Petite, and Plus
- LOFT – Carry Regular, Petite, Tall, and Plus
- J Crew – Carry Regular, Petite, and Tall
- Chico’s – Carry Regular, Petite, and Plus
Most stores now carry several different styles to accommodate women’s fabulous figures including petite, plus, long, high rise, low rise, slim, curvy, and extra curvy. You can pre-shop online and then either buy there or call ahead to the store to make sure they have inventory.
Read more: Best Travel Pants for Women Over 50.
Editor’s Note: Article updated by Sixty and Me.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Where have you found the best pants for women our age? Have you had any issues shopping for pants or other types of clothing? What gives you the most trouble? Please join the conversation.
That’s what we have jacket pockets are for, Em! I live in the country and love picking up things on a walk. Anything from rubbish to cones and firewood. But I would never put any of this into my pants pockets. I use my arms and the pockets of an old jacket!
Bridget
There is a trend in the world of girls who are sick and tired of their brothers having pockets while they get none. Girls collect rocks, coins, papers, everything because they are just as active as boys and just as worthy of having clothing to accommodate that glorious fact.
Author Heather Kaczynski woke us up to this in 2018. How is it that your post is still so outdated? Do you think now that women deserve pockets even less than little girls? And that how a woman APPEARS is still paramount to her lifestyle? For shame……
I am overweight and short. I also have COPD and am unable to exercise. I need a slack that is comfortable, but yet good looking. I hate clothes are are tight fitting and show each and every curve and love handles. What would you sugggest?
I have never had a small waist. Straight down with small hips. Menopausal belly bulge, not bad but enough to push me a size up for my hips. So if the waist fits the hips are too big. I thought I was going back to tailoring. I was not a fan of the fake zipper pants but I bought petite Liz claibornes. I love them. At Jc Penney’s.