WIW: The problem boyfriend

Today's boyfriend is a bit of a mess, and I hate him. To be fair, I got these from the thrift store for like $3, so I shouldn't complain at all.

Perhaps I should take these to a tailor for help - but I don't know if they can fix the problem.  It seems like the waistband and the rise aren't working so well with the cut of the legs, and it creates a very bad ploof in the waist area. It's not flattering at all!  I wonder if it can be helped at the tailor, or if I should find a new BF. See my handy pink markups on Pic 2.

In searching for a new BF at lunchtime though, I realized that either I have elephant thighs, or they are making pants in my size with teensy thighs, because out of 5 pairs, I could pull up exactly ZERO of them past my knee. And these are BF cuts in my waist size. Does anyone have a rec for someone who makes boyfriends with roomy thighs? I can't do skinny BFs, straight, or narrow. 

I'm ok with these thighs until shopping day!

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17 Comments

  • Sal replied 10 years ago

    I think you look wonderful in the first photo. The legs look great and the styling is spot on.

    When you lift up the top I can see that the fit is not perfect, however I think the leg length and leg shape are good.

  • rachylou replied 10 years ago

    The ploof to me is not an issue - they're bfs after all. Although, it might make things awkward for tops, the way they fall, etc. But I agree with your pen marks on the cut and shape of the legs, and that would be an easier alteration.

    The other day I went and got a pair of Hue jeggings. I couldn't remember if I do a size S or M. I wear a 4 and S is listed as equal to a 4-6. Talked to a clerk and we were all ready to go with the S when her fellow clerk comes by. My clerk says to her, "You tried these on, right... what size were you? XS?" Let me tell you, this girl was a tiny thing and she said she couldn't get an S on up past her knees sometimes.

    Right o. Me and my clerk turn around and go "Medium."

  • rabbit replied 10 years ago

    The waist area as visible under the shirt looks a little like what happens when I try on lower cut jeans (of whatever style) in my size - I think they just aren't cut for people with thighs or hips.  Although like rachey I think it's not bad with this style.  

    I like the general style on you a lot and agree with your tailoring changes, but would maybe shop for a skinny jean that is tapered and mid-rise, and just size up from your usual-- it could end up being less expensive and maybe fitting better overall with the right one, dunno.

  • Von replied 10 years ago

    Yes, the main problem with the waist poof is that it makes tops look bad - it's not smooth at all.  I just hate rolling cuffs and would love to have them just chopped and tapered.  I realize that I just don't go for these jeans in the winter time, so it's not like I'm losing a good pair of jeans.

    I just wish clothing was more consistent.  I just hate not being able to get into pants legs when I try something that isn't meant to fit slim through the thighs - some of us need that extra leeway!

  • rabbit replied 10 years ago

    I hear you!  The thigh/butt/waist fit is such a luck of the draw thing.

    For me I fit juniors size 11 very well sometimes (as long as they are at least mid-rise).  Women's size 10? Too small.  Size 12?  Too large.  And then I have to find a pair of junior pants with the least amount of bling :p

  • celia replied 10 years ago

    I like the first photo but if you don't feel comfortable ditch the bf.
    Finding jeans is a problem and I do find that they are doing them with narrower and narrower legs.
    Have you tried sizing up in skinny bf? I have well developed tights and this seems to work for me. 

  • rute replied 10 years ago

    Eh eh you did a great job pointing what bothers you! For me Angie gave me a tip that helped me: choose bf's with lower rise.

  • Joyce B replied 10 years ago

    Von, maybe if you try the pants a little bit lower on the hip that might help?
    I think we are used to pulling up the jeans to the waist and that does not seem to work so well with bf jeans.
    I just got some Kut Catherine bfs and they do not gape and the thigh space is roomier than other bfs. Also I am checking out the Silver brand which comes in slight curve and curvy fit as well and is supposed to have nice butt space and roomier thigh space.
    I think your pictures look nice, maybe just try them a little bit lower in the hip.

  • Von replied 10 years ago

    Celia - I would size up, but I find that going more than 2 sizes up is just too much fabric to work with at the waist when having denim tailored.  It leaves too much excess in the front.

    Rute and Joyce, these are close to my typical rise - but they fit strange.  I will try to make it to Nordie's tomorrow to see the Kut's in person.  Since I have "dramatic curves" (also known as a huge butt) if they fit my waist, there is no shimmying them down! I have to buy them with the intention of wearing them where they fall.

    I have felt the same way about these for 2 years, but still I keep them because they're comfy, though ill fitted.

  • dustt replied 10 years ago

    I'm a huge fan of the Gap Sexy boyfriend - they have tons of thigh room (which I also need)  but they run big even for boyfriends and I tend to size down one size to get my preferred fit in the bum ( don't have much of one) - plus they're on sale right now!!! - wooot!!! good luck!!

    http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....=928919002

  • Sarah A replied 10 years ago

    I have this same problem! The jeans "hug" my thighs and move up to the crotch point and then poof out in the zipper area. I can push the waist lower and this helps the poof. Although the back side needs a long cami that stays tucked in that case. the legs could be more tapered in keeping with most common iterations of the BF trend but I am kind of lining BF's with a wider leg currently. I think Denise (Cocolion) got my eye turned onto that look last year and I thinking wider boyfriends work (but might be harder to "pull off" styling wise...)  

  • Kristin L replied 10 years ago

    I think they look great in pic 1. If you like the pants, why not take it to a tailor and see what can be done and about how much it would cost? 

    On a side note - I love your sweater and scarf. It looks like a great relaxed outfit.

  • Kiwichik replied 10 years ago

    To be honest I didn't notice poof/ploof? until you showed the waistband. I think they look fine so long as you don't wear anything too clingy.

  • Suz replied 10 years ago

    You look great in #1 -- gorgeous colours for you. But I hear you on the cut of the jeans. 

    I wonder if there are any curvy cuts of BFs around. It looks to me like it's a partly a case of poor contouring on the rise. 

  • DonnaF replied 10 years ago

    No personal experience, but what about Levi's Supreme Curve or Bold Curve straight leg jeans sized up to boyfriend looseness?  The web site at least always seems to be running sales so I would not pay full price.

    FWIW, I have a smallish torso (no booty) but big thighs and muscular calves.  The Kut Catherines did not work for me as they were too narrow through the legs.  Sizing up would only get me a straight leg look.  For jeans to actually LOOK baggy on me in the legs is almost impossible even if they are actually relatively baggy.

    Other brands I've found with bigger legs are Jag, NYDJ, Gloria Vanderbilt (is that brand still around?), Macy's in-house brand, and Big Star -- but I've only bought straight legs and baby boots.  I haven't really searched for boyfriends as I don't care for the look with the footwear my feet can tolerate.  :(

  • LAR101 replied 10 years ago

    LOVE this pic of you in photo 1.  The colors, the lighting.  I think you look beautiful here.  I'll leave the tailoring advice for others.

  • kkards replied 10 years ago

    Once got past how great you look in pink, I focused on the jeans. I really like them. That being said, I think a tailor could easily reshape these as you have drawn, but I would start by just taking in the waist.

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