Friday, November 28, 2008

How to choose a great pair of pants

By Tessa W. Adachi

All women are always on the lookout for a flattering pair of pants. Pants which are too tight only emphasize your flaws, making a crease and unwelcome bulges. The zipper may be strained and open slightly, making the wearer appear overweight. The perfect pair of pants is one which will cover up flaws and give the wearer a flattering silhouette. We all want to look good and a big part of that is getting the right fit in our clothing.

Take your measurements before you purchase pants. This gives a basic idea of the size that you should buy. Use the chart to find the exact size. Centimetres and inches are provided to assist you when shopping online.

Size | Waist | Hips
10 (S) | 70cm (27 inches) | 97cm (38 inches)
12 (S) | 75cm (29 inches) | 102cm (40 inches)
14 (M) | 80cm (31 inches) | 107cm (42 inches)
16 (M) | 85cm (33 inches) | 112cm (44 inches)
18 (L) | 90cm (35 inches) | 117cm (46 inches)
20 (L) | 95cm (37 inches) | 122 cm (48inches)
22 (XL) | 100cm (39 inches) | 127 cm (50 inches)
24 (XL) | 105 cm (41 inches) | 132 cm (52 inches)
26 (2XL) | 110 cm (43 inches) | 137 cm (54 inches)
28 (2XL) | 115 cm (45 inches) | 142 cm (56 inches)
30 (3XL) | 120 cm (47 inches) | 147 cm (58 inches)

When using the chart, go with the larger measurement of your hips or waist to determine the size to look for. If you have a 95 centimetre waist and 127 centimetre hips, then a size 22 is what you should be looking for. Even if the pants fit around your waist just fine, if they don't give you a proper fit around the hips, they're not going to work.

You should always measure your hips at their widest point. For example, if the tops of your thighs are wider than your hips, then you'll want to measure yourself there to make sure you get a good fit. Remember that some companies will have their own proprietary sizing charts; in these cases, use their measurements to find your size instead.

The next step is to take a measurement of your inseam. Your pant legs should be long enough to touch the top of your shoe, but not so long that you will step on them. If you have an inseam of less than 29 inches (75 centimetres), then petite sizes are where you should be searching. If you have an inseam which is longer, then regular sizes are for you - you can always have them re-hemmed if needed. If you have an inseam which is longer than 32 inches (82 centimetres), then tall sizes are what you need.

A gathered waist emphasizes weight so stick with straight pants to disguise a large hip and waist but use a longer jacket length to hide it. In an effort to hide their extra weight, some women select baggy or loose fitting pants. These actually make the person wearing them look larger. Short-legged women can use tiny vertical stripes to make their legs look longer and give the illusion of height. A wide belled bottom actually is best for the longer legged woman.

By taking accurate measurements, you'll make the process of finding the perfect pants much easier. Take your measurements honestly; these are only for you to see remember - this will ensure a better fit which will flatter your figure and help you to look your best. - 15634

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