A pair of pants can be your friend’s favourite and still spend most of the day annoying you. Maybe the waist is loose while the hips feel snug. Maybe the waistband lands exactly where you don’t want it. Or the hem has ambitions to mop the floor.
Your proportions help explain why. Knowing where you like room, where you enjoy a closer fit and how you want the fabric to fall makes choosing a pair a little easier.
Here’s what to look for in wide-leg pants, leggings and flares, with a few HUMBL HER pieces in mind.
If you have fuller hips or thighs
Start with how you like clothes to feel through that area. If you enjoy some space around your legs, a relaxed wide leg is worth trying.
Our SERENE Wide Leg Pants have a high-rise waist and a relaxed leg. They give you a looser outline through the leg, which you can pair with a fitted top if you like showing the waist, or a loose shirt for more room all over.
If you enjoy a closer fit, leggings follow the shape of your legs, while flares add width towards the hem. Remember that a flare still fits closely through the upper leg; most of its extra room is lower down.
A smaller waist and fuller hips make both measurements especially useful. If a pair feels snug at the hips but gaps at the waist, going down a size may tighten the hips further. Another cut may sit better.
If your waist and hips are closer in proportion
Think about the outline you’d like your outfit to have. Wide legs add volume through the lower half, leggings keep the line close, and flares bring width around the hem.
The BLOOM Flare Leggings are a good pair to explore if you enjoy a fitted shape through the hips and thighs with a wider finish below. They have a high-rise waistband, soft stretch fabric and a sculpting fit.
Choose your usual size. If you’re between sizes and prefer a more relaxed feel, choose the next size up.
For styling, try a fitted top with a wide leg, or a loose shirt with leggings. Both change the proportions of the outfit without needing a different pair of pants.
If comfort around your middle comes first
Pay attention to where the waistband rests. A high rise may feel comfortable if you enjoy the waistband sitting higher on your body. A mid rise may suit you better if you prefer it lower.
SERENE and BLOOM offer a high-rise waist. For a lower position, take a look at the SIENA Mid Rise Flare Leggings.
Try sitting down as well as standing. A waistband can feel quite different once your body moves. Check the product’s size guide and fit notes before changing sizes; a different rise or cut may give you the comfort you’re looking for.
If you’re shorter - or often find pants too long
Look at the inseam and where the hem will land with your shoes. Wide legs and flares can work beautifully on shorter proportions when the length lets you walk comfortably.
SERENE comes in Regular and Long lengths, so you can choose the size for your waist and hips, then check the length separately.
Our SIENA Mid Rise Flare Leggings also have a slightly shorter leg length. They’re worth a look if you often find flares too long; check the measurements for your size to see where the hem will sit on you.
A shorter legging is another option. Our NUSA Ribbed Mid Rise V-Waist 7/8 Leggings may sit closer to the ankle on shorter legs. This particular style runs large, so we recommend one size down from your usual size.
If you’re taller - or have longer legs
Check the inseam before choosing your size. Sizing up for length also changes the fit at the waist and hips.
SERENE’s Long option is worth looking at if you want extra length. With flares, check that the hem gives you the finish you like around your shoes. A 7/8 legging will usually look more cropped on longer legs, which you might prefer.
Height helps, but two people of the same height can have quite different leg lengths. The measurements tell you more than the model photo alone.
And if you simply love the pair?
That counts.
These pointers can help you understand how a cut might sit on your body. The most important part is still how you feel wearing it.
Walk around, bend your knees, sit down and see whether you keep adjusting anything. Our Find my size tool can help with the sizing details for each piece.
Choose the pair you feel comfortable in and feel good wearing. Even if it goes against the advice you’ve just read here. We’ll survive.
