Want to buy or sell something? Check the classifieds
  • The Fedora Lounge is supported in part by commission earning affiliate links sitewide. Please support us by using them. You may learn more here.

Petite n curvy pants are hard to find.

ArtGirl

New in Town
Messages
14
Location
NYC
I'm petite & somewhat curvy (small waist-to-hip ratio & curvier, short legs), and high waisted pants that I can wear with my vintage sweaters and tops are surprisingly hard to find! I seem to have the wide leg pants category covered (easier), but I can never seem to find slim, high waisted pencil pants, and high waisted stretchy skinny jeans that accommodate curves without being too tight. I find the actual vintage pants in these styles to be too baggy for me, and the repros I have tried are unforgiving to my figure and impossible to fit my big calves and thighs (Bernie Dexter was the last pair I tried, unsuccessfully).

Capris and clam diggers are out because I think they actually shorten me.

Geez, I really don't think my figure is all THAT uncommon.

I'm looking for something like this for slacks

http://richmedia.channeladvisor.com...D=345696&swatchID=6600&recipeName=pdlg485x503

And something like this for jeans, (even if I have to hem them):

http://kittenishbehaviour.com/store/image/cache/data/products/BD-02a-848x1000.jpg

Do any of you fine ladies have any ideas for me, or can recommend someone to do custom pants? I've even been contemplating getting a vintage pattern and sewing some myself until I get it right. I've been searching for years and sick of being without these two basics.
 

sheeplady

I'll Lock Up
Bartender
Messages
4,479
Location
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, USA
Pants are very hard to fit if you have a "vintage" figure. Today's pants are made for a "tube" shape which has hips and waist roughly the same size as opposed to an hourglass size. I find it very difficult to find pants and jeans; I basically can't find pants that fit well most of the time.

I can't help you with recommendations because I have largely given up on finding comfortable pants and don't really care for them.

But, if you do find a seamstress who is willing to work for you, I found a couple of patterns that look like your examples. I grew up calling these types of pants "cigarette" pants:
http://www.simplicity.com/p-8467-misses-miss-petite-amazing-fit-pants.aspx
http://www.simplicity.com/p-1777-miss-miss-petite-pants.aspx

Do you sew? Pants, while not as easy as a skirt, are not as difficult as you think to make. On the plus side of this, any decent seamstress or tailor should be able to whip up a pair of those pants in almost no time, and I don't imagine they would cost very much.
 

ArtGirl

New in Town
Messages
14
Location
NYC
Thank you so much for your reply. We share the same pain!

I'm actually a tomboy and don't like wearing dresses much, so if I could solve my pants issue, I'd be able to wear my vintage more often. So, I haven't given up hope, yet.

Yes! cigarette pants....I was searching my brain for that term, but I drew a blank when I needed it.

I do sew, but am really short on time these days, so maybe I'll bring a vintage pattern and fabric to my tailor. I did end up finding one gal in New Zealand who does custom pants, and I'm sure I could find someone on Etsy, but it's so hard to fit someone at a distance. I'd be afraid to order from that far away. Anyway, here's her site. I'm tempted:

http://www.corseterie.co.nz/high-waist-lucy-cigarette-pants

I appreciate your help!
 
Last edited:

Lady Day

I'll Lock Up
Bartender
Messages
9,087
Location
Crummy town, USA
Ugh, pants. I haven't bough pants in forever. I had to resort to making my own jeans, too. It really is the only way to get yourself the best fit, especially if you want a natural waist.

I did a blog post on fitting pants for curves. I have an ample backside and nearly 12" difference from my bum to my waist, so I had to put 6 darts in at the back waist of a pair of pants I made. Best. Fitting. Pants. Ever. :)

http://newvintagelady.blogspot.com/2011/05/stout-alteration-tricks-pants-rise-to.html
 

MissNathalieVintage

Practically Family
Messages
757
Location
Chicago
Pants the very thorn of being curvy and petite. When I started wearing skirts more often I've all but given up on being able to wear pants. Then a giant light of hope opened up. :) I was doing a little shopping at Walmart (which I do not normally shop at). I discovered they sold high waisted pants for the petite woman, the brand is called White Stag. Here is a link This is the link for the tracky bottoms http://www.walmart.com/ip/39405249?...1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n&productRedirect=true I forgot they came out with the tracky bottoms "AKA" sweat pants fabric.

Here is the correct link for the White Stag pants http://www.walmart.com/ip/White-Sta...fault&beacon_version=1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n

I've worn these pants for years and their jeans too, these pants do not have any buttons or zippers these are the pull on kind with an elastic waist. Which is super great for me since my waist size tends to change from time to time, this was always an issue with other pants. I only wear pants on my days off with T-shirts, sweaters, and button down shirts. To hide the elastic band one can add a wide belt to cover it for a 1950s look.
 
Last edited:

Forum statistics

Threads
109,262
Messages
3,077,541
Members
54,220
Latest member
Jaco93riv02
Top