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Elastic waisted trousers

(127 Posts)
Gogo84 Sat 22-Feb-25 16:10:58

Why are elasticated waist trousers for women sneered at by many people. We are women. We don't need flies and zips so they are more convenient. I don't wear them all the time but I do buy them if I find a pair I like. What do other trouser wearers think?

petra Sat 22-Feb-25 16:15:22

Because more often or not they are shapeless.
I’ve never owned a pair and hope that I never have to succumb.

ViceVersa Sat 22-Feb-25 16:17:53

petra

Because more often or not they are shapeless.
I’ve never owned a pair and hope that I never have to succumb.

Good for you! Sadly, some of us suffer from medical conditions which mean we can't wear anything with a fixed waistband, so I literally live in leggings or anything with an elastic waistband, or else I'd be in agony. So I had little choice but to 'succumb'.

Casdon Sat 22-Feb-25 16:23:26

Not for me, I like the structure of jeans, and trousers that fit my shape. I prefer to wear a belt, too. Elasticated waist trousers always dip at the back on me, and have a baggy bum.

Georgesgran Sat 22-Feb-25 16:24:16

A bit harsh petra.

I don’t wear leggings - but pull on trousers are a Godsend and I sincerely hope mine aren’t shapeless!
I discovered Bengalines - that’s a type of fabric with a bit of give.
Lots of manufacturers from Robell downwards and various colours in various lengths.

I live in mine.

Elowen33 Sat 22-Feb-25 16:26:49

I prefer structured trousers as if they feel a bit tight I will watch what I eat the following week.

Calendargirl Sat 22-Feb-25 16:31:55

Well, back in 1999, I bought a pair of black velvet trousers with matching casual jacket, from Debenhams, for my work’s Christmas party.

The trousers had an elastic waistband.

They are a size 10.

I cannot tell you how many times I have worn these smart, comfortable trousers, and still do.

I always feel very smart in them, elastic waist and all.

They still fit perfectly, not stretched or baggy at all.

Not bad for 25+ years old.

Astitchintime Sat 22-Feb-25 16:37:36

I think it all depends on the style, fabric and cut of the trousers. I have seen some that look really nice but others are simply gross, especially those with the front 'creases' stitched in place.

Gogo84 Sat 22-Feb-25 16:39:10

Thanks for your feedback. The elasticated trousers which I have are not shapeless and you can get whatever shaped leg you prefer, straight leg or flared, or anything in between. But the quality I think it depends on the make.

Vintagegirl Sat 22-Feb-25 16:43:23

Jeggings are 'go to' for me not just waist but stretch all over!

Auntieflo Sat 22-Feb-25 16:47:34

Some of us have 'Thunder thighs'! Or legs like tree trunks, as my ma said. Very often these pull on trousers have extra room to accommodate our plumptiousness 🤗.

As to cropped trousers, not all of us have slim, shapely ankles, and want to hide them.

Guess which group I belong to?

Patsy70 Sat 22-Feb-25 16:47:40

I’ve got a pair of pull-on Robell jeans and some from Next. They fit perfectly, no baggy bits. I’m a size 8/10. In fact, I’m in the process of buying more. Calendargirl, I had a lovely pair of elasticated waist trousers in the late ‘90s, very stylish.

Doodledog Sat 22-Feb-25 16:49:21

I don't 'succumb' to them - I embrace them😀. I can't see any point in being uncomfortable, and if the waistband is covered by a top of some sort, how will anyone know? Tucked-in tops are unfashionable anyway, and even when they are in fashion there are ways to dress without feeling that you have to vanquish your clothing in some way. Succumb, indeed😂

ferry23 Sat 22-Feb-25 16:58:40

"Succumb"?

Goodness, I hope I never "succumb" to belittling people on a forum.

We seem to be picking the wrong threads today Doodlebug wink

Barleyfields Sat 22-Feb-25 17:05:24

I often wear yoga pants at home, elasticated waist, very easy and comfortable, but all my other trousers and jeans have fixed waists with the sole exception of a black and white spotted trouser suit I bought years ago from Jaeger, in the days before it became just another M&S offering. That trouser suit has really earned its keep. No baggy backside. However I would never wear an elasticated waist without a top which covered it.

ViceVersa Sat 22-Feb-25 17:10:47

Well said, both Doodledog and ferry23.

Visgir1 Sat 22-Feb-25 17:14:46

Folk are right depends on Design and cut. I have a few pairs which I bought from Boden, totally over the top fabric and look great especially in the summer months.
Otherwise I'm a Jeans woman.

crazyH Sat 22-Feb-25 17:15:10

Comfort before anything else - so elasticated waists for me …

Jaxjacky Sat 22-Feb-25 17:15:32

I live in jeans, I always have done, I do have a pair of yoga trousers which are elastane.

Mollygo Sat 22-Feb-25 17:16:10

I like them. So much quicker for urgent loo visits and mine are smart enough for work too.
Like Calendargirl I have a pair of black velvet trousers from many years ago and they still look good.
I do like jeans and fitted trousers too but not for long journeys.

Norah Sat 22-Feb-25 17:31:47

I wear jeans that fit my waist, blouses and tshirts tucked. I've black trousers, as well, waist fitted. I don't look to fashion, I wear what suits me.

Doodledog Sat 22-Feb-25 17:40:44

Norah

I wear jeans that fit my waist, blouses and tshirts tucked. I've black trousers, as well, waist fitted. I don't look to fashion, I wear what suits me.

Which is fine, Norah. But do you have an ongoing battle with your clothes, with one of you having to surrender? I doubt that somehow.

Indigo8 Sat 22-Feb-25 17:44:24

I have several pairs and they are not shapeless and saggy like long legged bloomers. I have properly tailored slimline ones in cord or velvet. I don't think they look any different as I always wear a jumper or tee-shirt which reach well below the waist band.

They suit me because I have a big waist and a small bum. Normal trousers are either much too tight round my waist or really baggy round my bum unless I wear men's.

teabagwoman Sat 22-Feb-25 19:21:30

Indigo8 I have exactly the same problem. Trousers with elasticated waists can look just as smart as any other and be more comfortable. What’s not to like?

NotSpaghetti Sat 22-Feb-25 19:25:34

Some have a proper waist at the front and elastic at the back. I think these tend to fit better.