Do Wide Leg Pants Make You Look Thinner? Tips for Slimming Outfits

Do Wide Leg Pants Make You Look Fat?

Wide leg pants have made a major comeback in recent years as a stylish and comfortable bottoms option. However, some people wonder if the voluminous silhouette adds unwanted bulk to the lower body. The good news is that wide leg pants can actually be quite figure flattering if you follow some simple styling tricks.

Factors That Impact How Wide Leg Pants Look on Your Body

There are a few key factors that impact how wide leg pants will look on your frame:

• Pant rise - A higher rise that hits at your natural waist is often more flattering than a low rise.
• Pant length - Cropped, ankle length wide leg pants elongate your legs compared to a pooling full length.
• Fabric - Stretchy fabrics hug curves better while stiffer fabrics add more volume.
• Fit - A loose, billowy fit will be boxier while a tapered leg is more refined.
• Patterns & colors - Monochrome looks tend to slim while busy prints and contrasts can appear fuller.
• Waist & hip shape - Curvier figures may want to balance volume on bottom with a more fitted top.

Tips for Styling Wide Leg Pants to Flatter Your Figure

Follow these handy tips when styling wide leg pants to look your absolute best:

Opt for a Higher Rise

Wide leg pants with a higher rise that hits at your natural waist are much more flattering for most body types. The higher cut elongates your torso and slims your midsection. Low rise wide leg pants can exacerbate a muffin top effect. Look for a rise that falls just under your belly button for the most complimentary fit.

Go for Ankle Length Cropped Pants

The pooling, dragging effect of full length wide leg pants can swallow up your frame and make you look shorter and wider. Opt for a cropped ankle length instead. This exposes more of your ankle and foot to create the illusion of longer, leaner legs.

Select Stretchier Fabrics

Stiffer fabrics like denim and wool add structure and volume to wide leg pants. More flexible fabrics with stretch like ponte, twill and jersey will hug your curves better for a slimmer silhouette. Look for pants with at least 2-3% spandex or elastane.

Size Down for a Tapered Leg

A billowy, oversized wide leg can absolutely dwarf your lower half. Size down or go for slimmer cut pants. This creates a more tapered leg that doesn't overwhelm your figure. You'll still get the comfort and ease of wide leg pants without the excess fabric.

Create Balance with Your Tops

When wearing voluminous wide leg pants, balance out your shape by choosing more fitted tops. Tops that nip in at the waist or have ruching, ties or structured details flatter curves on top. Pair wide legs with slim knit tops, tailored button-downs and body-skimming blouses.

Stick to Monochrome

Outfits in the same color family elongate your silhouette. Shades like black, charcoal, navy and brown are particularly slimming. Avoid bold mismatched patterns or contrasting light and dark colors which can make wide leg pants look even fuller.

Add Pointy Toe Shoes

Pointy toe heels and flats visually extend the legline for a slimming effect. Go for darker shoe colors that match your pants. Lighter shoes cut off the vertical line of your legs. Wear nude pointy toe pumps or flats to make legs look miles long.

Cuff the Ankles

For dressier wide leg pants, add a simple cuff at the ankle. This shows off a hint of skin and your heels, rendering legs more slender. Cuffing also prevents excess fabric from pooling at your feet which can shorten and widen your silhouette.

Are Certain Body Shapes Best Suited for Wide Leg Pants?

While wide leg pants are nearly universally flattering, some body shapes may want to proceed with a bit more caution or strategic styling:

Pear Shapes

To balance out curvier hips, pair wide leg pants with a fitted blouse or bodysuit tucked in. Add some definition at the waistline with a belt. Go for ankle length crops and avoid short and mid-calf lengths which can exaggerate hips.

Apple Shapes

Focus on elongating legs with cropped wide leg pants styled with pointy toe heels. Look for a tapered leg and avoid volume up top with oversized tops. Create shape with layered slim tops instead of loose boxy shapes.

Petite Figures

Avoid pants that are too long which can overwhelm a smaller frame. Go for cropped and ankle lengths. Pair with tucked in fitted tops and heels to maximize the lengthening effect. Add definition at the waist with a belt.

Plus Sizes

Embrace wide leg pants but opt for ankle and cropped lengths paired with fitted, ruched and wrapped styles on top. Choose stretch fabrics over stiff materials for the most flattering drape. Monochrome looks elongate curves.

Straight & Athletic Figures

Create more shape by opting for wide leg pants in stretch materials. Pair with fitted tops that nip in at the waist. Go for tapered legs instead of an overly full volume leg. Add feminine details like tie fronts and ruffles.

The Best Wide Leg Pants for Every Body Type

Here are some of the most universally flattering styles of wide leg pants for any shape:

High Waisted Culottes

The slightly cropped length and built-in waist definition of culottes are ideal for balancing a curvy lower half. Go for a dark denim or faux leather pair.

Ankle Length Trousers

A bit dressier than jeans, ankle length trousers in stretch fabrics elongate legs and create a slimming vertical line. They also work for both casual and professional settings.

Palazzo Pants

The drapey fabric of palazzo pants hides lumps and bumps while the billowy volume evens out problem areas. For petites, go for cropped palazzos instead of full length.

Printed Harem Pants

Fun, bohemian printed harem pants cinch comfortably at the ankle while disguising thighs and behind. Choose dark backgrounds with small scale prints for the most slimming effect.

Cropped Linen Pants

Lightweight linen in cropped lengths feels effortless in warmer months. The natural fibers also hide imperfections. Go for neutral lightweight linens.

Strategic Styling for Problem Areas

You can also implement some strategic styling to help disguise or balance out problem spots:

fuller tummy

- High waisted to cinch & elongate
- Cropped & ankle lengths to expose ankles
- Fitted & tucked in tops
- Monochrome outfits

fuller thighs & rear

- Darker colors & small scale prints
- Tapered leg for more definition
- Avoid shorter lengths hitting at widest part of thighs

shorter legs

- Ankle length crops with pointy toe heels
- Cuffed hems with heels
- High waisted with tucked in tops

narrow hips

- Trousers with widest part of leg extending past hips
- Palazzo and harem pants add curves
- Pair with voluminous tops like peplum

The Bottom Line

Wide leg pants don't have to be unflattering, frumpy or overwhelm your figure. In fact, they can actually be quite slimming. By selecting the right rise, length, fit and fabric you can achieve an elongated, lean silhouette. Just balance out the volume with more fitted slimming tops. With the right styling strategies wide leg pants can actually help you look thinner!

So don't be afraid to embrace this comfortable, fashionable bottoms trend. Follow the tips outlined here to find the most flattering wide leg styles and outfits to boost your body confidence.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.