Finding the Best Pants for Older Ladies
As women get older, their bodies and lifestyles change. Clothing needs evolve as well. The right pair of pants can make older ladies look stylish and feel comfortable. But with so many options on the market, it can be tricky to find pants that check all the boxes for fit, comfort, and flair. This guide will explore tips for choosing the best pants for older women to suit their needs and preferences.
Consider Lifestyle and Fitness Level
Think about your regular activities when shopping for pants. Active older ladies who enjoy walking, golfing, or gardening may prefer stretchy athletic pants or jeans with mobility. Retired women with more sedentary routines could opt for pull-on knit pants for ultimate relaxation. Assess your fitness level too - pants with elastic waists or adjustable drawstrings accommodate age-related changes in body shape.
Choose the Right Rise
A pant's rise refers to the distance between the crotch seam and waistband. Low-rise pants often don't provide enough coverage and create a messy look with rolling or gaping at the waistline. Mid-rise or high-rise pants with rises of at least 10 inches are ideal for mature women. The higher waistline slims the hips and creates a smoother silhouette.
Consider Pant Length
Petite older ladies may find full-length pants too long and baggy. Cropped pants with cuffs or rolled hems show off the ankle and achieve an on-trend cropped look. Average height women can choose between full length and ankle pants based on preference. Tall ladies generally look best in full length pants to complement their frame. Pants that hit at the widest part of the calf tend to shorten the leg.
Choose Stretch Fabrics
Seeking out pants made with stretch woven fabrics or knits ensures a great fit that moves with you. Spandex, jersey, and elastic blends create give to accommodate changes in size while retaining shape. Stretchy pants are wrinkle-resistant and conform comfortably to the body. Soft stretch fabrics are ideal for sensitive aging skin as well.
Flatter Your Figure
Watch for unflattering features like bulky hip and thigh pockets. Clean, flat-front silhouette pants slim the hips and thighs for a trim profile. Trousers with a wide waistband sit smoothly across the belly without digging in. Front and back darts provide shape. Darker colors and vertical seams elongate the legs.
Try These Flattering Styles
Here are some recommended pant styles to flatter and fit older women's bodies:
- Slim cut or straight leg pants
- Trousers with an elastic waistband
- Yoga pants or leggings
- Palazzo pants
- Harem pants
- Pull-on knit pants
- Cargo pants or jeans
- Cropped pants
Find the Perfect Fit For Your Body Type
An ideal fitting pair of pants should contour to your shape without tugging, sagging, or constricting. Keep these fit tips in mind for flattering pants to match your mature figure:
Rectangular Body Shape
Women with slim hips and waist have a straight or rectangular shape. Bootcut, flare, or wide leg pants add curves. Dark wash jeans and tailored trousers balance proportions. Medium-rise pants hit at the narrowest part of your middle.
Triangle Body Shape
This shape features wider hips and narrow shoulders. Choose straight leg or bootcut pants to balance bottom-heavy proportions. Medium to high rise pants minimize hips for an hourglass look. Avoid voluminous pants that exaggerate curves.
Inverted Triangle Body Shape
An inverted triangle has broad shoulders and slim hips. Opt for wide-leg, palazzo, or flare pants to add fullness. Low-rise pants hit at the widest part of your hips for a balanced effect. Directional prints, details, and dark colors draw eyes down.
Hourglass Body Shape
Women with curvy hourglass figures have a defined waist and proportional hips and shoulders. Slim-fitting pants show off your shape. Flared legs add balance. Mid-rise pants hit at your natural waistline for an accentuated silhouette.
Oval Body Shape
Those with an oval shape carry weight evenly. Bootcut or straight leg pants work well. Bold patterns, extra length and dark colors help elongate. High-rise trousers slim the midsection. Avoid clingy skinny pants.
Top Stores for Shopping Pants
Not sure where to start your search for the perfect pair? Here are some top retailers offering great selections of pants for mature women:
Eileen Fisher
This contemporary label designs smart, minimalist pants focused on comfort, quality fabrics, and versatility. Look for pull-on styles, straight leg silhouettes, and designs in soft knits.
J.Jill
J.Jill sells casual, relaxed fit pants for older ladies in stretch wovens and soft knits. Offerings include joggers, cargo pants, Palazzo pants, tapered jeans, and crops.
Lands' End
Known for well-priced basics, Lands' End carries pants in a range of rises, lengths, and fits. Offerings include stretch knits, trousers, jeans, crops, and active styles.
Eddie Bauer
This outdoor brand sells pants designed for adventure and travel in wrinkle-resistant fabrics. Offerings include versatile cargo pants, joggers, jeans, and dress trousers.
Talbots
Expect refined pants from Talbots in polished fabrics like gabardine and crepe. Styles range from trousers and capris to jeans and knit leggings. Sizing accommodates petite to plus sizes.
NYDJ
NYDJ makes "not your daughter's jeans" - jeans specially designed with a slimming lift-tuck technology to flatter mature bodies. Styles include classic, trouser, and pull-on jeans.
Customizing Your Pants
To achieve the perfect fit, consider getting pants custom tailored or altered. Some customization options include:
- Hemming or cuffing pant legs
- Tapering pants from knee to ankle
- Taking in the waist
- Sizing up and slimming the hips and thighs
- Shortening or lengthening the rise
- Narrowing baggy pant legs
High-end designers like Chico's and Calvin Klein offer complimentary tailoring with purchase. Or visit a local tailor or seamstress to adjust the fit of pants purchased anywhere.
The Best Fabrics for Older Women
Look for pants made from soft, stretchy fabrics designed to fit aging bodies. Here are some top choices:
Jersey
This stretchy knit works well for casual pull-on pants that move with you. Jersey comes in lightweight to thick, opaque weaves.
Denim
Cotton denim with some stretch provides structure and support. Seek jeans with at least 2% spandex for comfort and mobility.
Crepe
A breezy woven fabric, crepe drapes elegantly without clinging. It Tailors beautifully while maintaining shape in dresses and pants.
Ponte
This stretchy knit has structure that flatters like a woven. Ponte resists wrinkles and bags for a flattering, slimming look.
Chino
A twill fabric with cotton, chino has natural give. It makes
FAQs
What rise pants are most flattering for older women?
Mid-rise and high-rise pants that sit at or above the natural waistline are most flattering for mature figures. The higher waist slims the hips and thighs.
What fabric is best for pants suited for senior women?
Look for soft, stretchy fabrics like jersey, ponte knits, spandex blends, and denim with 2% spandex or more. These fabrics move with the body and accommodate changes in size.
What pant lengths work for petite older ladies?
Petite seniors should opt for cropped, capri, or ankle length pants. Full length pants tend to be too long and baggy. Cropped lengths show off the ankle and shoes.
What pant style works well for overweight mature women?
Straight leg, bootcut, or flare pants help balance full figures. Avoid clingy skinny pants. Darker colors, full length, and vertical seams help slim the appearance.
Where can I find pants in sizes suited for older bodies?
Stores like Eileen Fisher, Lands' End, J.Jill, Chico's, and Calvin Klein offer a great selection of pants for older bodies. Many offer petite to plus sizes and tailoring.
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.
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