Like finding the perfect pair of jeans, searching for the best trousers to suit you can be equally challenging—so much so that a lot of us tend to avoid it all together. That is, until now. I called upon experts on the subject in the hope that they could share their wisdom and make shopping for trousers a more successful endeavour for us all.
Whilst individual styles will be down to preference (trial and error is often the only way to finding your favourites), looking to other women who are a similar shape to you can be incredibly helpful. So, I thought it best to tap the knowledge of petite, tall and curve experts for their top trousers tips. And that's exactly what Monikh Dale, Rachael Keegan and Karina Marriott—fashion influencers and friends of Who What Wear UK—have shared below, along with their favourite trousers to shop. You're welcome.
Also joining us on our quest is designer Laura Pitharas, whose eponymous brand boasts some of the finest tailoring on the British fashion scene.
Yorkshire-born, London-based designer Laura Pitharas founded her sustainable luxury womenswear label in 2021 after studying menswear tailoring at London College of Fashion.
How To Shop For Trousers Online
When it comes to shopping for trousers online, it can of course be tricky to know which are going to fit. To give yourself a better chance of getting the right size, Pitharas says, "Always check the model's height, which is usually listed on the product information. Also look to see if the brand offers inside-leg measurements on site so you can compare yours. This is particularly important if you're tall to ensure the hem is sitting where you intend it to be."
How can you ensure you've got the right measurements? Pitharas has advice for this too. "When measuring yourself at home, my top tip would be to find a template online to show exactly where the measurements need to be taken on the body, rather than guessing yourself. This will give you the most accurate reading against the size guide provided on most clothing websites," she says.
How To Know Which Trouser Styles Suit You
With so many trouser styles to choose from, Pitharas suggests it's best to try out a few you like to know what you're looking for. "The best advice I can give is to try various shapes and silhouettes in person, then you know what fits you, feels comfortable and which styles flatter you the most."
It's also important to think about fabric, says Pitharas. "For tailoring in particular, I always check the fabric compositions. Shop for close to 100% wool or natural fabrics so that the trousers keep their shape after wear."
Whether you're tall, petite or curvy, our experts are here to help you uncover the best women's trousers for you.
The Best Tall Trousers for Women:
Most "tall" sections cater to women who are 5'7" and over, but influencer Rachael Keegan knows how to find trousers if you're taller than this. "Standing tall at 5'11", I’m always on the lookout for good trouser options that work for us tall girls."
Her first tip echos Pitharas—know your measurements. "It helps to know your inseam," says Keegan. "When shopping online for trousers, I automatically know that anything shorter than 30" won’t be long enough for me, so just be sure to always scan the product fit details section before adding to basket."
In the debate between online and in-store shopping, Keegan sits on team bricks and mortar. "I generally prefer to shop in person for trousers, however I can recommend a few brands that I usually rely on to provide a good leg length if you do want to shop online," she says.
"Arket, Cos and & Other Stories all generally fit me well, and I love that M&S offers petite, regular and long lengths in a lot of its trousers. Sézane trousers are usually made with longer legs, so I'm a big fan of them, too. Me+Em trousers usually have a thick hem, so you’re able to take them down if you’re on the taller side, which is a great hack."
Shop Rachael Keegan's Trouser Picks:
"These are such a classic tailored pair, and it says in the description that they're shown on a 5'11" model, so I know they'll be a good ankle-grazing length on me."
"I love the flattering side stripe of these Me+Em trousers. They also have a stretch waist so they're easy to wear lower on your hips if you need them to be longer."
"I got some beige loose tailored trousers from Cos last year that are my absolute favourites. They also practically touch the floor (unheard of for us tall girls). These ones look like this season's version as they're a big thicker."
"You can always rely on Sézane for a long length in trousers, and these are such a classic style and shape that they'll see you through season after season."
The Best Petite Trousers for Women:
At 5'1", Monikh Dale is an expert at finding pieces that work for her petite frame. Her top tip? It's all about knowing your proportions. "I always say that petite girls can do any trend or style—it’s just about getting the right proportions for your shape. If you love something, there's always a way with clever tailoring or styling," she says.
Another hack for getting the right fit is to learn the basics of alterations, or have a great tailor on speed dial. "For tailoring, I often alter myself, but if it’s something a little more complicated or delicate, I’ll take them to Scobies in Wandsworth, London. I’ve worked with [owner] Diana for years now, and she knows exactly how I like things to sit and feel."
Shop Monikh Dale's Trouser Picks:
"I recently had a pair like this altered, taking them in on the waist so they sit higher. Then I got them taken up slightly at the bottom, still keeping a little length so they would puddle at my shoes."
"Cargo pants are still a big trend this season, and a pair like this with elastic bottoms is great. Pull the cord tight and roll the bottom under until they're the best length for you."
"An elasticated waist is also an easy tailoring option. I tend to do an easy side seam on these so I can unpick at a later date if needed. As they are slightly tapered at the ankle, make that seam more exaggerated, so that when the trousers puddle, the hem stays tighter to your foot and the trousers will then sit on your shoe rather than dragging on the floor."
"With jeans, I would go for good quality, slightly rigid denim that will hold its shape so you can do a simple roll hem. Keep it large."
The Best Curve Trousers for Women:
"In a world that seems tailored to straight up-and-down-type figures, it can be hard to find the right trousers when you're curvy with a smaller waist and bigger thighs," says Karina Marriott.
When it comes to choosing the perfect pair, Marriott is the queen of helpful try-on IG Reels to suggest styles to other women with curves. "I mean, I love a wide-leg, cropped culotte as much as the next person. But, as Peggy Lee once sang, Is that all there is? If you've ever struggled with waist gaping or fabric bunching in the crotch area (a personal re-occurring nightmare of mine) then my advice is to look for trousers that are elasticated at the back to avoid this."
Shop Karina Marriott's Trouser Picks:
"My obsession with Australian brands has reached a new level since trying Dissh. I’m really impressed with the quality of the pieces and think it makes great basics and capsule pieces for an all-season wardrobe. The trousers are a personal favourite of mine —they’re true to size and have such an amazing fit without needing any tailoring."
"The tailoring of River Island trousers is truly unmatched if you have a smaller waist with bigger hips and bottom. With plenty of room across the widest part of my hips, these are a winner for me."
"I know what you’re thinking—Zara for curves? Really? I'm here to tell you that the linen palazzo trousers are a super-soft, comfortable and flowy linen that fit my curves perfectly. They have a drawstring waist and even come up slightly oversized, making them a cool option for work, a lunch date or an evening event."
"If you like your jeans high-waisted and struggle to find a good fit for your curves, Everlane Way-High jeans are incredible. They come in a curve range specifically catered to women with a smaller waist and bigger hips and bottom—jackpot."
Shop Laura Pitharas Trousers:
Pitharas says, "Our hipster trouser are a more relaxed but still tailored fit. They sit on the hips and feature pleated fronts, which are known for creating more space for comfort and extend the look of the leg."
"Our wide-leg high-waisted trousers are the best fit for many different shapes, sizes and heights. The style is particularly good for women who are curvy as it highlights the waist and drapes nicely into a wide-leg silhouette, which is incredibly flattering as it makes the legs look longer. We've made them long in length to allow taller woman to be able to purchase them, and we leave a 5cm hem for even further amendments to increase the length if needs be, with the possibility to shorten them, too."
"Our tailored cigarette shape sits on the mid-waist and features a hem-split detail at the centre-back hem and slanted pockets at the front, which tend to be more flattering than side pockets. Cigarette-style trousers are complimentary on women who are more straight-up-and-down, as the narrowing shape towards the hem of the leg creates an illusion of curve. Cigarette trousers tend to finish around the ankle."
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