The Most Flattering Pants for Your Body Type
We recognize that determining your body type can be aggravating. There’s no universal index of key terms or measurements and even if you find a system you like (check out ours), it doesn’t always apply to the article of clothing you’re trying to flatter your figure with. For example: it may be helpful to know you’re an inverted triangle when searching for a blazer, but what does that mean for skirts? Or trousers? And what do you do if you identify with more than one body type? Oh, the confusion!
We’ll cut to the chase: we know you most likely understand what flatters your figure best, but we also know there are a lot of options for trousers in the world, and because we’re going into autumn (finally!) we thought we’d highlight a few pant silhouettes that will keep you looking amazing based on your shape. Scroll down for our suggestions, and if you have any you want to share be sure to chime in in the comments!
If you have a boyish shape, opt for a pair of high-waist pants that define your midsection. They'll draw attention to and flatter the area between your shoulders and hips effortlessly. If you like accessorizing, you can also add a belt like Veronika Heilbrunner.
Shop Our High Waist Pick:
Zara Herringbone Trousers ($100)
For women who have a fuller midsection, wide-leg trousers are fantastic for elongating the silhouette. We particularly love how Tanesha Awasthi of Girl With Curves incorporated hers into a power dressing ensemble.
ASOS Curve Linen Pants ($45)
A pair of cropped trousers are fitting for a hourglass silhouette because they don't appear overhwelming on the figure. A slight flare can also help accentuate curves in the right places.
Shop Our Cropped Pick:
Topshop Floral Cord Kick Flares ($80)
For plus-size ladies who are looking for the perfect pair of pants, we suggest turning to mid-rise trousers with slight tapering at the hem. A wide-leg may overpower the look and a skinny silhouette could create imbalanced proportions. Chastity Garner-Valentine of Garner Style hit the nail on the head with these silky drawstring pants.
Shop Our Tapered Pick:
Mango Violeta Printed Baggy Trousers ($90)
Teeny frame? No problem! Go for straight-leg trousers. They’ll add length without creating too much volume to your lower half. A pair with front pleats are also helpful for elongating the silhouette.
Shop Our Straight Leg Pick:
COS Straight-Leg Wool Trousers ($125)
Did you find this guide helpful? Did we not cover your body shape? Let us know so we can make sure you find your perfect pair of pants for fall!
Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)
-
30 Items I'm Eyeing From Revolve, Zara, and Mango for 2025
New year, new wardrobe.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
I'm Sale Shopping—Specifically These Items From COS, Nordstrom, Alex Mill, Vince, Ref, and A&F
These deals are amazing.
By Bobby Schuessler
-
Absolutely Do Not Snooze On These Sure-to-Sell-Out Pieces from Zara
Too good to miss.
By Natalie Cantell
-
These 15 New Zara Finds Will Sell Out First in 2025
A concise edit.
By Emma Spedding
-
An L.A. Editor Walks Into Zara—29 Items She Couldn't Leave Without
These pieces are just too good.
By Lauren Adhav
-
Every Fashion Editor I Know Is in Love With Zara's Sister Brand
The latest collection is 10/10.
By Emma Spedding
-
I'm Still Not Over This Zara Collab With London's Best Stylist
It's practically Harry Styles approved.
By Emma Spedding
-
My Friend Has $250 to Spend at Zara—I Told Her to Order One of These Elegant Outfits
Fresh styling ideas coming right up.
By Emma Spedding