Tops are forgiving; trousers, leggings and skirts are not. A pair that is a little too tight at the hips, too long in the leg or too low at the back will feel wrong all day. The good news is that the key measurements are simple: waist, hips and inside leg for trousers, waist and hips for skirts. Compare them with the size chart for each item rather than relying on the size you usually wear.
Beyond size, three choices shape how a pair of bottoms looks and feels: the rise (where the waistband sits), the cut of the leg or skirt, and the fabric. Get those right for your body and your day, and the rest is style.
Rise: where the waistband sits
| Rise | Where it sits | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Low rise | On the hips, below the belly button | Casual looks with longer tops |
| Mid rise | Just below the belly button | Everyday comfort, most body shapes |
| High rise or high waisted | At or above the natural waist | Tucked-in tops, crop tops, defining the waist |
High-waisted styles are popular because they smooth the tummy and lengthen the legs visually. If you have a short torso, a mid rise may feel more comfortable when sitting.
Trouser shapes
- Straight leg: the same width from hip to hem. Classic and easy to wear with any shoe.
- Wide leg and palazzo: loose from the hip, flowing and comfortable, good in warm weather. Pair with a fitted top.
- Tapered and cigarette: narrow towards the ankle, smart enough for work.
- Cargo and utility: relaxed with side pockets, a casual and practical look.
- Joggers and sweatpants: elasticated waist and cuffs, for lounging and travel.
- Flared: fitted through the thigh and widening from the knee, best with a little heel.
Browse the range in trousers. For summer, jeans shorts and other shorts follow the same rules for rise and fit.
Getting the length right
Measure your inside leg from the top of the inner thigh to the floor, or measure a pair of trousers you like from the crotch seam to the hem. Many listings give the inside leg or total length. Full-length trousers for flat shoes should reach the top of the foot; wide-leg trousers for heels can be longer. Cropped and ankle-length styles are meant to show the ankle.
Leggings
Leggings vary much more than they look. Check these points:
- Fabric weight: thicker fabric with more elastane is more opaque and holds you in. Thin fabric can become see-through when you bend or squat.
- Waistband: a wide, high waistband stays in place better during exercise and is more comfortable for all-day wear.
- Gusset: a diamond-shaped gusset at the crotch gives more freedom of movement and reduces wear.
- Pockets: side pockets that fit a phone are useful for walking and running.
- Purpose: sports leggings are designed for movement and sweat; fashion leggings in faux leather, prints or lace are for wearing with tunics and long tops.
A simple test when they arrive: in good light, bend forward in front of a mirror. If you can see skin or underwear through the fabric, they are better worn with a longer top.
Skirt shapes and lengths
- A-line: fitted at the waist and flaring gently. Suits most figures.
- Pencil: straight and fitted, smart for work. Look for a back slit or some stretch so you can walk easily.
- Pleated: moves well and works in midi length with trainers or boots.
- Wrap and tie-front: adjustable at the waist, flattering and forgiving.
- Mini, knee, midi and maxi: the same length rules as dresses apply. Check the length in centimetres, as photos can mislead.
You will find these in the skirts range. For a full outfit in one piece, see the guide to choosing a dress shape.
Fabrics and care
Stretch fabrics with elastane are comfortable and hold their shape, but heat damages elastane over time. Wash leggings and stretchy trousers at 30°C, turn them inside out, skip the fabric conditioner, which can coat the fibres and reduce stretch, and let them air dry rather than tumble dry. Faux leather should be wiped clean or washed exactly as the label says, as it can crack if washed hot. Woven trousers in polyester or viscose blends usually need a gentle wash and a cool iron.
Quick checklist
- Measure waist, hips and inside leg and use the item’s own chart.
- Choose the rise that suits your torso and the tops you wear.
- Wide leg for comfort, tapered for smart, straight for everything.
- Check leggings for fabric weight, waistband and gusset.
- Do the bend test for see-through leggings.
- Check skirt and trouser lengths in centimetres.
- Wash stretch fabrics at 30°C, no fabric conditioner, no tumble dryer.
Common questions
How do I know if leggings are squat-proof?
Listings rarely guarantee it. Thicker fabrics with a higher share of elastane are less likely to turn see-through. Test them at home by bending or squatting in front of a mirror in good light.
What is the difference between high rise and high waisted?
They are used for the same thing: a waistband that sits at or above the natural waist. Brands use the terms interchangeably.
Should trousers touch the floor?
Full-length trousers worn with flat shoes should just touch the top of the foot. If you mostly wear heels with them, choose a slightly longer pair; wide-leg trousers can almost reach the floor.
