How to Choose the Right Trousers for Your Body Shape (With Real Fit Tips)

Let’s be honest—finding trousers that really fit can feel impossible. The same size in two brands fits completely differently. One pair hugs your hips but gapes at the waist. Another fits your thighs but is far too short. Sound familiar?

At Tellar.co.uk, we’ve seen thousands of fit frustrations, and we’ve built a solution. Our platform matches your exact body measurements to the right size in over 1,500 brands—but it goes deeper than size.

In this post, I’m breaking down how to pick the right trouser style for your body shape, not just your label size. From apple to hourglass, tall to petite, here’s how to shop smarter—with the science of fit in mind.

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Why Body Shape Should Guide Your Trouser Choice

When we talk about “fit,” we’re really talking about alignment—how the waistband sits on your torso, how the legs drape over your thighs, where the hem hits your ankle.

The problem? Most brands design for a single “fit model”—usually with a perfectly proportional waist-to-hip ratio and average height. That leaves most of us adjusting, pinching, or constantly pulling things up.

That’s why Tellar.co.uk takes your real measurements (waist, hips, chest) and shows you exactly what size you need in each brand. But understanding your shape first helps you choose the right styles to flatter what you’ve got.

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For Hourglass Figures

If your waist is significantly smaller than your hips and bust (usually 8–10 inches), you’re working with a classic hourglass shape.

Best trousers for hourglass bodies:

• High-waisted wide-legs: These show off the waist and flow smoothly over fuller hips.

• Tailored peg or cigarette trousers: Add polish without bulk.

• Paper-bag or belted styles: Emphasise that natural waist.

What to avoid:

Low-rise trousers that ignore the curve of your lower back—they’ll often gape and feel uncomfortable.

Top picks:

• Designer: Max Mara, Roland Mouret

• High Street: Mango Curve, Hobbs

📍 Tip: Tellar.co.uk shows you which brands actually cut for curvier shapes—so you don’t waste time with ones that don’t.

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For Pear-Shaped Bodies

If your hips are noticeably wider than your bust and shoulders, and you tend to carry weight in your lower half, you’re pear-shaped.

Best trousers for pears:

• Straight-leg and bootcut styles: They even out proportions and balance curves.

• Flat-front designs: Smooth at the waist without extra bulk.

• Darker colours: These slim the lower half and are super versatile.

Skip these:

• Skinny or tapered trousers that draw the eye directly to the hip unless you balance with volume on top.

Brand picks:

• Designer: Victoria Beckham, Theory

• High Street: River Island Plus, M&S Autograph

🎯 Create your Tellar profile to see how these cuts fit your actual waist-to-hip ratio.

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For Apple Shapes

Apple-shaped bodies often carry more volume around the midsection, with slimmer legs and hips.

What works:

• Elasticated waistbands or pull-on trousers: Smooth and comfortable.

• Kick-flare or straight-leg: Highlight your legs while balancing proportions.

• Structured high-rises: Support the tummy without cutting in.

Avoid:

• Trouser styles with pleats or heavy waistband detail—they’ll just add volume where you don’t want it.

Try these brands:

• Designer: ME+EM, Eileen Fisher

• High Street: M&S Curve, Simply Be

💡 Tellar’s fit tool flags brands that cut too narrow through the waist for apple shapes—before you click buy.

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For Rectangle or Athletic Shapes

If your shoulders, bust, waist and hips are all about the same width, you’ve got a straight or athletic body shape.

Ideal trouser styles:

• Paper-bag waists: These add curves and define the waist.

• Pleated trousers or belted styles: Create structure where it’s needed.

• Tapered crops or ankle cuts: Focus attention on slim legs.

Avoid:

• Shapeless straight cuts that do nothing for your figure.

Best brands:

• Designer: Isabel Marant, Joseph

• High Street: COS, & Other Stories

📊 Want to see how rise height or waistband width varies by brand? Tellar breaks it down here.

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For Petite Frames

Being under 5’4” often means that most regular trousers bunch at the hem, or the rise hits all wrong.

Go for:

• High-rise trousers: Lengthen your legs and waist visually.

• Ankle grazers or cropped trousers: Perfect length without alterations.

• Monochrome looks: Avoid visual breaks that shorten the body.

Avoid:

• Anything too wide or long unless professionally tailored.

Top picks:

• Designer: Petite Studio, Reiss Petite

• High Street: ASOS Petite, Topshop Petite

📏 Tellar matches inseams to your height so you don’t waste time with trousers that swamp your legs. Try it here.

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For Tall Frames

Over 5’9”? You’ve likely dealt with too-short hems and trousers that never quite reach the ankle.

Go-to styles:

• Wide-leg trousers: These flow beautifully with your long proportions.

• Full-length flares: Add structure and glamour.

• Mid-rise fits: Keep proportions balanced.

Skip:

• “Regular” length trousers unless you want accidental crops.

Where to shop:

• Designer: The Row, Gabriela Hearst

• High Street: ASOS Tall, Long Tall Sally

📐 Check your inseam fit by brand with Tellar’s real-time trouser length data.

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How Fabric and Cut Make All the Difference

It’s not just the style—it’s also the fabric that makes or breaks a fit.

🧵 Explore our guide to trouser materials to learn what works best for your shape.

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High Street vs Designer: Which Brands Fit Better?

You’d be surprised. Some high street brands cut better for certain body types than luxury ones.

👀 Want to see how these brands size up in your shape? Check your brand matches now.

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Final Thoughts: Fit First, Always

Trousers are one of the hardest items to get right—but when you do, they’re game-changers. They flatter, they elongate, they add structure. And the best part? You don’t have to guess anymore.

At Tellar.co.uk, we match your actual measurements to accurate sizes in over 1,500 brands. We’re not just helping you shop—we’re solving the sizing puzzle.

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Start Your Fit Journey

✅ Create your free profile

✅ Check your best size in top brands

✅ Browse more fit advice

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

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