Finding the Right Trouser Style for Your Body Shape

Choosing the perfect pair of trousers isn’t just about trends—it’s about balance, proportion, and finding a cut that complements your body. Whether you’re dressing for work, a weekend brunch, or an evening out, understanding your body shape is key to flattering, confident style. At Tellar.co.uk, we help you discover your perfect fit in over 1,500+ brands using your actual measurements.

In this guide, we break down the most flattering trouser styles for different body shapes, share technical fitting tips, and include designer vs high street recommendations to match every budget.


Why Body Shape Matters When Choosing Trousers

No two bodies are the same, and that’s the core problem with standardised trouser sizing. Brands vary wildly in their definitions of a size 12 or a 30-inch waist. That’s where Tellar.co.uk steps in—our smart tool matches your body measurements to accurate size conversions for your favourite retailers. But before you buy, knowing what style works best for your shape ensures both comfort and confidence.

Your body shape influences where trousers sit, how fabric drapes, and how hems fall. From waist height to leg width, even tiny style adjustments make a big difference.


Trousers for Hourglass Shapes

Characteristics:

  • Defined waist

  • Fuller hips and bust

  • Balanced proportions

Best Styles:

  • High-waisted wide-leg trousers – These balance out curves while defining your waist.

  • Tailored cigarette trousers – The slim leg complements your shape without clinging.

  • Belted or paper-bag waist trousers – Accentuate your waist beautifully.

Avoid:

  • Low-rise cuts – They sit below the natural waist and can cause gaping at the back.

Top Brands:

  • Designer: Max Mara, Reiss

  • High Street: Mango, River Island Curve

🟢 Find your perfect trouser fit with Tellar.co.uk—match your measurements to over 1,500 brands instantly.


Trousers for Pear Shapes

Characteristics:

  • Hips wider than shoulders

  • Narrower waist

  • Fuller thighs

Best Styles:

  • Bootcut trousers – These balance wider hips by flaring slightly at the hem.

  • Straight-leg trousers – A clean line from hip to ankle draws the eye vertically.

  • Dark-coloured bottoms – Slimming and more versatile.

Avoid:

  • Skinny jeans or tapered cuts unless paired with a structured top.

Top Brands:

  • Designer: Victoria Beckham, Frame

  • High Street: ASOS Design Curve, H&M+

🔎 Explore pear-friendly fits with Tellar’s store size recommendation tool.


Trousers for Apple Shapes

Characteristics:

  • Carries weight around midsection

  • Slimmer legs and hips

  • Often has a full bust

Best Styles:

  • Pull-on or elastic-waist trousers – Provide comfort and minimise pressure on the midsection.

  • Flat-front, high-rise trousers – Create a smooth silhouette.

  • Kick-flare or cropped styles – Showcase slim legs.

Avoid:

  • Pleated or heavily detailed waistbands

Top Brands:

  • Designer: Eileen Fisher, ME+EM

  • High Street: M&S Collection, Next Lift & Shape range

💡 Tip: Apple shapes benefit from fabric with structure—try ponte or stretch cotton.


Trousers for Rectangle Shapes

Characteristics:

  • Waist, hips and bust are similar in width

  • Athletic or straight shape

Best Styles:

  • Paper-bag or pleated trousers – Add volume and create the illusion of curves.

  • Tapered ankle trousers – Emphasise slim legs and shape the silhouette.

  • Statement belts – Define the waist.

Avoid:

  • Oversized cuts without waist definition

Top Brands:

  • Designer: Isabel Marant Étoile, Sandro

  • High Street: COS, & Other Stories

🟨 Create your profile on Tellar.co.uk and get size recommendations across smart, casual, and formal brands in seconds.


Trousers for Petite Frames

Characteristics:

  • Under 5’4″

  • Shorter legs and torso

Best Styles:

  • Cropped straight-leg trousers – Elongate the legs without bunching.

  • High-rise trousers – Lift the waistline and create height.

  • Monochrome outfits – Avoid visual chopping of the body.

Avoid:

  • Wide-leg trousers with too much volume unless tailored

Top Brands:

  • Designer: Petite Studio, Theory Petite

  • High Street: Topshop Petite, Zara Petite

📏 See the difference accurate sizing makes—Try Tellar.co.uk’s free fit tool.


Trousers for Tall Frames

Characteristics:

  • Over 5’9″

  • Longer legs

  • Can often find hems too short

Best Styles:

  • Flared trousers – Complement long limbs beautifully.

  • Wide-leg palazzos – Add movement and softness.

  • Low- or mid-rise – Breaks up the torso for proportion.

Avoid:

  • Cropped trousers unless purposefully styled

Top Brands:

  • Designer: The Row, Acne Studios

  • High Street: Long Tall Sally, ASOS Tall

🟢 Discover tall-friendly sizing in seconds at Tellar.co.uk.


What If You’re Between Body Types?

Most people are. That’s why Tellar.co.uk doesn’t rely on labels alone—we use your actual body measurements (chest, waist, hips) to match you with the best size in each brand, including high street and luxury retailers.

Not sure how to measure yourself? Check out our full guide here:
👉 How to measure yourself accurately

Want to know which brands run small or large? See:
👉 How sizes vary between brands


Fabrics and Fit: What to Watch Out For

  • Stretch fabric (elastane, spandex): Great for flexibility, but may relax over time.

  • Linen: Perfect for summer, but can wrinkle easily.

  • Wool blends: Best for structured, tailored looks in formal trousers.

  • Denim trousers: More casual but can be dressed up with tailoring.

Curious how fabric choice affects fit?
🔗 Explore our trouser material guide


Tailoring: The Best Investment You Can Make

Even the best off-the-rack trousers can benefit from tailoring. If the waist fits but the length doesn’t, or vice versa, small adjustments make a big difference in how polished you look.

And with Tellar’s accurate measurement tracking, you’ll know whether your next brand runs longer, shorter, wider, or more fitted.


Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About Size—It’s About Fit

The truth? Sizing labels are misleading. A “UK 12” in one brand could be a “UK 16” in another. That’s why Tellar.co.uk exists—to cut through the confusion and give you the right answer every time.

Whether you’re petite, tall, curvy, or athletic, there’s a trouser style—and a brand—that works for you. And we’ll help you find it in seconds.


Ready to Ditch the Guesswork?

Find your perfect trouser fit now at Tellar.co.uk
It’s free, fast, and tailored to your measurements.
Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.


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