Where to buy trousers if you have big thighs
I had a couple of clients last year who were really struggling to find trousers to fit due to their large, muscular thighs. So, armed with a tape measure I went out did some research in the shops prior to our meeting so that when I took each of them shopping we could easily find the right trousers as a solution to the problem.
Thankfully for anyone that has the same issue, the current trend for skinny trousers is finally waning and I've already seen much looser cuts on the menswear catwalks, which will eventually make their way into the shops. But in the meantime here's a selection of the items we found to be a good fit for my clients - one had thighs that measured 63cm and the other 66cm:
Suits:
Boss - The suit we found was a classic style with a slightly narrower cut trouser and a great fit on the jacket. It's a carry through style which they always have - useful if you want to get extra trousers at a later stage. It comes in grey, navy or black so it's a good basic to have in your wardrobe.
** Unfortunately I can't remember which suit this was so am unable to update the link
Oliver Spencer - For a more casual take on the suit, Oliver Spencer's Fishtail trousers are a wider cut with a tapered hem and come in various fabrics with matching jackets. This suit's a great option if you work in a more casual or creative office environment, and they usually stock a version of this style every season. One thing worth mentioning though is that we found different colours vary slightly in fit and some were a little too snug. So if you're thinking of buying more than one pair, I recommend you try them all on.
** Updated links: Fishtail trousers in Portman Charcoal grey (available in other colours / fabrics)
Matching Theobald jacket in Portman Charcoal grey (available in other colours / fabrics)
Chinos:
Spoke chinos - Although they only sell online, I decided to contact Spoke and picked up a pair of these to try with my client. They fitted perfectly and have the appearance of a slim cut leg but are wide enough on the thigh with just the right amount of tapering at the hem.
There's a variety of colours and they come in different fits - fit C is the one for athletic thighs but just put your measurements in on their website and it'll tell you exactly which to order. They even do the uneven numbers on the waist and leg length measurements too which is an added bonus and I'd definitely recommend trying these.
Uniqlo - their vintage fit chinos are also a good fit though not so tapered. They're super affordable and they take them up for you instore for - sometimes within a couple of hours. They make a good classic staple.
We also bought some great textured navy trousers from YMC. Unfortunately they're no longer showing on their website but this is a brand worth checking out as they tend to favour a less skinny cut.
Jeans
True Religion - When the guy in Selfridges first suggested True Religion jeans I have to admit my first reaction was "not those awful ones with the terrible oversized stitching?" Thankfully he then showed me some Geno Relaxed Slim jeans devoid of any stitching which my client tried and bought. They were a comfortable fit without being baggy or wide legged, and I was very pleasantly surprised.
** Updated link: Geno Slim - I'm not 100% sure if the Slim is the same as the Relaxed Slim with an updated name?
J Brand - Confusingly the style that we found were a great fit are called Kane Slim Straight which sounds like it would be too skinny, but actually fitted well. They only come in a 34" length though, so bear this in mind if you need longer than this or need to have a lot cut off which might change the shape.
**Updated link J Brand Kane Slim Straight jeans
Albam - A nice classic, clean cut pair of jeans which are roomy enough to accommodate large thighs. If you prefer a softer, less rigid feel then choose the loose weave or pink selvedge, over the raw denim.
Also worth trying are the Seven For All Mankind - Austyn jean - this is a relaxed fit which is a wider all the way down. I bought these with one of my clients and we had them tailored to make them a little more tapered at the calf and hem. Another good fit was the Levi 504 Regular Straight and they come in at a reasonable price.
**Updated link: Levi's 541 Athletic fit - extra room in the seat and thigh with a slightly tapered leg. I must admit these don't look great on their (presumably skinny) model but I think when they're filled out a bit they will probably look a lot better! Let me know if you try them.
I hope this helps to guide you in the right direction if you too have athletic thighs, but if you'd like further help then please do get in touch and I'll be happy to arrange personal shopping trip with you.
Other posts you might like:
Textured trousers - an alternative to jeans and chinos
7 tips on how to make your legs look longer