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so I've kind of found my solution.... I ventured down into the kids section at the Gap yesterday... (I don't even fit a 0 in the women's section now, so I really know there is major size creep - I used to be a size 5...). To my surprise the kids sizes really are proportioned better for me - a big surprise because though I am short I am definitely woman shaped. I do not have boyish hips and I do have a small waist. The jeans also have an "adjustable waist band" - no more plumbers crack! even on low rise. Now it's not as bad as it sounds the waist band has a piece of elastic *inside* that has buttons and button holes to adjust it. It doesn't show at all on the outside of the pants and works better than a belt, since the pants can't slip under it. It doesn't look like an elastic waist band either - it just fits a bit closer when you pull it in. As an added bonus they are straight legs (yehaw - boot cuts just make me look shorter and flares are plain ridiculous on someone of my size and proportions) and the length is perfect.
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I'm in the love-the-low-rise camp, although I never wear anything that shows my underwear (that's just TOO low!) I've always had good abs and I like how the low rise jeans accentuate that. I like the long shirt styles that are in and it's nice having only one layer over my torso with very little overlap - less bulk! Also, If I wear higher rise jeans they seem to accentuate my butt, which is where I tend to carry my weight (there and my thighs).
I've actually gotten back into cycling in part b/c I don't think I look as good in my jeans as I used to - since I took my current job (about a year and a half ago) I've gained a little weight - I work long hours and don't get as much exercise as I used to, and now that I'm in my 30s it seems I need it more than ever!
I definitely agree with the size creep - I'm 5'7 and fairly thin framed, but when I try stuff on and I'm a 0 (J. Crew) or a 2 (Banana Republic), I can't help wondering what people with small frames who are shorter than me are buying. And if it keeps creeping up, I'm really going to be in trouble!
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I am another petite person -- 5'1-1/2", 102-103 lbs, and I recently discovered that Talbot's Petite jeans (in a 2P) fit me wonderfully. They are mid-rise, which I feel much more comfortable in for work than low-rise, and they are long enough -- I have longish legs for my height so need a minimum 29" inseam. Too many petite pants (which are supposed to fit women up to 5'4") have inseams of only 28 or 28.5" (like ever single pair of LL Bean petites!), so I just can't wear them; and most regulars are too long (31-32" inseam). I refuse to hem. Ann Taylor Loft also tends to be long enough lately, but the size creep is indeed rampant. I used to wear 4P there, now it's 0P or 2P, and I have not lost weight!
Emily
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Love my Levi's men's 560 ($35), Costco brand men's jeans ($12), and Diamond Gusset women's regular ($45).
I'm as curvy as they come, cannot wear low rise at all, and 2 of my 3 best fitting jeans are MEN'S. Weird...
Oh, and Diamond Gusset doesn't suffer from size creep. I'm 5'8", and wear a women's 14. As real as it gets. www.gussetclothing.com
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I also hate low rise, but found two stores that define their styles quite clearly to make shopping easier. Ann Taylor Loft and Victoria's Secret. At VS I like the 'Christie' fit and at Ann Taylor Loft I like the 'Marissa' Fit. If you go to their websites they explain each fit in terms of rise, leg shape, etc. I got great jeans at Ann Taylor Loft in a boot cut last year that are medium rise. Ann Taylor's sizing is quite generous, their 4s fit me like a 6 at VS. I have found VS has pretty consistent sizing. Once I ordered pants in 3 sizes to find my size (they were running a free shipping w free returns on pants), but now that I know my style and size I have to send very little back.
