Something tells me that readers of the male gender are going to be inclined to sigh, shake their heads and think to themselves: “Women”.

There are certain genes in my mother’s family that predisposes females to large hips–genes that I have inherited. I also have a tiny waist. This puts me rather firmly in the hourglass-shaped figure.

However much certain artists of the past may have enjoyed hourglass figures, the clothing industry tends to forget us. In particular, it is very hard to find bottoms that fit which do not have a drawstring. If I find a skirt or pants that fit my waist, it takes a great feat of willpower to squeeze the rest of my bottom half in them…and I won’t be caught dead in public wearing something that tight. If I find something that fits my hips comfortably, I end up with a horizontal pleat and an extra inch or two of hem.

This hourglass problem never really used to bother me; but those were also the days when shapeless sacks were my prefered clothing of choice. (And usually the top sack would be something like a purple polka-dot and the bottom sack would be a light blue print…my Aunt Kelly used to try to call the fashion police on me.) Even today my house wear of choice is drawstring capris.

But I have learned to appreciate a good fit for out-in-public wear and I wanted to find some nice, comfortable yet practical pants for my EMT course. The hourglass problem has become one in earnest. LL Bean has this ingenious Curvy fit, especially made for women of my proportions. The trouble is that  LL Bean’s clothes, being of high quality, are somewhat pricey.

We (Mom and I) were going to see if someplace like Dillard’s or Kohl’s had something that would do before we called in the clothing cavalry…and while out with a friend, Mom found some slacks that were exactly the style that I wanted. She called to make sure of the size and returned triumphantly, ordering me to try them on almost before she got in the door. I did and they were absolutely perfect…except that damn waist band. 

Well, I’m going to get off my soap box and go take in the waist-side seams of my almost perfect slacks. My penny jar got renamed: “For LL Bean’s Curvy fit slacks or jeans.”