Ladies: Are stretch-waist pants a good thing?
By worldwise1
@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
September 20, 2008 12:51pm CST
I was thinking about something I heard on a TV talk show recently. They were discussing the pros and cons of elastic-waist pants. The general consensus was that the introduction of these pants into fashion society has contributed much to women "letting themselves go." I thought that was funny until I realized that the statement held a lot of truth. I can remember back to a time before stretch-waist pants came into fashion where you were much more careful about overeating because that made it necessary to unbutton your pants(or skirt). So, naturally, once women began wearing these kinds of pants the elasticity eliminated the need to restrict your intake of food. Though I don't think they're nearly as popular as they were in the past, there are still a lot of stretch pants out there.
I did an inventory of my own closet and found, to my horror, that nearly all of my pants would fall into this category.
So, do you have elastic-waist pants in your closet?
I did an inventory of my own closet and found, to my horror, that nearly all of my pants would fall into this category.So, do you have elastic-waist pants in your closet?5 people like this
13 responses
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
20 Sep 08
The only elastic waist pants are my work out clothes and that - in my opinion - is how it should be. How hard is it really to button a button and pull up a zipper?
I don't know how pants really affect over eating. I do over eat when there is something I really like, but when I feel full, I feel it in my stomach which isn't anywhere near where my pants are lol
4 people like this
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
21 Sep 08
Having arthritis is not like wearing the pants because you are fat.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
22 Sep 08
I take it, sedel, that you are unfamiliar with the custom of enjoying a holiday feast, perhaps, and having to "loosen up" to make room for a little bit more.This is not to say that it is OK to make a regular habit of overeating. I'm only saying that sometimes when there is an exceptional meal we do like to overindulge a bit. As someone who suffers from arthritis I can fully understand the problems one would have with buttoning and zipping clothing.
This is not to say that it is OK to make a regular habit of overeating. I'm only saying that sometimes when there is an exceptional meal we do like to overindulge a bit. As someone who suffers from arthritis I can fully understand the problems one would have with buttoning and zipping clothing.
@deebomb (15304)
• United States
21 Sep 08
I have nothing but elastic-waist pants in my closet or pants drawer. First they are very comfortable. Second I have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and my fingers are jut not strong enough to snap the snaps on those jeans. Nor could I zip the zippers because the zipper pulls are just too small to get a hold of. Besides all that when I have to go I have to right now and wouldn't have time to mess with snaps, buttons and zippers. Then there is the fact that most jeans and pants ride below the waist and the hips so they would be very uncomfortable for me.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
22 Sep 08
Those are all perfectly good reasons for wearing stretch pants, deebomb!
2 people like this
@jeweledbluerose (3061)
• United States
20 Sep 08
Though while going to Weight Watchers, my group leader has always said stretch pants, shorts, skirts were a big no-no when trying to lose weight, I have always found them to be more comfortable then button-ups. I tend to have moments of bloating even without having eaten anything, and it becomes a bit annoying to stop what you are doing daily, just to unbutton one's pants so they are able to work comfortably.
Plus, though it don't happen often, when an emergency potty situation arises, it's nice not having to fiddle with a button and zipper, just pull down, sit and go .
. 2 people like this
@jeweledbluerose (3061)
• United States
22 Sep 08
I do have a couple of pairs of button-up pants in my closet, but the only times they get put on is if I am checking to make sure I am staying on track with my weight loss (I hate scales and hate having to step on them..lol) or if I'm having one of them days were I fell particularly proud of myself for losing and keeping the weight off and know that bloating won't be a problem for the day.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
22 Sep 08
Take it from someone wh's been around since before stretch pants came into being, jeweled, they can be awfully convenient at times. I can see a few instances where someone would prefer the simplicity of wearing them.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
22 Sep 08
I find nothing wrong with wearing clothing that makes you feel comfortable, stephcjh.
@zatak07 (699)
• India
21 Sep 08
This might not be a guy thing, but one have to be careful in front of kids :-0
once my little nephew (4 year old)nearly pull-off my short-pan (with elastic waist)while i was playing with him.... :-)
Just wanna make sure all of you to be careful & make it tight...lol
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
22 Sep 08
There are also quite a few men who wear the warm-up suits, etc., with elastic waists, zatak, and they are not usually as fashion-conscious as the ladies.
1 person likes this
@faln_angel1205 (1192)
• United States
21 Sep 08
I sure hope they are, since tahts pretty much all i wear. I have 2 pairs of jeans and many weeks will go by before I wear them. I would wear jeans more often or slacks and things that zip, but i am very overweight and its tough to find those kind of pants in a size taht will fit me. I have recently lost about 25 lbs though so i suppose i could try to find some...i just dotn have a need for them right now. The elastic waist ones i have now, can be casual or worn with a nice blouse and flats to dress up..very versatile.
2 people like this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
22 Sep 08
That makes very good sense, fain! Regular clothes can be so constricting to those of us who are overweight.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157622)
• United States
20 Sep 08
Yes, I do. A weight loss program I did years ago said basically the same thing about elastic waist,stretch pants, and sweats. I found I am really pleased to be able to get into some of mine that are not elastic waist. For me, sometimes it is the cut of the pant as well as the button and zipper thing. I finally found one style of jeans that was just so comfortable, so I bought one. I have lots of drawstring apparel as well. Deep down, though, I feel that a button and zip closure is much more dressy and formal.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
22 Sep 08
I feel that the only time it is absolutely necessary to wear button and zip pants are on occasions when dressy clothing are required, GG. I find nothing wrong with using whatever's convenient when it serves the purpose.
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
21 Sep 08
Well, I never was a size 6 and I never will be.I eat whatever I like and how much I like regardless of the style of pants. In truth, I can't wear elastic pants because they leave an imprint on my skin that becomes itchy and pretty soon, I am scratching.And besides, I wear jeans, guy jeans. Why? Because all i need to know is my inseem and my waist size and I am set.There are too many women on this diet or that diet. I don't know anyone who is " letting themselves go."
1 person likes this
@Aurone (4755)
• United States
20 Sep 08
I don't have any that are completely elastic waist pants. I have had some lees that have some elastic in the waist but they still have the traditional button front. I have some stretch material pants, but none that I currently wear have elastic in the waist.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
21 Sep 08
I think in some ways the idea of stretch pants could be a good one as it beats getting new sized pants every time one gains or loses weight...so in some ways its a money saver. I've never bought stretch pants though...thank goodness I've always been relatively thin all my life, though I do have jeans of various sizes...uh, just in case...LOL
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
22 Sep 08
Needless to say, pyewacket, I'm green with envy!I have struggled with weight problems for most of my life -until my doctor finally told me to be happy with who I was. I'm not completely happy but I've learned to love myself as I am.
I have struggled with weight problems for most of my life -until my doctor finally told me to be happy with who I was. I'm not completely happy but I've learned to love myself as I am.
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
20 Sep 08
I have both and it does keep me from going overboard because I can't afford to buy more pants just because I start gaining weight..lol..I do, however, have sweat pants, but I use those for when I am bloated once in a while or just don't feel like wearing the button pants..
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
22 Sep 08
Most women have some problem with bloating at times, carmelanirel, and those stretch pants can be very useful on such occasions.
@dloveli (4366)
• United States
23 Sep 08
Fashion is individualized. WHat I like you may not. I like wearing sweatsuits and sneakers. My friend loves jeans. I havent wore jeans in years. I think the idea of stretch waist is a good thing because not everyone is the same shape. Even if you are the same weight you may be shaped different. A stretch waist would adhere different to each figure. Thus, giving individual looks. I am not a size five so I dont think that jeans are the thing for me. I am not a size 22 either. My style fits my size. I think also that stretch waist belongs in some things and not in others. For example stretch waist in exercise or sweats is okay. I dont think stretch waist in jeans would work well for all. I think the stretch waist would be dependent on the garment. Hope that helped. Happy myLotting.dl
