I'm investing in jeans.

I'm basically at my target weight. I might lose a couple of pounds as I edge up to the maintenance level, since I'm doing it slowly, but it won't make an appreciable difference in what size I wear. To help motivate me to stay right there, and not keep sinking lower or letting go and gaining, I'm going to finally buy some jeans that fit correctly.

Trouble is, I don't know where to buy them or what brands to look for. My waist is 12" smaller than my hips!

I'm thinking I might have better luck with urban-fashion stores than general ones, and I looked up Baby Phat's sizing chart and that looks close to what I need. What other brands should I look for if those don't fit right or look right?

I purchased a pair of Baby Phat jeans and they are SUPER stretchy.  I have a round bottom and a smaller waist and they fit nicely, though perhaps ran a bit big.

you say investing so i'm assuming you are planning to get some high end jeans. i'm not sure where you are from, but if you can go to a place like saks, neiman marcus, or barney's they will have a bigger selection of high end jeans and the sales people there should be able to help you with fits and sizes! plus you can have fun trying on a bunch of different brands! just be prepared to spend $150-300 for a pair at those places.

I was thinking more $50-$100 (I normally refuse to spend more than $20). Now, there IS an outlet mall about 20 miles from here that has slightly lower-priced clothing from the expensive stores, stuff that's just barely out-of-season or was overstock. They don't have a Neiman-Marcus, but there is a Saks and some others.

I didn't even think of that because I hardly ever go out there, but I'll definitely check it out!

Try Gap.  My waist is about ten inches smaller than my hips, and Gap fits me well.

I second the GAP. I don't have a pear shape, but my DD does (she has the teeniest-tiniest waist ever!), and she looks great in GAP curvy jeans.

I suggest you try on bazillions of brands and pairs and if there is one you love the fit of on hips, behind and legs just take it. If you want high end (>$100 a pair yet soooo flattering for the behind) go for Citizen of Humanity, Rock & Republic or Paige. Perhaps 7 for All Mankind also. Once you have found the pair that fits you best on behind, hips and legs, have a good tailor take in the waist for you. My friend who is a pear shape does that and she looks fab! Since I am so short I have the tailor fix the hems for me.

before i gained some weight, my waist was about 10 inches less than my hips (28-38).  i wear armani exchange and the prices are [retty reasonable (i think prices go up to like $120 but if you buy them on sale they can sometimes be as low as $60...) and they fit nicely on my butt. :D 

but try them on.  the jeans last me a really long time so i'm not sure if i stretched the waist so that it's a little big or if the waist actually IS a little big..

I swear by Lucky brand jeans.  Seriously, they are super comfortable and they have this way of lifting and shaping your derriere...my ass has never looked so good in denim!

I think a good pair of jeans is worth the investment. I like citizens of humanity and sevin. Instead of buying a new pair of $20 jeans every few months or every year, why not buy a $100 pair that fits you perfectly and will last longer than you will?  Premium denim is VERY DIFFERENT than regular denim. If you don't believe me, go ahead and try a pair on - its free :)

Try looking here for an analysis:

http://www.zafu.com/

Good Luck!

How about you leave your waist to nice tops and a belt, and wear your jeans on your hips.  That might make sizing easier.

I swear by Seven 7 jeans!  Around $75-$90 but they fit so good and make anyone look great!  Everyone in Scottsdale wears them, cuz they are so great.

yeah, low waisted jeans look so much better!  that shows off your real waist line, with or without a long shirt on.  good luck! :)

I tried on some Lucky brand jeans, and they're just not suited to my figure (except the highest-waisted ones)! They're the only brand I had difficulty fitting into a 4 in; blame my thighs. Although the Wonder cut was almost perfect. Ended up choosing a pair of DKNY jeans; I loved the darker color and the fit. They were a little less teen-style looking, without being for old ladies, and slimmed down my butt and thighs while still being loose enough that I could sit in them. Not low-rise, but an inch or two below the natural line, which works.

It was weird, I bought some clothes at Dillard's and then went to the 99 Cent store for housewares XD Ehh, that's how I manage; I spend on the stuff I really want, and then am money-cautious elsewhere. Plastic cups are plastic cups.

Thanks for your suggestions! And I'm bookmarking zafu; what a great site!