Every woman wants to find pants that are flattering. Clothing that is too tight emphasises any extra weight by creating a crease that may bulge above and below. Stretched zippers open and the result is that the person wearing them appears overweight. The perfect pants disguise flaws and create a silhouette that is flattering to the wearer. Everyone wants to look their best and a good fit is one requirement to create that image.

Before buying pants, take your measurements carefully. This will let you know which sizes you should be looking for. Refer to this chart to find your size. The measurements are given in both inches and centimetres, which will help you especially when shopping for clothes online.

Size | Waist | Hips

10 (S) | 70cm (27 inches) | 97cm (38 inches)

12 (S) | 75cm (29 inches) | 102cm (40 inches)

14 (M) | 80cm (31 inches) | 107cm (42 inches)

16 (M) | 85cm (33 inches) | 112cm (44 inches)

18 (L) | 90cm (35 inches) | 117cm (46 inches)

20 (L) | 95cm (37 inches) | 122 cm (48inches)

22 (XL) | 100cm (39 inches) | 127 cm (50 inches)

24 (XL) | 105 cm (41 inches) | 132 cm (52 inches)

26 (2XL) | 110 cm (43 inches) | 137 cm (54 inches)

28 (2XL) | 115 cm (45 inches) | 142 cm (56 inches)

30 (3XL) | 120 cm (47 inches) | 147 cm (58 inches)

When using the chart, go with the larger measurement of your hips or waist to determine the size to look for. If you have a 95 centimetre waist and 127 centimetre hips, then a size 22 is what you should be looking for. Even if the pants fit around your waist just fine, if they don't give you a proper fit around the hips, they're not going to work.

You should always measure your hips at their widest point. For example, if the tops of your thighs are wider than your hips, then you'll want to measure yourself there to make sure you get a good fit. Remember that some companies will have their own proprietary sizing charts; in these cases, use their measurements to find your size instead.

The next step is to take a measurement of your inseam. Your pant legs should be long enough to touch the top of your shoe, but not so long that you will step on them. If you have an inseam of less than 29 inches (75 centimetres), then petite sizes are where you should be searching. If you have an inseam which is longer, then regular sizes are for you - you can always have them re-hemmed if needed. If you have an inseam which is longer than 32 inches (82 centimetres), then tall sizes are what you need.

In order to conceal wide hips and waistlines, some women will wear baggy pants; however, this can make you look larger and is best avoided. One good tip is to go for straight waists rather than gathered waists, since these actually emphasize a wide waistline and hips. Shorter women may choose pants with vertical stripes to make their legs appear longer and make them look taller. Long legged women, on the other hand, do well with bell bottom pants.

You'll have a far easier time finding the perfect figure-flattering fit for you if you take accurate measurements and use them when shopping for pants. Remember to take your measurements when you are at ease. Don't suck in your stomach; this will only lead to you purchasing pants which are not a good fit. After all, the reason for accurate measurements is to get a better fit - only you will see your measurements, so relax.