Clothing that sits well around the thighs
Short answer: Clothing around the thighs has to leave room for walking, sitting and lifting your legs without pulling or rubbing. The fit depends on the cut, the stretch of the fabric and the length of the top.
The thighs move all the time
The thighs are among the largest muscle groups in the body, and they move every time you walk, sit or stand up. Clothing with no room for this movement pulls and presses, especially if it is made of a stiff fabric. It is therefore not enough that the trousers fit at the waist. The thighs also need to move freely, and you can only find out by trying the clothes both standing and sitting.
Cuts that give room
Straight legs give more room than skinny ones, and a slightly looser fit is often more comfortable around the thighs. See Egtved. Choose a cut that does not pull at the crotch when you sit, and check that you can lift your knee without feeling resistance. If your thighs are stronger than your hips, choose by the thighs and have a tailor take in the waist if needed.
Rubbing between the thighs
In warm weather the thighs can rub against each other, especially if the skin is damp. Longer legs on underwear or shorts can put a smooth layer between the skin and prevent friction. See bamboo tank top for men, where a thin layer on the upper body also helps you stay dry. Choose soft fabrics that let air through so moisture does not stay. Avoid tight clothing made of synthetic fabrics, which can make it worse.
The top and how it falls over the thighs
A long polo or T-shirt that reaches mid thigh can give a long, calm line, but it can also catch on the trousers and pull. See bamboo polos for men. A polo with a slightly loose fit falls softly over the thighs, and with a slightly rounded hem it slides more easily over the trousers. Try walking, sitting and bending to see whether it stays in place.
The fabric and its stretch
Jersey and knit with a little elastane follow better when the thighs work than woven fabrics. Viscose from bamboo is soft and smooth, which reduces friction when two surfaces meet. Do not choose clothing so thin that it becomes see through when stretched. If the fabric becomes almost sticky when you sweat, it is too dense. The fabric has to be able to breathe, so the skin is not damp underneath it all day.
Care so the shape lasts
Trousers and shorts that are stretched every day slowly lose their shape at the knee and thigh. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees and avoid fabric softener. Let the clothes dry flat or hang them up so gravity does not pull them crooked. When you have several pairs to rotate between, each pair lasts longer, because the fabric gets time to rest between uses. It is a simple way to look after your clothes.
Frequently asked questions
Why are trousers tight around the thighs when they fit at the waist
Because cut and fabric do not always follow the proportions of the body. Choose by the widest point and adjust the rest.
What helps against rubbing between the thighs in summer
Longer legs on underwear or shorts and soft fabrics that let air through. Keep the skin dry and clean, and talk to your doctor if the skin becomes irritated.
Can I stretch trousers that are too tight at the thighs
A little, but it is better to choose a fit with enough room from the start. Heavy stretching can damage the seams.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
