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One of the biggest struggles that I’ve had as a fat guy is something I’ve seen a lot of us struggle with- keeping my pants up on my waist and not falling down and showing off the dreaded plumber’s crack.
Pants that slide down aren’t only unattractive, but they are also incredibly annoying. After all, who wants to spend their time worrying about whether or not their hands are free to keep pulling up their pants every five minutes?
So, why do fat people’s pants fall down?
People who are plus size or fat often struggle with their pants falling down because of the shape of their body, the size or style of the pants, or because their weight fluctuates, so their pants don’t always fit. Fortunately, there are a few different things you can try to solve this problem.
Next, we’ll take a closer look at these three things that might be causing your pants to fall down and I’ll give you some tips as far as what you can do about it.
Why Do Fat People’s Pants Fall Down?
Fat people’s pants fall down because of the shape of their bodies, the fit of the pants, or even because of normal weight fluctuations that change the way that their pants fit on their bodies.
Let’s take a closer look at these things.
Reason 1: Their Body Shape
Often, the reason that fat people’s pants fall down is that they are the wrong size for their body, or that they just aren’t compatible with their body shape.
My problem, for example, is that I have a really big belly, but my waist isn’t quite that big. So, when pants are designed to sit around my waist, they tend to slide down.
Of course, this isn’t the only body type that might cause issues with your pants falling down. If your hips are bigger than your butt, they also might slide down because the area under where your pants sit is smaller. My wife tells me that she has this problem with her pear shaped body, too.
Reason 2: The Size And Style Of Jeans
If your pants are too big around the waist in general, that’s also an issue that might cause your pants to slide down. Keep in mind, though, that it’s not always only about the size of the pants and the waistband.
Different cuts or styles of pants are going to fit people’s body shapes differently. For example, some brands of men’s jeans offer a slim fit, classic fit, and relaxed fit.
Relaxed-fit jeans are sometimes a good choice for bigger men (especially those with big thighs) because they are the standard size in the waist but offer more room in the thighs, so you won’t have to size up and risk your pants falling down.
Of course, bigger men aren’t the only people with this problem. Women also struggle with keeping their pants up, especially those with apple or pear shaped bodies because sometimes, jeans just aren’t designed for those body types.
Reason 3: Your Weight Fluctuates
Everyone’s weight fluctuates, whether you are overweight or not.
You may have noticed that you look fatter on different days, or perhaps that you look fatter at night than you did that same morning.
Often, this fluctuation happens without you gaining any actual weight at all, so it’s not really a cause for concern- except for the fact that it makes it harder to find pants that consistently fit your body well.
There are a few things that cause day-to-day weight fluctuations, but the most common culprit is water weight.
It’s pretty normal for your body to hold onto excess water after you eat if you’ve been eating high-sodium foods, and around that certain time of the month for the ladies. Bloating can also cause you to look fatter without gaining weight.
Do My Pants Fall Down Because I’m Fat?
While your pants may be falling down because you’re fat, this is a problem that thinner people can struggle with, too. It’s pretty common, for example, for thinner people who have bigger or regular-sized hips, but a smaller butt.
That being said, it is more likely that you’ll struggle with your pants falling down when you’re bigger because of the shape of your body. The roundness can also make pants roll or fall down.
Why Do My Pants Fall Down With A Belt?
Belts can be a lifesaver for big guys (and curvy ladies) because they help keep everything in place, even if your weight fluctuates. The belt you are wearing and how you wear your belt also may affect whether or not your pants fall down.
You see, if a belt is too stretchy, or if it’s worn out, it might not be firm enough to hold everything in place. If your belly presses on your belt, some belts also slip because they just aren’t strong enough to keep everything in place.
Another possible problem is the size increments. I don’t mean the size of the belt, but rather, the distance between the holes where you secure the belt. Something with smaller size increments will let you make the micro-adjustments that help you get the perfect fit with your belt.
Of course, buying the right size belt for your pants also matters.
What Can I Do To Help My Pants Stay Up When I’m Fat?
So, the good news is that there are a few different solutions for keeping your pants up when you’re fat.
Let’s jump into them.
Tip 1: Try Different Cuts Of Pants
Let me tell you, finding a pair of jeans that consistently fit my body is quite the task. While I have come across a few pairs over the years that quickly become staples in my wardrobe, I dread when they get worn out and I have to start the process all over again.
As I was mentioning earlier, manufacturers make jeans in different cuts or styles depending on their target market. There are even pants out there designed especially for people with bigger thighs or waists compared to the rest of your body. The problem is finding out which pants are worth the try.
Something that can make this easier is knowing your measurements, particularly if you’re shopping online or don’t feel comfortable trying the clothes on. Compare your measurements to the dimensions of the pants you are looking at.
Tip 2: Try Out A Different Waist Band Or Stretchier Material
In addition to trying a different cut or style of pants, you can also opt for pants made out of stretchy material or with an elastic waistband. While it’s still important to choose something that fits your body well, the stretchy material can give you a little more leeway than stiffer fabrics like jeans.
My wife, for example, swears by her elastic waist jeans. Even though it’s still pretty important to get the right size and cut of jeans for them to fit right, a sturdy elastic waistband really helps hold everything in place.
Tips 3: Try Out A Belt, Suspenders, Or A Drawstring
Even if you’ve tried out belts before and they haven’t got the job done, it may be worth giving them another go. You see, there’s a lot to be said about finding the right belt as a curvier woman or heavy man.
If you’re still on the quest for that perfect belt, check out this article on belts for guys with big bellies like mine.
Suspenders are another option. Even though your initial reaction might be that they aren’t for you, suspenders are actually a very viable option for fat guys.
Not only are they stylish, but you don’t necessarily have to wear them over your clothing if you decide they aren’t for you. Suspenders can also be worn under your pants, plus we have some options for suspenders for big guys here that are sure to keep your pants up.
Another option you might not have thought of is pants with a drawstring. This might include sweatpants for men or cotton drawstring pants for women. The major benefit of these pants is that many have an elastic waistband that helps with the fit, plus the drawstring truly lets you get a customized fit that won’t fall down.
Final Word
So, why do fat people’s pants fall down? Generally, it’s caused by the size or style of pants being a poor fit compared to a person’s body shape. Weight fluctuations can also cause your pants to fall down.
Fortunately, fashion for fat guys and bigger ladies has come a long way and there are solutions to this. Opting for pants that fit your body shape, taking advantage of stretcher fabrics, or using a belt, suspenders, or drawstrings can also help keep your pants up.
Hope this article helps!