I have a "tomboy" build through my hips and typically wear a 6 petite (29" inseam) pant. The 8 petite in these is very comfortable and fits me well. They hold up well throughout the day (no baggy knees or backside) and are very comfortable.
LLBean pants have always eluded me. They never quite fit - rises too high, pants too tapered. Finally - the fit has improved. Still though - my regular size (10) was way too small - I couldn't even button the waist. A larger size fit just fine (in the waist) - but then left me with too much fabric around my thighs. Alas - I had to send these back as well. The color was really pretty and the pattern would have been a nice alternative to all the solids I have.
I came into the store to take a look at these cords because they looked so cute in the catalog. I had honestly never bought pants from LL Bean before because in the catalog the fit always looked like that high waisted, tapered leg, "mom-pants" style and I prefer a more modern cut.
Well, the fit on these pants is actually pretty darn good, I was pleasantly surprised! They are a nice blend of style and practicality- they are not the dreaded frumpy high-waisted mom pants but not *too* low cut either, so they won't show your bum if you bend over. They were a little low hanging in the crotch but that might be just be my weird body because I am long waisted (long torso & short legs)
I would recommend going into an actual store to try them on for yourself if you can, because their size chart is funky. I am 5'3, 135 lbs and have an athletic build, waist 29, hips 38 and athletic legs like a soccer player (i.e. not "skinny"). According to the size chart I would be a size 8 but the 8's were too baggy even on my proportionately larger legs. I ended up with a 6 in the short length, straight fit and I think it will be a perfect fit after I wash & dry it once. I like my cords to "fit" me...not skin tight but not baggy either. As a shorter woman with short legs who is athletic but not "skinny" I need pants that are fitted enough so you can see my shape, (i.e. not drowning in them) or else I look even shorter and my build looks chunky rather than athletic. However, I don't want to wear skin tight, bum crack showing teenager pants either! These pants are perfect - modern fit yet practical. I bought a few colors!
Nice quality and fabric. I ordered a size 4 petite. I usually wear a size 0-2 short or petite in other brands, and I prefer my cords a little loose and relaxed (but still shapely). I liked the fit in the hips and thighs, but the waist was about 1-2 inches too small for me. I did not find the rise too low or too high. These would have been perfect if not for fit in the waist.
