Steph Wetherell tries a pair of trousers – the Maier Sports Lulaka – that’s perfect for plus size bodies.
Maier Sports are a German brand well known as a trouser specialist, offering 61 different sizes and a selection of fits across their range. A key selling point is that many of their trousers are available in plus sizes (up to a UK26). As a size 20 and a keen long-distance walker, I’ve found it almost impossible to find technical trousers in my size that actually fit my body well and perform in variable weather conditions, so the Maier Sports Lulaka Trousers were immediately worth a closer look.
Steph’s verdict
The star of the show is the four-way stretch fabric, which makes them incredibly comfortable to wear for long days on the hills.- Very stretchy
- Versatile leg fit
- Wide range of sizes
- EU sizing can be confusing
| Quick Specs | |
|---|---|
| Price: £99.85-114.95 Weight: 387g (size EU 48) Materials: 90% polyamide, 10% elastane OR Elasticated nylon Features: Four-way stretch fabric, PFC water repellent finish Pockets: 2 zipped hip, 1 zipped thigh, 1 zipped internal security Hem: Roll up, drawcord adjustable Sizes: EU 34 – 52 (UK 8-26) Men’s version: Yes (called Nil) – EU 44-72 (UK 30-58) www.maier-sports.com |
The Maier Sports Lulaka Trousers are a straight leg trouser, made from a PFC free water-resistant stretch nylon that kept me dry in light showers and dried remarkably quickly after I was caught out in a downpour. They’re breathable enough to be worn on a cooler summer day (on a hot day I’d personally still opt for shorts, as I tend to run hot), and they have the ability to roll up the legs with a button fixture, a function that is well designed and works better than some alternatives I’ve tried. For me, the fabric is the perfect thickness for spring and autumn walking, and as I personally prefer a slimmer fit on my legs, I appreciate that you can cinch in the bottom of the leg hem using a toggle fastening to help stop the hems getting too muddy. The lightweight nature of the trousers and their versatility makes them a great choice for multiday trips.
The star of the show is the four-way stretch fabric, which makes them incredibly comfortable to wear for long days on the hills, and they fit well around my bum, hips and belly. There is also plenty of space around the thighs, where I know a lot of plus size people often struggle to find trousers that fit.
The Maier Sports Lulaka are fairly high waisted, which is helpful if you hold weight on your belly, and the waistband is elasticated and comes with a removable belt. The fabric is so stretchy and the fit so good that even without the belt (I have a 10 inch difference between my hip and waist measurements) – they don’t fall down and sit snugly around my waist.
The pockets are well designed – the two hip pockets aren’t huge but have a zip fastening. The thigh pocket is big enough for a phone and again has a zipper. There is also a small internal security pocket which is perfect for keys/money.
European sizing can be hard to navigate if you’re not used to it – I opted to use a tape measure to measure my hips and waist on their size chart rather than trusting the UK equivalent size. This meant I opted for a size 48, which is listed as a size 22 equivalent, but found these fitted me perfectly.
It’s worth noting that the Maier Sports website doesn’t show plus sizes. In Britain, seek out Vampire Outdoor Gear who offer the full range. Otherwise, the Maier Sports Lulaka are a very versatile and well-designed pair of trousers suitable for all women, and especially for those looking for larger sizes.
