Altering jeans

[freakseam]

Hello Gents: let's see, what's the quickest way to pose the question...

ok. here goes: -jeans come in a variety of fits, moreso than can be said of dress pants, etc. (i think), so in regards to alterations, is it true that there is more to be taken into account? -let's say one has a pair or three of which the fit is (was) excellent ----time goes by---- -now, the waistline needs to be taken IN (just about a size or a size and a half) 1. is it likely or not that the fit, upon alteration, will remain 'excellent'? ex.: you were a regular fit 34, but now a regular fit 32/33...will the alteration just apply to the waistline? any thoughts appreciated. i apologize if i failed to clearly ask this question...

 

[Nick M]

I'd say that any kind of alteration on a pair of jeans - except shortening the legs - is a pretty dicey proposition. Either they fit or they don't, generally speaking.

If you've got an old, cheap pair, though, you could take them to a tailor you trust and see what they can do with them before you bring in the others...

 

[mrprlover]

I've been going to this tailor recently on several occasions, as my addiction to jeans has become err...well..an addiction.  
=]

After returning from Barcelona, getting back into soccer/weight-lifting, eating well and taking meds, I experienced the same. The 32/33 I was became a 30/31, sometimes a 29 depending on the cut/designer. Several jeans have been altered on the waist and they still fit the same. Of course you need to take into consideration the fit on your rear as well as the drop.  Has your size decreased in the rear/legs also causing for a smaller waist?  Being that I play soccer and once cycled heavily, my legs etc are the same so changing the waist was no biggie. It might be differently with you. One size down should not present a problem, but if things feel different in other places then it might not be worth it. Consider getting new jeans maybe.  Would you stay at this "new" size for long?

A side-note: I took a pair of pants that needed the waist taken in, but unfortunately adjusting the waist failed to remedy the fit. Things were a little loose in a certain areas and they had to make adjustments elsewhere. A good tailor should be able to take care of things.

Take a not-so-important/inexpensive pair first, notice how they come out and then decide accordingly.

 

[VMan]

Somewhat related question:

I normally take a 32" length, but purchased a pair of express jeans at a very low price. They were a 30" length. They are low-rise, so they are somewhat do-able, yet still pretty short. Is there any way to alter them? I was thinking of slitting the threads at the bottom of the leg opening and letting that material out. Would all the fabric unravel? How much fabric would you think would be in the cuff down there?

 

[mrprlover]

VersaceMan: I say go for it. You wouldn't lose much in the process and it'd be good practice. If they're too long when you let it out they'll eventually get that scruffed-up "I-don't- care" jeans-dragging look if you know what I mean.  Are they bootcut?  

Looking at my jeans, it looks like the most you'd get would be about 1/2 inch of fabric, which might turnout exactly right or a tad short. Either way you have nothing to lose.  Also, from further inspection, the material inside doesn't appear finished - they could easily unravel.

Worst-case you can let them out and if it doesn't look right then sew them back up. (Assuming you took home economics in high school and can use a machine/needle and thread.)

 

[VMan]

VersaceMan: I say go for it. You wouldn't lose much in the process and it'd be good practice. If they're too long when you let it out they'll eventually get that scruffed-up "I-don't- care" jeans-dragging look if you know what I mean.  Are they bootcut?  

Looking at my jeans, it looks like the most you'd get would be about 1/2 inch of fabric, which might turnout exactly right or a tad short. Either way you have nothing to lose.  Also, from further inspection, the material inside doesn't appear finished - they could easily unravel.

Worst-case you can let them out and if it doesn't look right then sew them back up. (Assuming you took home economics in high school and can use a machine/needle and thread.)

mrprlover:

Thanks a lot, I think I'll give it a shot. They aren't really a boot cut, more like a low rise with a straight leg...not tapered at the bottom yet they don't flare out. I think I'll try it this weekend, I'll just sew them back up if it doesn't work...or try it out with an old pair of junker jeans.

 

[Alias]

I regularly get my jeans altered. The seamstresses know how to make a good jean cuff, and they're pretty good at matching the thread color.

Shortening the legs isn't that big of a deal, but when you're getting into the waist and seat, things sound risky.