Question on altering pants 32" to 30"

[lemonbishop]

Hello,

Trying to learn something here, so thanks any help.

I was looking for some flat front trousers in a 30" waist, and stopped in at Neimen Marcus. They had a total of zero 30" pants (flat front). The salesman had me try on some 32"s. These were too big (obviously) in the waist, but also through the seat and legs. He indicated that trimming the waist, the seat and the legs was no problem whatsoever, and referred to it as everyday alteration. I should not give it another thought.

I looked through the archives here, and some have indicated that this is indeed no problem, and it is not even very costly (as little as $15), but it should be done by a tailor, and not any old dry cleaner/alterations shop. Others have indicated that the waist should be removed and the pants re-cut, and this might cost $150. Others still, feel that if the seat does not fit right, forget the pants altogether.

I wear a 38" jacket, so I would have to have this done to the pants of basically any suit I might buy. So, I would hope it is an easy, everyday thing. Also, I have found that the RLPL and RLBL pants fit great in a 30" waist. In searching ebay and elswhere, 30" is less common, and I would like to know if I can just as easily pick up 32"s and get the same great fit (post altering) as the 30"s, for a reasonable cost and without weird or 'almost right' results.

thanks.

 

[JayJay]

I have had this type of alteration done many times. However, very seldom has the alteration been a success.

 

[adambparker]

I have had several pairs of pants slimmed down in the seat/thigh/leg by a competent tailor, who did a nice job. He's not a high-end tailor, but also not a dry cleaner.

However, if you're looking to alter the pants down 2 full sizes, you are pushing the limits of a mere alteration and moving into major surgery territory.

I would not buy 32s and have them altered merely out of perceived lack of options. It is an expensive and risky solution to a problem that may be better solved by expanding your search for 30" trousers to various online outlets, etc.

 

[Scrumhalf]

What does this then leave one if he has a > 6in. drop and wants to purchase a suit? My jacket size is 38 and my waist is a 29. Should I be resigned to the prospect of sinking major $s into retailoring the pants from the 32 that would come standard with the suit?

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by Scrumhalf

What does this then leave one if he has a > 6in. drop and wants to purchase a suit? My jacket size is 38 and my waist is a 29. Should I be resigned to the prospect of sinking major $s into retailoring the pants from the 32 that would come standard with the suit?
Other than MTM or purchasing separates, he has no alternative except to have the pants altered. I have a significant drop that creates the same problem for me, which is one of the reasons I switched to MTM. However, I've now found an OTR brand that I like, and a tailor that does an excellent job on my pants. The alteration can be done, but a competent tailor is essential.

 

[a tailor]

Originally Posted by lemonbishop

Hello,

Trying to learn something here, so thanks any help.

I was looking for some flat front trousers in a 30" waist, and stopped in at Neimen Marcus. They had a total of zero 30" pants (flat front). The salesman had me try on some 32"s. These were too big (obviously) in the waist, but also through the seat and legs. He indicated that trimming the waist, the seat and the legs was no problem whatsoever, and referred to it as everyday alteration. I should not give it another thought.

I looked through the archives here, and some have indicated that this is indeed no problem, and it is not even very costly (as little as $15), but it should be done by a tailor, and not any old dry cleaner/alterations shop. Others have indicated that the waist should be removed and the pants re-cut, and this might cost $150. Others still, feel that if the seat does not fit right, forget the pants altogether.

I wear a 38" jacket, so I would have to have this done to the pants of basically any suit I might buy. So, I would hope it is an easy, everyday thing. Also, I have found that the RLPL and RLBL pants fit great in a 30" waist. In searching ebay and elswhere, 30" is less common, and I would like to know if I can just as easily pick up 32"s and get the same great fit (post altering) as the 30"s, for a reasonable cost and without weird or 'almost right' results.

thanks.

good luck trying to get that alteration for $15. having that much taken in at the back shifts the balance of the trousers. not good.
get the right size.
some manufacturers make their suit models in athletic sizes. these are made with an 8 inch drop instead of a 6 inch. a size 38 then would have a 30 trouser.

 

[uluvbs]

Did you try Barneys?

Honestly, if you can afford to shop at NM, plus pay even small fees for tailoring, you should just go with MTM.

There is no way you are going to get the waist, seat, and legs altered in a competent manner for anywhere near $15. I really can't believe that's what's in the archives here. It is difficult work that will cost $50+, and even then, the results may not be what you had hoped.

 

[lemonbishop]

I did find a post that indicated they had this done for $15. I do think this sounds ridiculously cheap, and I would not expect it to cost that little.

The fact that most here think the 32" is a 'no go', and the sales guy at NM was of the 'no problem whatsoever', is he just trying to make a sale? This would seem quite short sighted; make the sale of a pair of pants, that are destined not to really work out, and loose a client forever. On the other hand, he could just say, I don't have any 30", I will call you when I do, or I will check the other stores.

thanks for the input

 

[Gravitas]

So in the same vein, if I get up to a size 40 jacket (I wear 30w), I will be screwed as far as OTR? This is a hard choice, work out to look better or don't work out to look better.

 

[erdawe]

Gain 5 lbs to a 30" true waist then alter to a 31, might require less pants surgery.

 

[polar-lemon]

Originally Posted by Gravitas

So in the same vein, if I get up to a size 40 jacket (I wear 30w), I will be screwed as far as OTR? This is a hard choice, work out to look better or don't work out to look better.

No, find the cut of jacket that fits you best, and have the pants recut.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by polar-lemon

No, find the cut of jacket that fits you best, and have the pants recut.
... or buy separates.

 

[Sator]

The other thing to remember is that bespoke/MTM trousers are quite cost effective. I have bespoke trousers made by one excellent tailor (Sam Disano) for $200 AUD plus cost of cloth. Manton mentioned someone in NYC who makes them for about $200 USD. Will said on his blog that he gets his made MTM. I would suggest looking around.