Buying a pair of pants does not always come with a perfect fit that calls for no alterations. In fact, the majority of gents, especially those stickler for fit and detail, turn to a tailor to alter jeans or pants. Today, and for all of you that seek ways to stand out from the average man with perfectly-fitting outfits, we have prepared a guide with the most common trouser alterations a tailor can do for you. From issues that any decent tailor can take care of pretty easily to the most challenging ones that you’d better have an expert professional take the reigns, here is all you need to know about how to have your pants cut specifically for you. Don’t worry. Ultimately, you will learn to identify the styles that fit you best right off the bat!
List of Easy Fixes (up to $30)
1. Inseam (Shorten or Lengthen)
It is very easy to fix trousers that are either too long or too short. Plus, it is an alteration that won’t cost you more than $10-$20. There are also some brands, whose trousers come with unfinished hems so that you can decide the optimal pant length per your likings. Most of the times, you can just tell them what your preferred break is and their in-store tailor will do the rest for you.
Speaking of pant length, if you don’t have the remaining fabric cut and the tailor just tucks it under the edge of the hem, you can follow any trend and show off your socks like many trendy gents do nowadays or go for a more generous break. No matter what you decide, your tailor can always let your trousers down or shorten the inseam for you.
2. Waist Too Small or Too Big
If you feel like you are suffocating inside your pants (they are super tight around the middle) or that the waist is too big and the pants are falling off of you, a tailor can take the waist in or out pronto and give your trousers a more comfortable fit.
Note: When you do alterations to the waistband, you will most likely need changes to the parts covering your rear end (aka seat of the pants). For example, if you had to take the waist in, there will be excess fabric on the seat of the trousers that will need to be removed (let the seat in), and vice versa, of course.
3. Crotch Too Roomy or Tight
If the crotch of your trousers makes you feel uncomfortable because it is either not roomy enough or too roomy, work with your tailor. A good tailor will be able to find a medium in which you feel good in your pants.
Note: If you also find the part around your upper thighs a bit too roomy for your likings, ask your tailor to trim the excess fabric out and take in the sides of the pants. He should be able to do this with relative ease.
4. Add Suspenders
Wearing suspenders is a popular trend for the last few years and a great way to make a (chic) statement with your stylistic choices. Plus, suspenders help you look leaner as they create the illusion of an elongated torso. Now, you can opt for clip-on suspenders for a more casual look (worn with jeans, of course) or be a “perfect gentleman” and have your tailor add suspender buttons. Don’t worry. They won’t be seen from the outside of your pants since they will be sewn on the inside of the waistband. It is a super quick and easy job, especially for the experienced professional. However, if your tailor lacks that experience, you can bring your suspenders along when you visit him so he can place the buttons the right way.
5. Taper the Pant Leg
Without giving yourself a legging-like or skinny-jean-like look, you can taper your pants and look slimmer with a skinnier fit at around the calves that goes skinnier down your ankles. As long as there is enough material to work with, you tailor will manage to do the alteration and be happy with the result. In any other case, the work will look bizarre and probably disappoint you.
Tip: Besides these typical, easy fixes, you can also utilize your tailor to repair stuff, such as the old zippers, hook, and eye of your pants replaced when they break down.
Tougher Trouser Alterations (Around $50)
These include alterations that are more difficult than the types of alterations mentioned above but definitely feasible. This means that they don’t require ultimate expertise and lots of money to complete.
1. Line up the Creases of the Pants
Ideally, the crease of your trousers should visually divide the knee vertically. Sometimes, though, it doesn’t line up all that well with the centre of the leg creating a sloppy effect. In this case, the tailor can help line creases properly.
2. Alter the Waistband to Create New Belt Loops
Not an everyday task in a tailor’s routine but certainly doable provided there is enough material to work with. If you are in need of new belt loops, then you might want to consider the option of having suspender buttons instead. This is a less costly alteration; plus, it will complete your look if you decide to wear suspenders the best possible way.
More Challenging Alterations (>$100)
Some alterations are very demanding and will probably cost you a lot. However, if you do decide to go on with them (i.e. expensive fabric, an item with sentimental value, etc.) you definitely need to find a true professional and an experienced tailor that specializes in these kinds of fixes. That way, you can be sure the result will reward you.
1. Waistband too High – It requires a LOT of work. You can lower the front waistband and keep the back high, which is fairly easier, or lower both sides. It is an alteration where the tailor will have to open up of the waistband and the pockets, unpick the belt loops, and potentially put an extension in the band and/or unpick each stitch of the band if they can’t stitch it on with a chain stitch, among others.
2. Remove Pleats – Ideal option to revive an old suit with pleated pants that you want to convert to flat front trousers. The tailor is called to rip out the seams along the waistband and will need to go through 2-3 layers of liner to achieve that. They will also have to rip out the seams below the pocket along the side of the leg, cut along the front of the pocket, wrap the excess fabric (that of the pleats) around the pocket edge and many more.
3. Reduce Pants to More than One Size – If you have lost a lot of weight and you find 2 of you fitting in your old pants, it’s best to purchase a new pair of trousers rather than ask the tailor to re-cut the entire pants. However, if it is important to you that you have that kind of alteration done to your pants, an expert tailor will know how to tear the pants apart and put them back together again for you so that he/she provides the desired result.
Tips to Choose the Most Competent Tailor for your Alterations
Tailoring pants can easily turn from a quick fix into a disaster if you trust the wrong hands. So, it is imperative you do your research before asking for a tailor’s help to do even minor alterations to your trousers. Search for credentials and, of course, feedback and high review ratings in your city that justify the choice of the particular tailor. Also, consider those that advertise as knowledgeable in menswear tailoring. There is no reason to go to a tailor known to make exceptional wedding dress alterations (only) when you need your pants’ waistband changed! For the same reason, avoid the dry cleaner and department store tailor if the alterations you need are more demanding than having a simple pant hem done. Finally, ask to see a piece of their work and start with an easy alteration (i.e. pants that need the waist taken in) to check out the waters before handing over a piece of value!
Good Luck!
You May Also Like:
- How To Alter Pants
- How to Hem Those Pants for a Perfect Fit
- How Much Does it Cost to Tailor Jeans?
FAQs
16 Clothing Alterations Tailors Can do for Men
- Jacket. ...
- Narrow the Sleeves. ...
- Shorten the Sleeves. ...
- Adjust Jacket Length. ...
- Reduce the Shoulder Width. ...
- Replacing the Buttons. ...
- Suppress the Waist. ...
- Pants.
Ask Your Tailor To…
- “Bring in the waist” if your pants fit too loose. ...
- “Let out the waist” if your pants are too tight. ...
- “Take in the pant legs and taper them slightly,” if your pant legs are too wide and you want them to fit better.
The Waist Width of Proper Cloth trousers can be taken out by 0.75” (1.5” in total circumference). It can be taken in by 1” (2” in total circumference). Any changes to this dimension will require some changes to the seat (Hip Width) of the pants as well.
How long does it take to tailor mens pants? ›
Tailors also have other work to do, so sometimes the turnaround time for hemming your pants can take anywhere from three days to over a week. If you want your pants hemmed sooner, then doing it yourself is the better bet.
Is it worth it to get pants tailored? ›
Having tailored basics can elevate your look, even if you are wearing a white shirt and jeans. Tailoring your staples is worth it because they are often timeless, so you will have them for a long time.
How much can a tailor taper pants? ›
Taper pants too much and it will distort the construction of the pants and they will not fit properly. In many cases, a one inch taper when pinching out material is an acceptable amount to be taken in. You can definitely get your pants tapered more than one inch, but it is best to consult a tailor or seamstress.
Can a tailor make anything fit? ›
What Is Tailoring? Tailoring is the art of adjusting clothes to fit a particular person's unique body shape. Tailors can adjust anything from the sleeve length and shoulder seams of a suit jacket to the inseam of a pair of denim jeans to the drape of a wedding dress.
What does a tailor do answer? ›
A tailor is a person who makes or alters clothing, particularly in men's clothing.
What measurements does a tailor need men? ›
Critical Measurements for Male Tailoring & Alterations Include:
- Chest - Measured under the arms.
- Waist - Measured slightly below the navel.
- Hips/Seat - Measured approximately 6” below the waist.
- Rise - The difference between the outseam and the inseam.
- Length, Neck to Waist - Measured down the spine.
Tapering and Decreasing Leg Width – YES
While legs cannot be made larger, they can easily be tapered, especially from the knee to the bottom if the leg opening is too wide at the bottom (an 8″ opening tends to look best for most). In fact, tapering is one of the easiest alterations.
Here are 10 of the top questions to ask your tailor:
- What Does a Good Fit Look Like? ...
- How Long Does Tailoring Take? ...
- Can You Share How to Measure Men's Inseam? ...
- Can You Share How to Measure Men's Chest? ...
- How Much Can a Suit Jacket Be Taken In? ...
- What is the Average Cost to Tailor a Suit? ...
- What Can You Alter or Fix?
Within the industry, tailors and seamstresses get busier during the spring and the fall — so definitely consider these peak times if you need your alteration completed by a certain date. Across the industry, typical alterations usually take 1 to 2 weeks to be completed.
How long does it take a tailor to take in pants? ›
Most alterations appointments take between 5 and 10 minutes. By "most" we mean "simple" alterations like pant hems and other simple changes. Other alterations, like tailoring a suit or dress, or more complex changes, require about 10 to 20 minutes in order to obtain the best fit possible.
Can you get normal pants tailored? ›
Of course! Here's a simpler list of what is possible when it comes to tailoring your pants on the overall cohesive look: Tapering the pant legs to make them more narrow from top to bottom or from knee down. Take in the waist – creation of both the darts or take in the waist through the band down the rise.
Do you pay a tailor before or after? ›
They should be paid after, tailoring is a business and for that the tailors need to take the initiative o buying all the materials they need.
How much should I spend on alterations? ›
On average, formal dress alterations usually cost anywhere from $45 to $150, depending on the amount of work that is needed. Alterations for casual dresses usually cost between $35 to $100 to complete. Visit Airtasker.com to find out more about dress alterations.
Is it better for pants to be tight or loose? ›
Comfort is key: When you find the right fit in a pair of pants, you know. The waistband should be snug, but not overly tight (a good rule of thumb: You should be able to place a finger or two comfortably between your waist and the waistband). The pants shouldn't be sliding down or off your waist.
How many sizes smaller can you tailor pants? ›
The waist of a pair of trousers can be let in or taken out 2-3". Look inside the seat for extra fabric at the waistband – this, minus half an inch or so, is as far as you can take the pants out. Trousers are easily shortened, but lengthening them requires fabric at the hems.
How do you make oversized pants look good? ›
Give baggy jeans a structured and somewhat preppy twist with the help of a collared shirt. While a crisp white something can do no wrong, a bright hue will help make your look pop. A pair of loafers or even babydoll shoes will work to pull it all together.
How do you make big pants look like they fit? ›
Pleat the waistband and use a belt to hold everything in place. Start by pulling your pants forward so you can see how oversized they are. Fold and pinch the excess fabric into 2 large pleats, until the waistband is taut and comfortable around your waist.
Place your jeans in hot water and toss them in the dryer on the hottest setting to quickly shrink them down a size or two. Turn baggier or wide-legged jeans into skinny jeans by sewing new seams along the legs with a sewing machine.
How do you ask a tailor to taper pants? ›
Once you and the tailor have established how much length is going to be removed, ask them to “taper” or “tighten up” the width of the leg. The tailor will then pin the pant leg to demonstrate how much width to remove, and you can visually judge for yourself what you want according to your personal preference.
How much does it cost to get mens pants tapered? ›
Tapering Trouser Legs
If you've got too much cloth billowing around your calves and ankles, you may need your trouser legs tapered. This is another reasonably easy one that you can expect to pay between $20 and $50 for.
Can a tailor make pants tapered? ›
Tapering the legs can certainly be done by a trusted tailor. The tailor will open the legs of the pants and remove fabric, tapering down to the bottom. You can do this by trusting the tailor to pin and sew, or you can control the process a bit more.
What does tailored fit look like? ›
Tailored fit is a sleek and timeless style of suit. It is not as roomy as a Regular Fit suit and less fitted than a Slim or Skinny Fit suit. This fit features a shaped waist and clean lines which allow for a stylish and dapper silhouette. Trousers are slightly tapered to finish off the suit smartly.
What are 3 things a tailor does? ›
fit the toile to the customer and make alterations. assemble fabric pieces to make the garment. fit the garment to the customer and mark final adjustments. stitch clothes by hand or machine.
Why does tailor cost so much? ›
The answer – you're paying for the tailor's time and skill, plus materials, meetings and fittings, regardless of what you originally paid for the garment.
What can you ask a tailor to do? ›
Altering the factory original hems on jeans and pants. Replacement and repair of all kinds of pant and coat linings, pockets and zippers. Taking in of the jeans waistbands for those with smaller waists. Taking in the body of a shirt, dress or jacket.
What are the qualities of a good tailor? ›
Skills and qualities
- a steady hand.
- to pay attention to detail and be precise in your work.
- a thorough knowledge of fabrics and design.
- pattern-cutting skills.
- good eyesight.
- some business skills, as many Tailors are responsible for their own book-keeping.
According to "Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary," a seamstress is a "woman whose occupation is sewing," (a male is referred to as a seamster). A tailor is "a person whose occupation is making or altering outer garments." Seamstresses/seamsters usually work with the fabrics, seams and hemlines.
Measurement Suggestions
- Waist–Measure the smallest part of the waist. ...
- Hips–Measure the fullest part of the hips. ...
- Abdomen–Measure about 3–4 inches below the waistline over the fullest part of the abdomen.
- Thigh–Just below crotch, around leg.
- Knee–Measure around knee with knee slightly flexed.
How to hem pants in a few steps:
- Measure your inseam to find the right length.
- Remove the original hem.
- Measure the amount of excess fabric and trim it.
- Fold the new hem.
- Sew new hem by hand or with a sewing machine.
If you don't have a sewing machine or needle and thread, you can hem your pants with hem tape, which you can find at most drugstores. To use hem tape, turn your pants inside out, fold them to the desired length, pin and iron the crease, and then apply the hem tape to the fold. Iron over the folded edge.
Do wide leg pants make you look slimmer? ›
Let's be clear: Wide-leg pants really are slimming. The high, fitted waist not only makes your waist look narrower but also makes your legs appear longer. The wide trouser legs makes them really flattering for your figure, easily concealing lumps, bumps, and any little problem areas.
Can you hem pants tighter? ›
The best way to make large pants tighter is to tailor them at home or take them to a tailor. You will most likely need to re-make the inseam and take in the waist.
What does it mean to get pants tailored? ›
Tailoring refers to a clothing item that is custom-fitted for the wearer. Because the clothing is custom-fit, it will look good on the person it was made for. Tailoring is something that most people can't do for themselves, therefore it comes at a price.
Should you wash clothes before tailoring? ›
ALWAYS PREWASH BEFORE TAILORING
Talking about washing care helps you keep your clothes looking their best, but it also helps us when we do our job! Remembering to pre-wash that new garment before your tailoring appointment means that your new hem is accurate and will stay at the agreed upon length.
Do you need a sewing machine to tailor pants? ›
If you don't have a sewing machine, no worries. Hand sewing a hem is simple and won't take up too much time. Just a needle and thread will give you the same perfectly hemmed pair of pants. Cut a matching piece of thread that's double the length to go around one leg.
How do you fix pants that are too big? ›
Pleat the waistband and use a belt to hold everything in place. Start by pulling your pants forward so you can see how oversized they are. Fold and pinch the excess fabric into 2 large pleats, until the waistband is taut and comfortable around your waist.
How should big guys wear pants? ›
For God's sake, wear your pants around your middle.
Avoid Dunlop's Disease, when your belly done lops over your belt, by buying pants with a waist size and rise large enough to pull up to right below your navel, and then wear them like that. While you're at it, buy yourself a longer belt too.
TBH, a belt sometimes doesn't go with your OOTD. Thankfully, we found a hack that will make your jeans fit better in seconds. Style posted on TikTok a genius way to "alter" large pants: You simply need to hook the button to the belt loop on the left side and just button it back up! That's it—that's the hack.
How many waist sizes can a tailor take in pants? ›
The waist of a pair of trousers can be let in or taken out 2-3". Look inside the seat for extra fabric at the waistband – this, minus half an inch or so, is as far as you can take the pants out. Trousers are easily shortened, but lengthening them requires fabric at the hems.
Can a tailor make pants Slim? ›
Yes they can be altered and taken in through the leg and hip for a slimmer leg. Something to keep in mind, If they have pleats in the front or the back, they may look odd if taken in improperly. Mens dress pants do come in slim cuts, when looking for a pair you can always try to find the cut you want.
How do you get the right fitting pants? ›
They shouldn't fit too tight, but as close as is comfortable. And your pants should never pull at you when you bend your knees. Ideally you can pinch about an inch of fabric, but no more than 2 inches, on either side of your thigh. If you can pinch more, you should size down.
