How would you alter this elasticated waist?

[trainedopossum]

I have some jumpsuits with wide elastic stitched directly to the inside of the waist of the garment (as opposed to being threaded through a channel).
The waist is too big by 1-2” and it would be simple but time consuming to rip out the elastic and stitch a shorter piece in. Is there a quick and dirty solution to cinch it in without doing the whole operation?

Could you maybe stitch two short pieces of elastic in at the two sides, thus giving it extra gather at the sides?

Hold that thought. I'll find you the video I use for mine....

It works surprisingly well, though.you will need a thimble to get into the elastic. It's easily undone/redone and you can choose how to sew down the inside, whatever feels more comfortable to you. Tacking it down is usually enough

Tricky part is working out where. You need to do it evenly on both sides, practice different placements with safety pins

Hmm, maybe I’ll try that at the back. The existing elastic is that really robust texture, almost rigid, so anything I add has to be similar I think and might add bulk. But I’ll try it!

Ooh I have seen this before, it looks like such a neat maneuver.

I feel like the existing elastic may be too rigid and bulky for this to succeed but I’m curious so will try it and report back!

Ladder stitching the elastic would work if it's not going to be too stiff although I would worry about the tuck.
I would probably prefer to rip out & replace a section of the elastic (rather than all of it). Ideally one section at the back or if necessary two side sections.
Another option would be to gather a section of the elastic - same effect as putting an extra layer of elastic - maintains the gathering of the fabric but that section of the waist will become non elastic (& obviously shorter!)

Having said all that just the idea of raw elastic inside a garment makes me feel a bit funny 🤣

Yes, this sounds perfect, would be super easy to rip the back elastic stitching out, cut an inch out of the elastic, pin it together and then run it through and stitch it down.
I'm not sure I ever gave the raw elastic any thought actually😊🙃but I guess it isn't ideal.