Getting jeans taken in at the waist - experiences and advice

[Lagirl20]

I have a huge problem with jeans. Whenever I find a pair that I like, and that fits everywhere else, they’re always - always - too big on the waist. Then they fall down, and look awful. I’ve realised after trying several different pairs that I am the issue. I’d like to get some jeans taken in at the waist. Does anyone here do this? Any advice? How much does it cost? Will it fix the issue? I’ve never had clothes altered before. Thanks

Get a belt?

Belts never work. I want the jeans to fit correctly in the first place, no bunching of fabric etc

I've no idea what the cost would be now, as I used to do this many years ago. I had quite muscular thighs and narrow hips, and I found boys' jeans fitted me best if taken it at the waist. Anyway, the answer is: I think it was a fairly easy alteration to do, as they would take them in up the back seam. So it's a case of unpicking the waistband, unpicking the back seam, cutting some fabric out, and stitching it back together. I guess you'd expect to pay more than something really easy like shortening, but it's not megabucks as it isn't very complicated.

There are some really good videos on YouTube showing how you can easily do this yourself.
Much cheaper than getting someone to do it for you.

I take all mine in just with darts. It's neat enough for me. I prefer to use a sewing machine but don't currently have one so have been doing by hand. Takes fifteen minutes by hand for a dart on each side.

If you anticipate doing this multiple times I would just learn to do it. A sewing machine is quicker and you can buy a basic one for about the cost of paying someone to take in four pairs of jeans. Or by hand will cost you about £10 as a one off for needles and 3 colours of thread.

The benefit of doing them yourself is you can get them exactly right.

I agree with the above, if you can learn to do this yourself I would.

There are lots of youtube tutorials that show you different ways to do this and if you can learn this skill it means you can do it for all trousers. I have the same issue but have found some jeans just fit better than others especially those with some serious stretch to them.

It will be possible but prices vary a lot depending on where you are etc. The best thing to is find a local alterations place and maybe get one pair done first so you can see what the overall experience is.

Not what you want but another option is what I do for my daughter who has the same issue’s jeans and that’s put buttonhole elastic through the waistband and secure a button at each side. There is a small amount of gathering but it looks fine.

No advice on altering, but just wanted to ask if you've tried the Abercrombie Curve Love range at all? I have the same problem and they fit like a dream.

I’ve done this a couple of times.
It costs me - wait for it - £25 - but that’s in London and they just do tailoring and alterations and are quite well known.

There are these jeans from Levi’s that you could consider trying called the Cinch jeans. They have an adjustable waist system. https://www.levi.com/GB/en_GB/clothing/women/jeans/loose-jeans/cinch-baggy-jeans/p/001UP0002