What to do when pants waist is either too big or too small?

[whipcord]

I ordered a pair of pants online that I really like. The waist is like 1" too small. I ordered the next size up. They're too big by 1". This is maddening because I own a pair of the same pants, different color in the smaller waist size and they fit perfect. I can belt the larger pair, but the problem is that the seat, thighs and lower legs are all 1" wider, so the smaller pair looks better aside from the tight waist. Would you just give up and send both pairs back? I really like the material and color, but the fit isn't perfect. Would you take a casual pair of pants to a tailor?

 

[MattyS]

Why not take them to the tailor? If the smaller pair has enough of a fabric reserve, then it's a relatively minor alteration just to let out the waist a bit.

 

[Casaubon]

I take my casual chino pants to be taken in by 1-2'' by a tailor (or rather, seamstress) regularly. Perhaps it's just my weird body, but I'm surprised you haven't run into such a problem by now, as for me it's been a reality since always. If there is not enough fabric reserve, have the waist on the larger pair taken in (if needed, also the thighs, the seat etc).

 

[jc8715]

I take my casual chino pants to be taken in by 1-2'' by a tailor (or rather, seamstress) regularly. Perhaps it's just my weird body, but I'm surprised you haven't run into such a problem by now, as for me it's been a reality since always. If there is not enough fabric reserve, have the waist on the larger pair taken in (if needed, also the thighs, the seat etc).

How is this done with casual pants? They don't have the split in the waist so they just cut thru at the back? Or what does this look like?

 

[dieworkwear]

High-quality trousers can be let out one size at the waist, which means two inches. Nearly any pair of pants, tailored or otherwise, can be taken in two inches without distorting proportions. As you go up, you may find that other proportions on the pants don't fit as well, so it's not always as easy as sizing up.

If you have a prominent seat and size up, you may need to add darts. Can be done on casual pants, as well. Like so:

Made by Hand- the great Sartorial Debate

tuttofattoamano.blogspot.com

 

[MattyS]

How is this done with casual pants? They don't have the split in the waist so they just cut thru at the back? Or what does this look like?

Can you upload a photo, so we know what you're talking about?

 

[whipcord]

How is this done with casual pants? They don't have the split in the waist so they just cut thru at the back? Or what does this look like?

This was kind of my question as well. There is no split in the rear, so I don't think these corduroy pants can be "let out," or at least I don't understand what method could be used to achieve such thing.

I can actually fit into the pants, it's just they are too snug and feel tight on my hip bone. Maybe they would stretch out as I wore them, but not sure I want to try that. It's just unfortunate that the larger pair is so much bigger in the seat, thighs, etc. They are too "clown pants" like right now.

 

[suitedcboy]

Must be jeans construction

 

[whipcord]

Must be jeans construction

These are not jeans, they are pleated corduroy pants.

 

[whipcord]

Thank you for the replies. I have decided to keep the smaller pair. I tried them on again this morning and they will work. It's not like I have to struggle to close the button or anything, they are just a snug fit in the waist to where I wouldn't need a belt. The seat and thighs are plenty loose. I prefer things a bit on the loose side, but the larger ones are gigantic - clown pants like I said. It's not worth the price trying to get those tailored to my body.