Can all/most trousers be let out in the waist?

anon · Feb 27, 2010

I'm getting fat and need to let a couple pairs out about an inch. Is there a way to tell if they can be let out, or can I just assume they can be? They're from Brooks Brothers (and 346) if that makes any difference.

bmulford · Feb 27, 2010

Look at the inside seaming in the back of the waist. If there's extra fabric - you can let it out.

jmix1 · Feb 27, 2010

Originally Posted by bmulford

Look at the inside seaming in the back of the waist. If there's extra fabric - you can let it out.

+1. If you still can't tell take them to a tailor and ask.

lee_44106 · Feb 27, 2010

this kind of question is in line with those that ask whether jacket can be lengthened or sleeves lengthened.

Is it not COMMON SENSE to know that to lengthen/let out anything one would need EXTRA FABRIC in the first place?

philosophe · Feb 27, 2010

It depends what sort of fabric you're dealing with. Wool is easily altered and won't show signs of previous stitching. Corduroy is a disaster in this regard; you can take it in, but letting it out is a mess. Other cottons vary. Sometimes, if the pants are new, you can get away with letting them out.

anon · Feb 27, 2010

Originally Posted by lee_44106

this kind of question is in line with those that ask whether jacket can be lengthened or sleeves lengthened. Is it not COMMON SENSE to know that to lengthen/let out anything one would need EXTRA FABRIC in the first place?
no way!!! the question is where I should be able to find the extra material. the pants had a lining inside the waist. I could see the seam that they'd have to let out, but I couldn't see any material. Before I did any damage to my pants, I wanted to make sure I knew where I should be looking specifically, or if there was anything else to take into consideration. anyway, you guys ever seen pockets that won't lie flat? Is that a sign of the pants being too tight, too loose, or improperly cut? here's an example - notice his left pocket doesn't quite lie flat. http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatP...=&sectionsize=

westinghouse · Feb 27, 2010

Originally Posted by bmulford

Look at the inside seaming in the back of the waist. If there's extra fabric - you can let it out.

Even if there is NO extra fabric, a good tailor can ADD extra material and let it out.

SkinnyGoomba · Feb 27, 2010

Originally Posted by westinghouse

Even if there is NO extra fabric, a good tailor can ADD extra material and let it out.

???

Harold falcon · Feb 27, 2010

Originally Posted by westinghouse

Even if there is NO extra fabric, a good tailor can ADD extra material and let it out.

Where does the tailor get the material from if there isn't any there?

tcnjbanker123 · Feb 27, 2010

First, those pockets could either be a result of a seat or front that's too tight, or could be simply the pants. Most dress pants are made to be let out around an inch. And a good tailor can ad a piece to the waistband (after removing it) that will be invisible with a belt on. Also, with chinos, reseting the closure button can also be done to create small adjustments

anon · Feb 27, 2010

Originally Posted by tcnjbanker123

First, those pockets could either be a result of a seat or front that's too tight, or could be simply the pants. Most dress pants are made to be let out around an inch. And a good tailor can ad a piece to the waistband (after removing it) that will be invisible with a belt on. Also, with chinos, reseting the closure button can also be done to create small adjustments
I'm thinking the pocket issue is from the pants being too tight. Would letting the waist out likely fix this, or would more of the seat need to come out, do you think?

westinghouse · Feb 27, 2010

Originally Posted by harvey_birdman

Where does the tailor get the material from if there isn't any there?

He puts in a similar piece of fabric. I have had him do it to several pairs of jeans I've had let out.

buenasareolas · Jan 15, 2025

lee_44106 said:
this kind of question is in line with those that ask whether jacket can be lengthened or sleeves lengthened.

Is it not COMMON SENSE to know that to lengthen/let out anything one would need EXTRA FABRIC in the first place?

No need to be an arse. Some people aren't AS SMART as you, or experienced sewers.

Can all/most trousers be let out in the waist?

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