If you’re dealing with jeans that are too big around the waist, try these hacks to resize them easily and get that perfect fit.
How to adjust your jeans waist at home using shoe lace or hair band
If your jeans are too loose around the waist, you can easily adjust them for a better fit. Follow these simple steps, and your jeans will fit perfectly in no time—no need for a tailor or sewing machine!
Step 1: Prepare the waistband
Grab a sharp pair of scissors and carefully make a small cut on the inside of the waistband, about an inch from the zipper. The cut should be just large enough to thread a shoelace or elastic band through it.
Repeat this process on the other side of the waistband, making sure you only cut through the inner layer of fabric, not both layers.
Step 2: Thread the shoelace
Attach a safety pin or hairpin to one end of the shoelace. Insert the pin into one of the cuts you made in the waistband and slowly thread the shoelace through the inside of the waistband until it comes out through the second cut.
Step 3: Adjust the fit
Put on your jeans and pull the shoelace tight, then tie it to achieve the perfect fit. The shoelace will be hidden inside the waistband, giving you a snug fit without any visible adjustments.
How to Adjust the Waist of Your Jeans Using The Button on Your Jean
You can also use a simple and effective method by threading the button of your jeans through a nearby belt loop. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
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Put on your jeans:
Start by wearing the jeans you want to resize. This helps you see exactly how they fit and where adjustments are needed.
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Locate a belt loop:
Find a belt loop on the waistband of your jeans. Ideally, this should be the loop closest to the button.
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Unbutton your jeans:
Unfasten the button on your jeans. This will give you access to thread the button through the belt loop.
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Thread the button through the belt loop:
Gently pull the button through the chosen belt loop. This action will pull the waistband tighter around your waist, effectively reducing the gap.
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Adjust for fit:
As you thread the button through, adjust the tightness to achieve the desired fit. The jeans should now fit snugly.
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Fasten your jeans:
Once you’ve threaded the button through the belt loop and adjusted the fit, button up your jeans as usual. The waistband should now be more fitted and secure.
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Tuck in Any Excess Fabric:
If there is any excess fabric or bunching, you can smooth it out by tucking it under the waistband or adjusting the position of the button if necessary.
Additionally, you can also use a hair tie to resize a pair of loose jeans. Simply loop the hair tie around the button, thread it through the nearest belt loop, and then loop it back over the button. Fasten your jeans as usual, and the hair tie will hold them snugly in place. Just wear a top that covers the waistband, and you’re all set!
How to take in the waist of jeans with a needle and thread?
If you prefer to sew, you don’t need to be an experienced tailor. With a needle and thread, you can create small darts or seams in the waistband to take it in. The shoelace method, however, offers a quick, no-sew solution that’s completely hidden once the jeans are on.
Put on your jeans and pinch the fabric at the back of the waistband until it feels as snug as you want it. Once you’ve got the right fit, use a fabric marker or chalk to make small marks on both sides of the waistband seam. These marks will guide you on where to make your adjustments.
Next, draw a V shape between the two marks. This V will show you where to sew, so your jeans fit tighter.
To start stitching, place your needle and thread at the top of the waistband, just beside the belt loop. Push the needle through the fabric to the marked line and pull the thread tight. Continue stitching by bringing the needle back through just below the previous stitch, working your way down along the V shape you drew.
Once you’ve reached the bottom of the V, pull the thread tight from the top. This will cause the fabric to gather at the waistband, effectively tightening it. The stitching will be hidden by the belt loop, making it barely noticeable.
Finally, push the needle through to the inside of the jeans, loop the thread, and tie a secure knot to hold everything in place. Repeat this process on the other side of the waistband for an even fit. After you’ve finished, your jeans should fit much better, with a snug waistline that stays in place.
These simple methods and hacks are great for anyone looking to resize the fit of their jeans at home. No special skills or tools are needed—just a little creativity!
Photo Credit: Dion Lamar Mills/ Brydie
