How To Make Pants Bigger Around The Waist - Cotton & Cloud (2024)

Have your pants become a little snug lately? Need bigger pants but don’t have the money to? Or perhaps you just want to be a bit more eco-conscious and reuse the clothes you already have.

Either way, we have come up with lots of different ways to give stretch to your pants, or to tailor them, so they fit to your body!

Everybody struggles with their waistline at some point in time, and this article will help you out.

Pants are a staple of every wardrobe. They come in so many styles and cuts; it’s hard to know what style works best for you.

The waist is one of the most important parts of a pair of pants, and it’s also one of the hardest to make bigger.

It takes a lot of practice and patience but if you’re willing to put in the time and effort then you’ll be rewarded with a pair of pants that fit better than ever before.

The first thing that comes to mind is to buy new pants. If you’re not happy with the size of your current pair, then it’s probably best to replace them.

But if you do decide to go down this route, make sure you get fitted for a larger size.

You can either go to a store where they measure you (this is usually done by a salesperson), or ask someone who knows what they’re doing to take a look at your current pants and tell you how big they should be.

If you don’t want to invest in a new pair of pants and let’s be honest they can be costly, then there are other ways that you can use techniques to make your old pants bigger.

So, if you want to know how to make your old pants fit again, then keep on reading!

Can You Tailor Pants To Fit?

If you have a pair of pants that are too small, they can be made larger by adding material in the back and front.

This is called tailoring or customizing your pants. It’s easy to do but requires some practice.

If you have been searching for ways how to make pants bigger, you may have come across some articles that claim they can do so.

However, these methods only work if you already own a pair of pants that fits well. As soon as you try them out, you’ll realize that they don’t work.

Most of them actually make your pants smaller than they were before.

If you are interested in finding out more about how to make pants bigger all over, then this article is for you.

Methods To Making Your Pants Bigger Around The Waist

The following methods do not require any sewing. They are easy to follow, and you can use them even if you are not good at sewing.

These methods are also safe because there are no chemicals involved. These methods are not necessarily a forever fix, and you may find that your pants revert to their original size after washing.

If you do want a permanent fix, then keep reading for methods involving sewing and tailoring to physically expand the size of your pants.

Using A Clothes-Hanger To Stretch Your Pants

This method involves using a clothes hanger to stretch your pants. What you need to do first is find a clothes-hanger that is slightly wider than the waist but can still fit inside.

This hanger needs to be very sturdy so that it won’t bend or snap when it is in the pants. The first thing you are going to want to do is to make your pants damp.

You can either soak them in water or spray them with warm water. Ensure that the buttons and zipper are closed as you do this. This is so that they stretch evenly.

After soaking your pants, place the hanger inside the pants at the waistband. This should be a tight squeeze, stretching the waistband of the pants.

The waist should be taut and straight. Leave the hanger inside while your pants dry. Don’t take the hanger out until the pants are completely dry.

This method works because the material stretches when wet. When the pants are dry, remove the hanger from the pants.

It should now look like it has stretched. The pants should now fit a lot better and be much more comfortable to wear!

The Warm Water Soaking Method

This is one of the easiest and simplest methods to give your pants a little extra room! All you need to do is put your pants into a sink full of hot water.

Hot water helps loosen the fibers of the fabric. Once the water is hot enough, add a few drops of dish soap to the water.

The dish soap helps break down the protein in the fabric. After adding the soap, leave the water running for 5 minutes.

Remove the pants from the sink and use your hands to gently stretch the fabric. You should then let them air dry.

Again, this isn’t a permanent fix and your pants will likely revert to their original size after washing.

Using Steam To Stretch Your Pants

Steam is another way to get your pants to stretch. If you have a handheld steamer this may be the easiest option for you.

All you need to do is steam and dampen your pants by suspending them in the air and using circular motions to steam the entire garment.

If you don’t have a handheld steamer, you can achieve the same effect using an iron on the steaming setting.

Once you have steamed the pants, and they are slightly damp, then stretch them gently for around 10 to 20 minutes.

The dampness of the fabric helps the material to expand because it loosens the fibers.

Once you’ve finished stretching your pants, allow them to air dry and enjoy your slightly larger and hopefully-more-comfortable pants!

Spray-Water Bottle Method

This is a simple solution to stretching out your pants if you are in a rush! All you need to do is fill up a spray bottle with warm water.

Then, put on your pants and button them up as close as possible. Spray your pants around the waistband so that they are fairly damp.

This should give the fabric a small amount of stretch that allows you to button them up.

Once you’re done spraying your pants, wait about 15 minutes before taking off the pants. They should be ready to go!

Your pants will then shape your body as the water dries, making them super comfortable and fit for you!

Pant Stretcher

If none of these methods work for you, you can always try a pant stretcher. These devices are used to help you stretch out your pants.

There are many types of pant stretchers available online and in stores. Some of the most popular ones include the “Pants-Stretching Machine” and the “Pant-Stretching Machine”.

Both of these machines are designed to help you stretch out the pants without having to buy any special equipment.

Simply follow the instructions on how to use the machine and your pants will soon be stretched out!

Hair Elastic Method

The last no-sew method we are going to cover today is the trust hair elastic technique!

This is a very temporary solution and doesn’t actually stretch out your pants, however, you will be able to wear them comfortably!

All you need to do is take a hair elastic or elastic band and loop it through the buttonhole.

Once it is secure, pull the band and loop it over the bottom. The downside to this method is that it doesn’t look pretty, so you may want to make sure your shirt covers the buttonhole!

This is an especially useful technique for pregnant people who need a quick fix for their ever-growing tummy!

Sewing Methods To Make Your Pants Bigger

Let’s be real, if you are looking for a permanent solution the only option is to tailor your pants. Luckily, there are multiple ways that you can do this, and some of them are fairly easy.

Here are some of our favorite sewing techniques to help you make your pants bigger around the waist.

V-Shape To The Side Seams

If you’re looking for a more permanent solution than just cutting off the excess fabric, try sewing a V-shape to the side seams.

You’ll need to cut two pieces of fabric that are equal in length. Sew them together at the top seam. Leave about 2 inches open at the bottom of the V-shape.

Fold the fabric back along the sides and sew the edges closed.

Now, fold the fabric in half again and sew the other side seam. When you’re done sewing, turn the pants inside out and press the seams flat.

This will create a nice crease down the middle of the pant leg which will make your pants look much better and the extra pieces of fabric will give you extra room around the waist!

Center Back Seam

A lot of garments have extra seam allowance at the back seam of the pants. All you need to do is pick out the stitches holding the excess fabric and release the material.

This expands the waistline, and you don’t have to add any extra fabric or stitching! This is a common technique amongst tailors and makes your pants look great without having to spend any money.

Waistband Stitch

Another popular way to make your pants bigger is to stitch a new waistband onto your existing one. It’s easy to do and looks amazing!

Start by taking apart your old waistband and laying it flat. Next, measure how big you want the new waistband to be and mark where it needs to go.

Cut out the new piece of fabric and pin it into place. Now, use a needle and thread to sew the new waistband onto the old one.

If you want to make sure your waistband fits perfectly, you can also sew it around the edge.

Elasticated Waistband

This is another simple way to make your pants fit better. Take a strip of elastic and tie it around your waist.

Then, take a second piece of elastic and wrap it around the first piece of elastic. Tie both ends together and then cut the excess away from the waistline.

This creates a nice elasticized waistband that won’t slip down.

Tape Measurement Method

The tape measurement method is a bit tricky because it requires you to measure yourself while wearing the pants.

First, find a pair of pants that fit well, and then measure the distance between the front and back pockets.

Add 3/4 inch to this measurement and subtract it from your waist size. That number should be the amount of fabric you need to add to your pants.

For example, if you measured 8” and added 3/4”, you would end up with 5 1/2”. Then, add an 1/4” to each side of the pocket opening to get the total width of the pant leg.

Finally, add 2 1/2” to the hem length to get the desired height of the pant leg.

Sewing A New Front Panel

If you’d like to avoid adding any extra fabric to your pants, you might consider sewing a new panel onto the front of your current ones.

This is a great option if you want to make your pants wider at the hip area.

Just start by measuring the distance between the center front and center back of your pants and add 4 inches to that measurement.

Then, cut out a rectangle of fabric and fold it in half so that the raw edges meet in the middle. Pin these pieces in place and sew them together along the sides.

You’ll now have a new panel that will expand your pants’ width.

Adding Extra Fabric

You could also try adding extra fabric to your pants. This works best for wide-legged trousers.

Simply measure the distance between the top of the thigh and the bottom of the knee and add 6 inches to that measurement.

Cut out a piece of fabric that’s twice as long as the original distance and then fold it over itself. Sew the two layers together using a zigzag stitch or serge the seam allowances.

Once you’re done stitching, turn the fabric inside out and press it flat. Now, you’ve got a new layer of material that will give your pants more room to move.

This is also a fun way that you can change up the look of your pants. You can add different and contrasting fabrics to create a unique pair of pants that only you own.

So, not only will your pants be fitting better, but they will be looking a lot cooler too!

You can always try to find a fabric that is similar or matches the fabric of your pants, or you can choose a fabric that complements the material of your pants.

The most important thing about altering your clothes is to understand what type of fabric you are going to use, if it is the same type of fabric as your garment, or whether you want to select a fabric that will contrast.

There are many types of fabrics available on the market today.

The most common fabrics used for clothing include cotton, polyester, wool, silk, linen, rayon, nylon, spandex (Lycra), satin, velvet, chiffon, and taffeta.

Each fabric has its advantages and disadvantages. Some fabrics hold their shape better than others. They can be expensive depending on the quality of the fabric.

If you are looking for something inexpensive, you may not want to go with a higher-priced material.

On the other hand, high-quality materials are usually less expensive. It all depends on what kind of fabric you prefer.

Should I Go To A Tailor?

A tailor is someone who makes alterations to garments such as cutting hems, taking in sleeves, making buttonholes bigger or smaller, etc.

Many people think that they can do this themselves, but there are some things that only a professional tailor can do.

If you don’t know how to take in your pants, and you don’t want to risk ruining your garment, then you should take them to be professionally tailored.

Most tailors charge anywhere from $20-$50 per hour, depending on the size of the job and the complexity of the alteration.

You can get an idea of how much your job will cost by comparing prices online.

If you decide to alter your pants yourself, here are some tips to help you get started:

1) Measure your existing pants first.

2) Use a tape measure to determine where you need to make changes.

3) Determine which part of the pant leg needs to be altered. For example, if you have baggy legs, you’ll probably want to cut off the excess fabric.

How Much Does It Cost To Tailor Pants?

If you decide to pay a tailor to alter your pants, here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing one. First, find a tailor that specializes in custom work.

A good tailor will always offer you an estimate before beginning the project. Second, ask around for recommendations.

Third, look for a tailor that offers free estimates. Fourth, look for a tailor who does business through a storefront instead of a home office.

Finally, you should check to see if the tailor provides insurance against damage to your garment.

The price of alterations varies widely, so shop around until you find a tailor whose services fit within your budget.

How Do You Take In Your Pants?

There are several ways to take in your pants. The first way is by folding the pant leg at the side seams. Fold the pant legs in half lengthwise, right sides facing each other.

Then, bring the raw edges up to meet at the center back of the waistband. Pin the hem into place.

Next, sew along the edge of the folded hem. Be sure to leave enough thread so that you can easily remove the pins later.

When finished sewing, cut off any excess threads. This method works best if you have a serger. Another option is to fold the pant leg in half lengthwise, wrong sides together.

Sew the seam using a zigzag stitch. Cut off the excess threads and press the seam open. Once again, this method works best if you’re using a serger.

How Can I Alter My Pant Size?

To increase the size of your pants, simply add more fabric. Try adding a strip of fabric to the inside of the leg. Or, try adding extra material to the outside of the leg.

Remember, though, that you may not be able to take in your pants all the way. If you go too far, you could end up with a wrinkled, uneven appearance.

You will always risk ruining the pants if you choose to cut, remove or add fabric, and you don’t know how to sew it correctly.

How To Expand Pants

Many people have tried to expand jeans without much success. However, there are a few tricks that can help. The first thing you need to do is wash your jeans in cold water.

This will make the denim shrink less. After washing, hang your jeans in the dryer until completely dry. Once your jeans are dry, put them in a plastic bag and store them in the freezer overnight.

The next day, take out your frozen jeans and lay them flat on a clean surface. Rub your hands over the entire inside the jeans.

This will loosen the fibers and allow the jeans to stretch more. Repeat this process every two weeks until your jeans no longer feel tight.

Another way you can expand your pants is to soak them in hot water. Hang your pants in a sink full of warm water.

Let them sit in the hot water for 30 minutes. Remove your pants from the sink and let them air dry.

Conclusion

Pants are an essential part of our wardrobe. Whether you’re wearing shorts or jeans, finding the perfect pair of pants can sometimes seem like a daunting task.

With these simple tips, you’ll soon be able to get the best fit possible. From stretching to tailoring, you’ll be ready to wear your favorite pair of pants with ease!

There are so many ways that you can make the waist of your pants bigger so that they fit you perfectly!

No need to throw out your favorite pair of jeans if they no longer fit, with these techniques you will be wearing them for many more years to come!

Hopefully, this has been a useful article, and you have found a successful way to expand the waist of your jeans.

Remember, a lot of these techniques are temporary and if you are looking for a permanent change, then tailoring and physical alteration of your pants is the way to go.

If you just needed a quick fix, then hopefully one of the methods that we explained works well for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How Much Time Do I Need To Spend Tailoring My Pants?

A: Depending on the style of pants you have, you might need anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Q: What Tools Do I Need To Make These Changes?

A: You’ll need scissors, a tape measure, a needle and thread, a seam ripper, and possibly a safety pin.

Q: Can I Get My Pants Altered Without Paying A Tailor?

A: Yes. You can try doing this yourself, but if you’re inexperienced, you could ruin your pants.