Tailor alterations and when shortening trousers is worth it
Short answer: A tailor can usually shorten trousers, take in the waist and make the legs narrower, while making them larger is harder. It is worth it when the trousers otherwise fit well and the fabric is intact. Here is when alterations make sense.
What a tailor can typically do
A tailor can usually shorten the legs, take in the waist and make the legs a little narrower. These are the most common alterations, and they do not change the trousers as a whole. Making trousers bigger is harder, because there has to be enough seam allowance to work with. Always ask before you decide anything.
Hem them when length is the only problem
If the trousers fit well over the hips and thighs and are simply too long, this is the easiest alteration. Bring the shoes you normally wear with them so the length comes out right. With bamboo trousers for women in a soft, flowing fabric, a new hem can change the whole look, so it is worth considering.
Wash first so the fabric does not change afterwards
Wash the trousers according to the care label before you go to the tailor, so the fabric has shown its final size. Otherwise the new length or waist may change after the first wash. Viscose can give a little, so let the trousers dry fully and press them lightly before you take them in.
Taking in the waist, but not with elastic
If the trousers have an ordinary waistband with a zip or button, the waist can often be taken in at the back seam. With elastic all the way round it is more difficult, and the result is not always neat. Ask the tailor whether it can be done before you spend money, and consider another size instead.
Narrower legs need a calm eye
If the legs are too wide, they can often be taken in along the outer or inner seam. This changes the drape, so ask the tailor to show you how it looks before she sews it finally. Narrow legs look good with a slightly shorter length and suit bamboo tops for women.
When it is not worth it
If the fabric is worn, the trousers have holes or they sit crookedly over the hips, an alteration rarely helps. The same applies if several things need changing at once, because the cost can come close to the price of new trousers. Do an honest calculation, and rather choose a size that fits from the start.
Fit varies from brand to brand
When you build a wardrobe from several brands, for example Boody, the fit differs from brand to brand. Read the size chart and measure yourself, so you need fewer alterations later. A tailor is best for fine adjustment and not for rescuing the wrong size, which is good to know before you buy.
How to find a good tailor
Ask friends, read reviews and see whether the tailor has experience with soft, flowing fabrics. Show exactly where the change should be while you wear the trousers, and agree on price and timing in advance. A short visit beforehand usually gives a good impression of how carefully the work is done.
Frequently asked questions
Can all trousers be taken in?
No, not all of them. With an ordinary waistband it usually works well, while trousers with elastic all the way round or little seam allowance are harder. The tailor can tell you what is possible when you try them on.
How long should trousers be after shortening?
It depends on shoes and cut. Try the trousers with the shoes you wear with them, and have them shortened so the hem falls neatly and does not drag on the floor.
Should I wash the trousers before they are hemmed?
Yes, wash them first according to the care label so the fabric can settle before measuring. That way the length does not change after the first wash, and the result lasts.
