How to Lower the Waistband in Sweatpants

Aim for a more custom fit with low-rise sweatpants.

If you don’t like your sweatpants fitted at your waist and want to go for a low-rise look and feel, this requires lowering the waistband. Many pregnant women prefer lowered waistbands, so they don’t have to wear the elastic panel in maternity pants, while other people simply want to show off their great abs and like their sweatpants sitting lower on the hips. There are two types of sweatpants: those with an elastic waist and those with a drawstring waist. You can alter both types.

Things You'll Need

• Tailor’s chalk
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Elastic
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Needle (optional)
• Drawstring cord

Instructions

Elastic Waistband

1. Try on the sweatpants to determine how low you want them to fit.

2. Make a mark on the pants with tailor’s chalk. Add 1 1/2 inches above the mark all of the way around to allow for hemming, using a tape measure to get the new waistline straight.

3. Cut off the old waistband and save the old elastic if it is still useable.

4. Pin down the new waistband hem with straight pins. Try on the pants again to check the fit.

5. Insert the old elastic into the new waistband or purchase new elastic. Cut new elastic about about 2 inches longer than the waistband. The new fit should be snug but not tight, allowing the sweatpants to fit well at the lowered length.

6. Pin together the ends of the elastic and sew them together securely.

7. Sew the new hem by machine or by hand with the elastic fitted inside. Stretch the material as you sew to make allowances for the elastic. Snip off any loose threads.

Drawstring Waistband

1. Repeat steps 1 and 2 from Section 1.

2. Cut off the old waistband and save the drawstring cord if it is still useable. Pin down the new waistband hem with straight pins. Try on the pants to check the fit.

3. Insert the old drawstring into the new waistband or purchase a new drawstring about 10 inches longer than the waistband, depending on your hip measurements.

4. Sew the new hem by machine or by hand. Leave a small opening at the front center for the drawstring. Knot the end of each drawstring so it will not slip through the waistband. Snip off any loose threads.