How to Take in the Waist on a Pair of Blue Jeans

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A waistband that is too large can be fixed.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

If your waist is quite a bit smaller than your hips, you may suffer from "gaposis" when you buy jeans to fit your hips. This leaves plenty of room in the waistband, creating a clear view of, ahem, you know, your unmentionables. Well, there is a fix for your jeans to help keep those unmentionables unmentionable. Watch our video tutorial How to Take in the Waist on a Pair of Jeans.

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Things You'll Need

  • 1-inch elastic band
  • Scissors
  • Seam ripper
  • Safety pin
  • Sewing machine

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Step 1

Cut a piece of elastic.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Start by cutting a 5-inch piece of 1-inch elastic. It can be longer if you'd like a more gradual cinch.

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Step 2

Cut slits in the waistband.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Use your seam ripper and cut two slits that are 7 inches apart on the inside of the waistband. Or, if you are using a longer piece, cut the slits 2 inches wider apart than the piece of elastic you are using. Make sure you are only cutting the inside of the waistband and not all the way through. Use the center back belt loop to help you center the slits.

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Step 3

Attach a safety pin.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Attach a safety pin to one end of your elastic.

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Step 4

Insert the pin.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Insert the pin into one of the slits.

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Step 5

Pull the elastic through the waistband.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Maneuver the pin and the elastic through the waistband.

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Step 6

Sew the elastic.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

When the end of the elastic is even with the first slit, stop and sew through the elastic and the waistband to secure the elastic in place.

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Step 7

Continue to pull the elastic.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Continue to pull the pin through the waistband until the other end of the elastic is even with the second slit. Remove the pin from the elastic.

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Step 8

Sew the ends of the elastic.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Secure the second slit by sewing through the elastic and the waistband.

Finished Waistline

Say goodbye to your "gaposis" for good.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Now your unmentionables won't create a scandal each time you bend over. Your "gaposis" is gone for good!

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