Having wide leg pants can be very stylish and fashion-forward, but it’s not for everyone. Many find that wide leg trousers feel and look too spacious, or look too boxy to flatter the figure. Luckily, there are ways to narrow them without sewing machine, so you don’t have to buy a new pair of pants. Here’s a guide on how to craft your wide leg pants and bring them closer to your figure.
To narrow wide leg pants without a sewing machine, you should use something like a fabric scissors and some fabric glue. First, begin by measuring the width of the pants legs. Measure the inner and outer seams, and make sure that the length is accurate. Be sure to mark the measurements with a piece of fabric chalk, to be sure you are cutting according to your desired width.
Then, it’s time to start cutting the fabric. Cut the fabric along the seams, at the marks you have made. Cut the same amount from both areas that you have measured, to ensure an even narrow fit. After you have cut the desired width from both legs, you can measure the new width and make sure that the legs are the same width. Make sure to leave the original seams intact so that the pants retain their original shape.
Once the pants are cut and the width is measured, it’s time to start creating a new seam. Begin by folding the remaining fabric over to the inside of the pants. To hold the fold in place, apply some fabric glue to the seam area, and press it together with a cloth to secure the fold. Be sure to apply the glue evenly, so that it will hold well and last.
The next step is to sew the new seam. To do this, you will need to mimic the original seam of the pant legs. Get a piece of thread that matches the color of the fabric and start stitching the new seam, following the same pattern as on the original seams. Sew the entire seam, from the top to the bottom, and make sure that it is secured tightly and evenly.
Once the new seam is created and secured, it’s time to hem the pants. Measure the pant legs to determine the length of the hem, and then cut some additional fabric from the fabric that was left. Apply the fabric glue to the edges of the slashed fabric, then fold it inwards and press it down firmly with a cloth to secure the hem.
And finally, you can make the final adjustments to the fit of your pants by adding some elastic or drawstrings at the waist and the ankles. Measure the waist area and the ankles and mark it with fabric chalk. Cut the desired length of elastic or drawstrings, and attach them securely to the pants. Be sure to adjust the elastic or drawstrings according to your desired fit, so your pants fit you perfectly.
Caring for the Newly Narrowed Pants
After you have completed narrowing your pants, you must take care of them to ensure they last. Before washing the pants, always check the care label to make sure that you do not damage the garment. Hand wash your newly narrowed pants in cold water with a mild detergent, and make sure to use a non-bleach detergent. Hang the pants to dry, and never use a tumble dryer.
When ironing, use the lowest and most suitable heat setting for the fabric, and always use a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric. Most likely, you will end up with a nice, narrow fit in your pants and you can start enjoying your new look with confidence.
Pros and Cons of Narrowing Pants
Narrowing your pants at home has several advantages. It allows you to save time and money, you don’t have to buy a new pair of pants, and it gives you the chance to achieve a perfect, tailored fit. On the other hand, it involves exposing your clothes to the risk of damage and even if you follow directions closely, the result may still be less than perfect.
In addition, you may lack the skills and knowledge to select the right fabrics and materials, and even the right tools for narrowing the pants. This can result in loose seams, uneven hemlines, and other problems. It is also more difficult to get a perfect fit since you don’t have the same measuring and drafting tools that an experienced pants professional has.
Other Alternatives to Narrowing Pants
If you don’t feel quite up to the task of narrowing your pants at home, you can always wear pants that have no defined waistline and have a drawstring, or pants with a tapered leg and elastic waist. You could also take the pants to a professional tailor and ask them to narrow the legs for you. This way, you can get an even more tailored fit and make sure that your pants look exactly the way you want them to.
Other options include how you wear the pants. Upgrade classic neutrals with a bright coloured shirt, or try wearing them with a bold belt to add definition to your waistline. You could also wear a loose fitting tunic or a blazer over them, with a longer length to add that flattering silhouette you’re looking for.
Accessorising with Narrowed Pants
If you want to elongate the figure to make your legs look slimmer, you can do this in a few ways. Narrowed pants look great with classic canvas or wedge style shoes or pumps, and a nice pair of heels should always be in your wardrobe. You can also try wearing a long necklace that will finish below the waistline, to create the optical illusion of a longer torso.
For a more casual look, add a statement belt to cinch your waist and show off the natural curves of your body. Wearing a pair of sandals or a pair of boots with a bit of height on the heels can make the legs appear longer and therefore, slimmer. Regardless of what you wear with your pants, always remember to be confident and you will be sure to look and feel amazing!
Conclusion
Narrowing wide leg pants without a sewing machine can be tricky, but it is definitely possible. With the right tools, knowledge and dedication, you can achieve a tailored and flattering fit in your pants that matches your figure perfectly. With a few tips and tricks, you can make the most of the style of your wide leg trousers and enjoy their fashionable charm.
