YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2 https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 20:00:20 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Chris987 on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2385111 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 17:45:48 +0000 Chris987 2385111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Well, I still haven't found what I want, and I have decided to NOT try alterations at this point. Angie recommended I try petite curvy styles. This does seem like a good idea, but without exception all the styles I looked at had a much-too-short inseam. So, clearly this style is not meant to be for me right now. I will wear the jeans and pants I already have.  Thanks for help and cheerleading! Moving on to other things, fashion and otherwise. : -)  Angie on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2384049 Sun, 13 Apr 2025 14:21:36 +0000 Angie 2384049@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think a PETITE curvy fit is the way to go. That is what we'd be looking for if you were my client. I think your rise issue might go away Chris987 on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2384046 Sun, 13 Apr 2025 12:46:07 +0000 Chris987 2384046@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie what a great idea! My waist is not as proportionally small compared to my thighs as it was years ago so I tend to not consider curvy fits, but what do I have to lose, right? I did a quick google search and found  that these (US) brands have curvy fit pants  -  Macys, Lands End, Loft, Ann Taylor, Talbot, Banana Republic, Madewell, Old Navy, WHBM, American Eagle ... and that wasn't the whole list.  Still taking a shopping rest but I will definitely look into this, THANKS!  Angie on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2384008 Sat, 12 Apr 2025 15:09:47 +0000 Angie 2384008@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, I wonder if a curvy fit would prevent this from happening: "a pleat across the crotch area and the waistband digging into my ribs"  Chris987 on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383996 Sat, 12 Apr 2025 13:12:03 +0000 Chris987 2383996@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks BrieN! they are pretty cool, but I find that loose/baggy/wide leg jeans like those make me look even shorter and wider than I already am, which is not to my liking Even if the rise length is perfect, I would not wear them - will leave them to others.  BrieN on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383978 Fri, 11 Apr 2025 18:50:46 +0000 BrieN 2383978@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have seen a few pairs of these raw waistband jeans online and when I was in Europe last month. As someone who always fights the waistband/rise it looks liberating. Guessing though in the end they will have their own fit issues as well… anyway not that they are what you’re looking for … just thought I’d share cause they’re kind cool <a href="https://www.asos.com/us/pullbear/pullbear-mid-rise-straight-leg-jeans-with-raw-waistband-in-medium-blue/prd/207064597#colourWayId-207064601" rel="nofollow">https://www.asos.com/us/pullbe.....-207064601</a> <a href="https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwj-iqmQ09CMAxWSdH8AHQCVLUoYABAbGgJvYQ&co=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw--K_BhB5EiwAuwYoyhq7neE_8dhq4ukx9_Flqob7bjydFwcNfbcIlgXMRXBlIzPG6_TmSRoCTLIQAvD_BwE&cce=1&sig=AOD64_3mvNmRxX2fGz7IjlpZ-01Q58ik0w&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwjU7qSQ09CMAxWrM9AFHfyEJ2IQwg8oAHoECAkQJQ&adurl=" rel="nofollow">https://www.google.com/aclk?sa.....038;adurl=</a> Chris987 on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383977 Fri, 11 Apr 2025 17:59:43 +0000 Chris987 2383977@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've now looked at 50 different brands/stores and tried about half-dozen pants, but  no luck. The finds below all came close but nothing fit  quite right and also had all the features I wanted. Also a couple from Banana Republic and Gap Factory (no finds)  The Lands End ones had a rise that was too high but I could probably fix by taking in the inseam, but I want a darker olive green and this color was too light. The Toad & Co I could probably alter too. Will keep them in mind. The Sanctuary ones fit ok but had a split/released hem which is not the crisp look I want.  I'm going to stop now and take a break. :-)  Chris987 on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383870 Wed, 09 Apr 2025 12:22:31 +0000 Chris987 2383870@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks slim cat for the info ... your tailor's work sounds exactly like what I was thinking of doing. I have been able to find mid-rise straight JEANS, just not casual pants :-)  Firecracker - THANKS! I was trying to imagine how to deal with the zipper stops when cutting the zipper (or even figure out what they were called) - your explanation is just what I needed and good to know one can buy them. And you explain the pocket implications of this type of alteration very well!  Thanks for the link!  Firecracker (Sharan) on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383864 Wed, 09 Apr 2025 02:12:09 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2383864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <div>Chris, you can buy zipper stops--the bigger teeth at the top of the zipper that keep the pull from sliding down when the zipper is closed. To shorten a zipper from the top, you cut it off above where the stop will need to be, then remove the teeth with small side cutter pliers, and place the stops where you need them, crimping them on with small pliers. (I used jewelry making tools, but there are tools you can get from places that sell the zipper repair supplies.) Here's <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.zipperstop.com/collections/zipper-repair-kit?srsltid=AfmBOopANMLVSi5oqWbW7CbyA5Opd1CMmNhKWuaHqISmeb5CA9vxqe8B">one such place I see online</a>. That solves one dilemma of the top-down method of shortening the rise. Another problem might be interfering with slant pockets on the front of the pants (not being able to get a hand into them), or possibly decreasing the space too much between back welt pockets and the waistband.</div><div> </div> slim cat on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383846 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 17:59:16 +0000 slim cat 2383846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I had couple jeans altered to lower the rise and it worked for a while. It was done by a highly skilled seamstress and cost $25 at that time ( 4-5 years ago ). The jeans were cropped in length and slightly flared with stretchy fabric. That particular style is not my favorite anymore and the jeans are donated now - such as life . The seamstress removed the waistband, cut the fabric and part of the zipper, put the waistband lower  making pockets more shallow. I would not be able to do any of that on my own of course. I I wear now wide leg style the most with mid/low rise and use the belt to put them higher or lower depending on my preference of the day. The other style that I can do still is Lucky Brand mid rise sweet jeans - I've got cuffed wide leg Lucky Legend jeans - cropped length spring/summer style ( currently not available ). Finding the correct rise is a difficult journey - hope it will be successful ! Chris987 on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383834 Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:53:03 +0000 Chris987 2383834@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Lynette - I too am glad to hear this but so far I don't see much of the lower rise available in a full length straight leg casual pant. Jeans with lower rises do see more plentiful. I've got quite a few pants on order and will definitely report back!  Lynette on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383812 Mon, 07 Apr 2025 20:35:28 +0000 Lynette 2383812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have no solutions but am beyond excited to hear a 9 or 10inch rise is coming back! I have an extremely short waist and rise and have struggled with it my whole life. Now that I have osteoporosis and have shrunk an inch it is even worse! Actually, I have not bought a new pair of pants for a couple of years for this very reason. I will look forward to hearing where all your research leads you. Chris987 on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383811 Mon, 07 Apr 2025 19:59:06 +0000 Chris987 2383811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ RobinF, thanks and yes your alterations make sense to me for your body type. You described the alteration I do correctly, and yes even a little does make a big difference! The idea of removing the waistband and replacing it with some sort of facing, as you say suggested by Roberta, is one I'm thinking about.  cat2, looking for older styles on Postmark etc is a great idea, but unfortunately I don't remember brands that used to work for me in non-jeans pants a few years ago. I could do that now with the limited jeans brands I wear but I don't need more jeans right now, I need non-jeans pants.  UmmLila  thanks, I really should give Massimo Dutti a look, I do like their styles overall. It seems easier to find jeans with the lower rise than pants .... but pants are what I'm looking for.  UmmLila (Lisa) on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383805 Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:35:55 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 2383805@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I've had a lot of jeans and pants altered lately, with mixed results where I tried to make too much change. Here are a pair of lower rise straight jeans I bought recently that seem like they might meet your criteria. Rise is a hair under 10" (See what I mean about the lower price in Spain!!) cat2 on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383804 Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:13:32 +0000 cat2 2383804@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris: Are there any older styles that had the right rise? I found it surprisingly easy to find NWT dead stock when my favorite boot cuts were discontinued. I usually don’t do second hand because the storage conditions at former owners can really damage something, but jeans are pretty hard to damage and can be washed vigorously on receipt. Discontinued models got me through the skinnies years to a style change that worked for me. RobinF on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383801 Mon, 07 Apr 2025 13:44:26 +0000 RobinF 2383801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I do a lot of alterations but my issues are proportionately wide waist to hips/legs. I have successfully altered the rise but usually to make it longer so that the waist sits higher where I am a little big narrower, if that makes sense. This makes the legs a little shorter too which works for me.  But in this day of higher rises I have had to make it shorter a few times. If I am understanding the way you describe then I do it that way, by sewing from leg to leg across the crotch. I agree that it only works for a small amount but have found that a small amount can make a big difference.  I have had mixed results with waistband alterations. I find they are harder to make look professional. The easiest would be with an elastic waist - just cut it off and resew it lower. What about just removing the waistband and replacing it with some sort of inner facing? Zipper length would still be fine. I see that Roberta posted this idea also. Could even use a complimentary fabric for the facing and make it kind of fun. I do agree with Donna that finding the right rise and adjusting the legs would probably be simpler than altering the rise. I have also done that :) Chris987 on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383773 Sun, 06 Apr 2025 12:42:26 +0000 Chris987 2383773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ kkards ... FYI those Frank & Eileen pants are just a little too short for the 28 - 29" inseam I want (full length on me), and I didn't see any other styles that meet my other requirements and are full length... I guess their style vibe is about slightly shorter pants for spring/summer but I want full length. I do appreciate you mentioning it and the Lands End ones look really promising although they describe rise measurements as front rise PLUS back rise so I'll have to figure that out.  Chris987 on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383772 Sun, 06 Apr 2025 12:30:36 +0000 Chris987 2383772@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Janet ... I always think of you when I think of this fit issue. I've had good luck with NYDJ Maryliyn Straight (have 6 pairs) and more recently Demoracy Itty Bitty Boot, but I'm tired of the lack of style variety. Yes exactly ... "wishing I could just eliminate the width of the waistband".  kkards, thanks,  perhaps having them custom made is an option but I don't live in an urban area and I'm reluctant to spend that kind of $$ until I exhaust all options. I've tried Lands End chinos a few years ago and they consider 10.5-12 to be mid-rise so they don't fit right. Based on that size chart you showed maybe I should give them a try again even though the green they are offering on their web site right now  is much darker than your example and darker than what I want. I'll  put them on my "reconsider list", thanks!!  I will  check out Frank & Eileen - the ones you showed look cropped and I want full length but will take a look. THANKS!  Jenni NZ  I generally don't tuck tops. I don't like elastic/gathered waists because I find they add bulk around the waist (not a lot but enough to bug me) and that bulk sometimes extends down to the hip area because the pants have to be a little loose to be able to pull them on. I don't like the look on my body shape. For example a pair of jeans and a simple tee looks fine to me, but if I put a simple tee over gathered waist pants there is more visible bulk at the hem of the tee. I just much prefer the more structured look of a regular waistband and zipper, and find them very comfortable as long as there is a little stretch in the fabric.  That being said I do own a couple of pairs of black Ponte pull on pants, but there is no gathering at the waist.  I've done a lot of alterations and even many years ago made clothes, so shortening zips and moving buttonholes are things I could do, I just don't feel like diving into it until I exhaust other options.  Angie  thanks and I will definitely check out kkards' ideas. I'm willing to relax my $$ requirements to find something that fits.  I hope you are right about the 9-10" rise coming back!  DonnaF  ... hmm I had not thought of that, what a good idea, THANKS!  You are right, slimming legs would definitely be easier than doing a waistband alteration. Off to think about that. .. Roberta, thanks, sure that's another possibility ... I don't dislike the idea but finding the right fabric to add would be a challenge. Half a lifetime ago when I made some of my own clothes I knew where to buy all kinds of fabrics locally but most of the shops have closed ...  Roberta on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383764 Sun, 06 Apr 2025 00:20:33 +0000 Roberta 2383764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like a sewing challenge, but this is a tricky one. You could remove the waistband entirely and replace it with a facing that folded down, so you would have a no waistband pant. But you would have to have fabric that matched or complemented the pants in a way you like. I have Boden pants that have this kind of facing in a bright contrast, but I understand that that style is not for everyone. DonnaF on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383759 Sun, 06 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000 DonnaF 2383759@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Have you considered getting a rise that works for you and then just having the too wide legs slimmed down? Seems like that would be a simpler alteration. Angie on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383754 Sat, 05 Apr 2025 23:21:22 +0000 Angie 2383754@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ First Chris, that 9 to10 inch rise is coming back! See what kkards posted, for example.  Second, Slim Cat had the rises of her jeans successfully lowered so hopefully she'll chime in :)  Jenni NZ on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383743 Sat, 05 Apr 2025 20:46:05 +0000 Jenni NZ 2383743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don’t understand your reasoning Chris about pull-on or elastic waist pants. I am wondering if you actually show the zip/ waistband part when you dress? Do you always tuck? It just sounds so difficult to think about shortening zips and changing button holes? I have heard that some women don’t find elastic waistbands comfortable and maybe you are one of them? To me they are just so incredibly comfortable compared with many zip/waistband pants, and as I seldom tuck no-one else sees them anyway. I’m of course not wanting to change your style, just interested in the reasoning. kkards on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383739 Sat, 05 Apr 2025 20:31:47 +0000 kkards 2383739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ These-which I know are not inexpensive, but are I think exactly what you are looking for kkards on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383736 Sat, 05 Apr 2025 20:03:55 +0000 kkards 2383736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ It sounds like a very expensive and uncertain alteration. Wondering if it would actually be more cost effective to find someone who would make what you want. I would think in a metro area there would be options. Assuming you already tried lands end? It seems like they what you are looking for. But maybe not Janet on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383734 Sat, 05 Apr 2025 19:27:07 +0000 Janet 2383734@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Chris, I wish I had good advice for you, but I don’t. This is a super common fit problem for me at any size, since my torso is so short in relation to the rest of my body. Even things marketed as mid rise now are often too long. The jeans below, for example, are two I’ve tried recently (I did buy the AG pair) and on both I found myself wishing I could just eliminate the width of the waistband! They would sit so much better. But I just went with the slouchy fit of the boyfriend jeans — they are roomy and I wear them down on my hips a bit. I’ll be following with interest. Chris987 on "Alterations to Shorten Rise on Pants?: UPDATE #2" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/considering-alterations-to-shorten-rise-on-pantsjeans-a-bit-long#post-2383733 Sat, 05 Apr 2025 18:11:05 +0000 Chris987 2383733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Greetings fabbers, it's been a while!  Since I lost weight during Covid I’ve been attempting to rebuild my wardrobe of jeans and pants. They are wardrobe essentials for me; I rarely wear dresses/skirts. I prefer styles with a zipper and waistband and hardly ever wear pull-on styles or elastic waists. I prefer straight or slight bootleg. I no longer want skinnies and don’t like wide legs or crops on me. I have a recurring fit issue: when I get a good fit for my thighs, the rise is too high, leading to a pleat across the crotch area and the waistband digging into my ribs when I sit; both are unpleasant to look at and feel awful. I don’t mind a little bit of the pleat and high waistband but the majority of ones I try on have these issues quite severely. I need a front rise of 9.5-10” give or take. 5+ years ago, "mid-rise" met that measurement at least some of the time. Over the last few years as high rise styles have taken over,  the definition of “mid-rise” seems to have shifted upward to 10.5” – 12” or so. I’ve looked at low-rise but they tend to be wide leg jeans or similar that I don’t find flattering on me. Rises of 9.5-10" are extremely rare.  I have only a few styles that work in my wardrobe and I’ve done a lot duplication. Last fall/winter I gave up searching, but now I’m on the hunt again. I’ve been trying to find chino//utility pants in olive green, full length, with a 9.5”-10” rise and straight legs. It's apparently not a trendy style since many brands don't do anything like this, and the ones that do have a too-high rise.   *** (see below for status of my hunt). So …. I’m back to considering alterations.  Would love to hear about your experiences with this type of alteration, ideas etc and any other words of wisdom I have in mind 3 different ways to lower the rise of pants/jeans. I do not know a tailor I’d trust with this and I don’t know how to find such a tailor. I am a good seamstress so might be willing to tackle it myself. <ol> <li>The way a tailor would do it - remove belt loops and waistband, cut some off the top of body of the pants, take in the side seams a little, and reattach the waistband. The part I do not know how to deal with is shortening the zipper. I’ve seen a few YouTube videos on this so need to study them more</li> <li> A hack I’ve done a few times, where you take the inseam in a small amount, from right leg hem to crotch to left leg hem, or from knee to crotch to knee. The cheat way is to make a seam next to the existing one (much easier to do esp if the inseam is a flat felled seam). The other way is to take apart the inseam, take it in, then put things back together. I’ve found this alteration can only be done up to ½” or the shape/proportions of the pants get out of whack. </li> <li>Another hack I’ve thought about but not tried: cut the waistband in half, leaving a much thinner one than you started with. Need a way to finish the raw edge. Would work ok if the pants have two hook closures but if it’s jut a single button would need to create a new buttonhole and move the button. Not going to try this one just yet…. but I have a pair of Athleta Brooklyn pants (pull on with a wide elastic waistband) that I might try this on to make the very wide/uncomfortable waistband thinner </li> </ol> *** The hunt - I’m searching mostly online, after exhausting in-store possibilities. Have looked at 44 brands/stores. Did chat sessions with some to get specific rise measurements not on their web sites. 35 no’s. 2 tried and returned (BananaRepublic gets an F for a description that read (high rise 10”) that turned out to be 11.5” ). 2 more on order now. 5 more not investigated yet.