can a pant's rise be lengthened?

Any of you who are sewers or familiar with construction and know whether this is even worth persuing - I'd appreciate any insight. I want to lengthen the front rise of a pair of cords for the BF. Is it even worth asking a tailor? I know there is *some* extra material at the meeting point of the crotch and inseam but is there enough to bother with? He'd need an extra inch. (I got some pants for him that are just too low rise to be comfortable). Thanks!

15 years ago

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8 replies

Latest reply was from Laura (rhubarbgirl)

catgirl

Veteran

I sew (although not that complex a task) and I think it would be difficult.

ETA: I just re-read your thread and saw you're asking about men's pants. Those might be different as they are often made to be tailored, as least with suits.

15 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, Una. They are True Religion corduroys - so, not dress pants but casual wear. I think I may be out of luck. And money!

15 years ago

Velma

Veteran

Mo, I think that would be a very difficult and expensive alteration, if it is even possible. And corduroy makes the task even tougher, since the nap shows areas where seams have been picked out.

15 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I think your best option might be to resell, for all the reasons listed above. I've made jeans before, and the seam at the crotch is usually made to be durable. It'll most likely leave obvious marks in the material... plus I don't really know if it would solve his problem.

15 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

You could also have the waist band removed and possibly moved up, but there is still that problem with the fabric, and you might have to put in a new zipper as well.

15 years ago

Kristine

Veteran

Yes, I agree. I sew a little and my head swims trying to think about how this would be done.

15 years ago

MsMaven

Veteran

I think a quarter inch is about the maximum you could lengthen it. This is a tricky operation. I've lengthened back seams,but you take in some of the pants' width to do so.

Still, it doesn't cost anything to ask a tailor.

15 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I sew too and with most cords (heck, most pants, men's or women's) this would be very difficult. Depending on the depth of the seam allowances and how the waistband is constructed, you might be able to get up to a half inch or so, I'd guess, but it might not look right anyway - when you let out seams on corduroy often the stitch marks are visible and can't be pressed out.

I'm trying to think of creative solutions - it's possible you could remove the waistband, use that fabric somewhere, and add a new waistband of another fabric - but I very much doubt you'll be satisfied with the results, unless your guy's aesthetic is wacky thrift store.

15 years ago

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