Taking in the waist of jeans? Kut Dianas from NAS

Alix

I've been in search of olive jeans for a while, and got the Kut Dianas at Angie's recommendation. I realize I'll have to hem them, as I do all my pants. Key problem - the waist gap. I have this problem a lot but this one is large enough to merit an alteration. Does anyone have experience with altering the waist of pants - can it be done, for how much money? I bought these at NAS, does Nordstrom offer (free?) alterations?

And another question is, I suppose, do these fit well enough that they're worth it?

Thanks in advance!

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Nordstrom

KUT from the Kloth 'Diana' Colored Denim Skinny Jeans

$99.50

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8 years ago

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12 replies

Latest reply was from Alix

barbaraq

Active Member

I have successfully taken in too-big waistbands in jeans by opening up the inside of the waistband in two places and inserting a wide piece of elastic into the waistband. I.e, around the back of the wb. Snug it up until the waistband fits and then secure the ends. This works well if you don't have too much to take in, causing gathers in the waistband. Since I never wear any tops tucked into the back of my jeans anyway, this is my go-to alteration. Cheap and cheerful, as the English would say.

8 years ago

Anonymous

Yes, Nordstrom does alterations. Not sure if they're free.

I've had waists taken in on jeans by professionals and I'd say $20 a pair is an average price. It's worth the money, in my opinion. It's a pretty standard alteration, so you're not asking for anything out of the ordinary.

8 years ago

Keix

Veteran

I have gotten jeans taken in at the waist before by a tailor, although not at Nordstrom (not sure if it will be free unless you have a Nordstrom card; I think they do free hemming on full price and Anniversary purchases though). It can definitely be done but keep in mind that the entire waist will get tighter/smaller, not just the rear gap. I'm currently having one waist alteration redone because it's too snug on my tummy when I sit down. I have had previous jeans altered with no problem though; it helps if the waistband stretches with wear.

My tailor charges $40 for the waist alteration, which is the absolute highest you should ever expect to pay; I go there because it's convenient, not because the price is competitive. Even in my crazy COL area, I could pay less if I drove 20 minutes (40 mins on weekdays) vs 5 min at any time to my current tailor.

8 years ago

Anonymous

I have my jeans altered all the time to make the waist fit. It cost me $20. I am always happy with the result. I have no idea how they do it though.

8 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

If you have a Nordstrom card, what you pay in alterations you get back in Nordstrom Rewards, up to your reward level amount. At Level 1, you get $100 in alterations, and at Level 2 ($2,000/yr in net spending), you get $200 in alterations, and so on. Full price items get hemming for free; otherwise I think jeans are $20. I probably paid $20 for a waist adjustment. You can even get alterations on items purchased elsewhere but it costs a little more and they will only do certain types of alterations.

After going years without taking advantage of this benefit, last year I nearly hit my limit and this year I plan to do the same. For example, because I knew they would do the hemming, I hacked two pairs of baby bootcuts to make kick flares, bought a silk blouse with sleeves too long, had the shoulders taken up on a jumper/pinafore, and will have some leggings shortened, to give you a few examples.

8 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

I have had the waist altered on jeans many times. It is often an issue for me. The tailor where I used to live did a great job. No idea what the cost was. Worth it.
Love the pants. Olive is great.

8 years ago

lisaflex

Veteran

i regularly alter the waist on jeans - i have used nordies or my regular tailor. it runs anywhere between 23 - 40 depending on how much etc

8 years ago

SandyG

Veteran

My tailor offers two types of waist alterations. Cheap and easy is one tuck in the back of the waistband. Don't fall for this -- I looked like I'd put on a denim diaper with all the bunching in back. The longer, more expensive method is to take in all four sides of the waistband. It looks and fits much better. My jeans last about 5 years so it's certainly a good alteration to have made.

8 years ago

Anonymous

Boy, I wish I had a dollar for all the times I had that problem when I was thinner. My mom was a seamstress, though, so alterations were made at home. It can be done.

8 years ago

kkards

Veteran

i have most of my jeans taken in at the waist....nordies does a great job, and as Donna noted, will repay you in Notes if you have their card (in fact it was one of the primary reasons i got a card)....also, at least at my nordies, if you get alternations done in the store, they will send UPS it to you when done if you don't want to make another trip back to the store (mention this because i don't know how far you are from a store), or you can call from the parking lot and they will bring it out to you.

8 years ago

Anonymous

That's good to know.

8 years ago

Alix

Active Member

Thanks all! Good to hear that taking in the waist band is definitely doable. And great about the Nordstrom "free" alterations - looks like I'll do it that way then!

8 years ago

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