How to Take in Your Jean Size

A favorite pair of jeans have gotten a little too roomy in the waist or you have scored a great pair of designer jeans on sale, only to find the slacks are just a bit too big. Don't ditch your tried-and-true jeans or give up on your fabulous fashion find just yet. Taking in your jeans is something you can do at home. This small alteration will save you money and it can also be undone in case you ever need to go back to the original fit.

Instructions

1

Put on your jeans and pinch the waistband so the jeans fit comfortably. Make sure the pinch doesn't include a belt loop. Measure the entire pinch. Divide the number by four. This is your dart measurement and the number that tells you how big to make the back darts.

2

Turn the jeans wrong side out. Mark the halfway points between both side seams and the center back seam with a line that extends from the top to the bottom of the waistband. If there happens to be a belt loop at these points, move your marks closer to the side seams.

3

Fold the jeans in half so your marked line is on the edge. Measure in from your mark the same distance of your dart measurement. Make a tiny mark on the top of the waistband at that point. Draw a diagonal line starting at the tiny mark you just made, slanting in until it reaches the bottom edge of the waistband. Do not extend the mark below the waistband. This is your dart.

4

Pin and sew the dart. Repeat Step 3 with the other marked line. Iron the darts so the darts point to the center back of your jeans. Try on your jeans and inspect your reflection in a mirror.

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