Author Topic: Altering jeans  (Read 3146 times)

EconDiva

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Altering jeans
« on: February 10, 2017, 10:42:00 AM »
I bought a pair of Joe's jeans for $20 off Ebay.  They're the exact style I want; I have the same make of jean in a dark color and wanted to just buy the same jean in white basically for spring/summer.  This brand goes for well over $100, sometimes close to $200 and I have 2 pairs of Joe's jeans bought used for under $30 each that I've gotten 2 years ago and both fit well and look brand new still.

Unfortunately I accidentally bought a size up and the jeans are nonrefundable. :( :(

I've never altered clothing outside of getting a few items hemmed. 

Can I take one of the other (darker) Joe's Jeans I have that do fit me and just tell the alterations place to make it the exact same sizing all around for the new (white) pair I just got that are too big?  They're not excessively large on me but on my 5'1" frame and because they are skinny jeans they are supposed to be fitted so right now they just look weird on because of the sizing.  Also I'm wondering if this would end up costing a ton of money since the jeans were only $20.

tarheeldan

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Re: Altering jeans
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2017, 10:50:22 AM »
Should be $20-$30 depending on your area since it's taking in the waist and hemming it sounds like. Good thing it's only one size, but they still won't come out exactly the same as your existing pair - to take in the waist they'll remove fabric from the back part only, so it's not like shrinking it proportionally from all directions. If it's a good alterations tailor, you won't really notice though and should be happy with the result.

EconDiva

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Re: Altering jeans
« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2017, 10:54:40 AM »
Should be $20-$30 depending on your area since it's taking in the waist and hemming it sounds like. Good thing it's only one size, but they still won't come out exactly the same as your existing pair - to take in the waist they'll remove fabric from the back part only, so it's not like shrinking it proportionally from all directions. If it's a good alterations tailor, you won't really notice though and should be happy with the result.

Hmmm...so only the waist will be taken in and the ends hemmed?  It will certainly still look crazy (if not crazier) that way because I need it to fit everywhere else too...more fitted in the butt, the thighs and especially the calf area (too loose on the calves to be a 'skinny jean').

Sounds like I need to try to resell these :(

Raenia

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Re: Altering jeans
« Reply #3 on: February 10, 2017, 10:56:21 AM »
I have to disagree with what tarheeldan said, since they're skinny jeans you wouldn't be asking for just waist and hem, you'd be looking to take in along the outside seams all the way down, so the fit is correct in the leg.  I'd take it to the alterations place and ask if they can do it and what it would cost before making a decision either way.  If it's <$20, go for it.  If it's more, you'll have to set your own limit on how much you're willing to spend on this.  It never hurts to ask, just be prepared to walk away and take the loss if it's going to be too expensive.

MrsPete

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Re: Altering jeans
« Reply #4 on: February 10, 2017, 11:01:33 AM »
I suspect it'll be cost-prohibitive, but going into an alterations place and ASKING for a quote is free.  If it's too much, just say, "Thanks, but no thanks." 

If you can't get them altered, re-sell them and hunt for another pair in the proper size.  You may not find them immediately (at a good price), but you'll find them.

tarheeldan

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Re: Altering jeans
« Reply #5 on: February 10, 2017, 11:07:02 AM »
I have to disagree with what tarheeldan said, since they're skinny jeans you wouldn't be asking for just waist and hem, you'd be looking to take in along the outside seams all the way down,

I didn't think of that, that would be more expensive. Can't hurt to get a quote!

You could DIY but denim would be tough to learn on.

ETA: when they do the waist they cut down the rear seam, so they can easily tighten up the seat as well.

better late

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Re: Altering jeans
« Reply #6 on: February 10, 2017, 11:11:39 AM »
In my experience that magnitude of tailoring doesn't work.  It will be expensive and moreover they will not fit the same as your other pair - they will likely end up looking odd.  The rise, knee break, pocket placement can vary depending on the size of the pant.  I'd resell them and keep looking.

frugaliknowit

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Re: Altering jeans
« Reply #7 on: February 10, 2017, 11:42:03 AM »
My $.02:  I would re-sell them (potentially taking a hit on the shipping) as opposed to having them altered.  Even when they are altered, they likely won't look as good as the correct size.