Can dress pants be taken in or altered?

Yes, dress pants are designed to be altered. In fact, most high-quality dress pants are sold with the expectation that a tailor will adjust them for a perfect fit.

Here are the most common alterations you can have done:

• Waist: The waistband can typically be taken in (tightened) or let out (loosened) by about 1 to 2 inches. Look for a split in the waistband at the back center; this extra fabric allowance is specifically there for letting them out.

• Hem (Length): This is the most standard alteration. You can have them shortened to remove the break (where the pant hits the shoe) or lengthened if there is extra fabric folded inside the hem.

• Tapering: If the legs feel too baggy, a tailor can slim down the leg from the thigh to the ankle for a more modern, fitted look.

• Seat/Crotch: If the pants are sagging in the rear or too tight, the “seat” can often be adjusted slightly, though this is a more complex alteration than the waist or hem.

Do you have a specific pair of pants you are looking to fix, or are you looking to buy a new pair that fits well off the rack?