Anyone ever had their textile pants tailored?

[JC]

I have a pair of frank thomas pants I picked up at cycle gear. I've had them for about a year, worn them maybe 3 times. Reason is because the waist line has elastic on both sides!! I can never tighten the waist band as much as I want to, because it keeps expanding. In the riding position, it stays tight on my hips, but is loose on the back of my waist.

I really like these pants. The textile is tough, its warm as can be, pretty versatile, fantastic armor..... They just don't feel right.

The zipper doesnt match any of my jackets.... does anyone have any suggestions? Could I have fabric sewn in to hold the elastic tighter? Any other modifications I can do? Suspenders?


Thanks :)

[aprilmaybe]

You should be able to take in the waist a bit. Most local dry cleaners will do alterations, they should be able to handle it.

[NuBiker]

Hi JC,

When the zipper on my Joe Rocket overpants broke, I had it replaced here:

Perfect Fit Design and Alterations
924 Huntington Drive
San Marino, CA 91108
626-300-0074

I think it cost me 80 dollars.
It cost a bit, but you get what you pay for.
They did an excellent job.

Best regards,
NuBiker

[TorontoBoy]

You need to open up the waistband, remove some of the elastic, pleat in the waist to your liking and button it up. Any competent sewer can do it in a couple of hours. There may be more work if there's an inner liner to worry about, but it's not much different from regular sports pants.

As for the zipper, try to find a matching zipper that will fit either the jacket or the pants. Since you're modding the pants anyway I'd keep the jacket zipper and modify the pants. Some pants have an additional cloth/leather flap that can hide the zipper when it's not zipped to a jacket. It's a nice touch. Hopefully all your jackets use the same type and size zipper or you'll need to standardize on one zipper size and change all other zippers to match.

The idea behind the zipper on pants and jacket is when you have an off the jacket doesn't ride up and expose your tender belly/back to the pavement. Suspenders won't do. I suppose you could permanently sew your pants to your favourite jacket but getting in and out could be an ordeal.

[JC]

Great info! Thanks folks!!!

[Paduan]

Carharts suspenders - wide - comfortable - nice colors - keep the pants up very nicely.

I put suspenders on my JR Ballistic 5.0 pants - perfect!

And cost-effective.

[Smitty]

Good one Paduan & far less costly then having them tucked in. If you have more then one pair of riding trousers the amazing thing is the same suspenders take care of both or three or more pairs. Just a few dollars for the suspenders & you can put those to use yourself!!!!!!!!