Sewing questions for skirt waistbands...?

Question

I have two skirts that are about 1 inch too tight in the waist. One has no waistband and no button, just a zipper and a hook and eye closure. The other has a waistband, and the skirt is a tiny little bit "gathered" where it meets the waistband. I already moved the button, but still - I'd like to breathe once in a while. These are designer suits, and the jackets fit perfectly, the skirts fit perfectly around the thighs - it's just that the waistbands pinch. Losing weight is not an option, so don't even go there. My question: is there even a point in taking these to a taylor? Can they be altered? I have a sewing machine, but am by no means an expert...help please!

Answer 1

Is there any seam allowance near that zipper? If so, it may be possible to very carefully take out the stitching (get references before leaving designer clothing with anyone doing tailoring and/or alterations - you want to know that they can do what you need done) and gain a small amount at the waist down to nothing at the hips. Some of it will depend upon your skirt's fabric too.

On the lightly gathered skirt, is it already on the next-to-too-short side, or could you lose a little length and still have a good look? If so, the waistband can be "lowered". If it is quality clothing, it should have space for such alterations in the seam allowances of the waistband also.

Ask the person you plan on having do the work how they would do it and if they've done such a thing before (you can't be too careful - I used to see and fix some pretty shabby work done by others, so check the references if you care about your outfits - someone who does quality work will be pleased to give you references).

Answer 2

Losing weight is the best option.

If you can't/won't do that, buy some of those all-in-one power shapers. They should give you an inch of compression. Corsets are back in style, they'll give you several inches of compression.

Or you could try those shaper pantyhose to hold you in? If one pair doesn't help enough, try wearing two pairs at once.

Try wearing higher heels, they'll elongate your torso and make your clothes fit better, not to mention, make your legs and butt look better, and your posture.

Answer 3

A tailor will be honest about whether or not they can alter them to fit right, because if they try and fail, you will not only not pay for it, but you will never be back. So if they can't make it look right, they will tell you.

Answer 4

there are things you can buy called waitsband extenders
it is a button on a piece of elastic loop
put the loop over the exhisting button and the secondary button (the one hanging off the elastic) in the original button hole