The leg opening measurement is a critical factor in how your jeans fit over your shoes and shape your overall look. Whether you’re shopping online, comparing styles, or getting your jeans tapered, knowing how to measure the leg opening properly ensures accurate
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Washing raw denim has long been a topic of debate. Some purists believe in waiting as long as possible, while others argue that washing enhances the fabric’s character. But knowing how to wash raw denim jeans properly can make all the difference in maintaining the integrity of the denim while preserving those hard-earned fades.
In their latest video, Benzak Denim Developers demonstrate their recommended method for washing raw denim for the first time, using a well-worn pair of BO2 Straight jeans made from their 10-year anniversary denim. They cover everything from prepping your jeans before the wash to selecting the right machine settings—ensuring your denim stays in top shape without unnecessary shrinkage or fading.
If you’ve ever wondered when to wash, why washing matters, or most importantly, how to wash raw denim jeans, this video lays it all out. Watch below to see how a year of wear transforms after a proper wash.
Got a twisted leg on your jeans? If one leg seam always seems to drift to the front or back, you’re dealing with a classic issue called “leg twist.” It’s a common problem in denim, often caused by fabric shrinkage or improper sewing.
In our first video, I explain the two main reasons why jeans legs twist: poor sewing at the factory and uneven fabric shrinkage, or sometimes a mix of both.
In this video, I’ll show you exactly how we professionally fix a twisted leg on jeans, ensuring that they fit comfortably with seams that stay straight. Using expert techniques and specialized machinery, we rework the leg (tapering it) to correct the twist, making your jeans feel just right again.
Watch as I walk you through the step-by-step process of how to identify leg twist, why it happens, and what it takes to fix leg twist in jeans effectively.
Whether you’re curious about denim alterations, experiencing a twisted leg on your favorite jeans, or simply want to know how to get your jeans looking right, this video is for you!
We have extensive experience hemming jeans and pants, as well as providing fittings to numerous customers. One of the things we often hear from those who request the same inseam without going through a fitting session is that they ordered the same inseam across their various jeans and pants, but some came out longer or shorter than others. Therefore, when a customer arrives with multiple jeans or pants and requests the same length throughout the styles, we explain why it could be a mistake.
The same inseam length can look different on various styles of jeans and pants. For instance, jeans or pants with identical waist measurements and inseam lengths but different rise measurements will fit differently. A pair with a 1-inch longer rise may result in a hem that falls 1 inch lower.
Similarly, the waist opening measurement affects where the jeans or pants sit on your body. Larger waist openings cause them to sit lower on your hips, making them appear longer even if the rise and inseam are the same.
Moreover, the labeled waist size doesn’t always match the actual waist measurement, and even the same size in the same brand can vary. While the same brand and style are more likely to fit the same, it’s not always guaranteed.
For those seeking consistency in the positioning of their jeans and pants, it is advisable to invest some extra time in separately fitting each pair. It would be a mistake to assume that the same length would yield the same results across styles. Therefore, always measure each pair individually for hemming.
Repairing Belt Loops: Why Quality Matters
Belt loops are one of those essential details on your pants that you probably don’t think about—until one rips off, that is. Whether you’re dealing with jeans, workwear, or your favorite pair of chinos, a broken belt loop can be a real inconvenience. And while you might think, “I can sew that back on myself,” replacing belt loops isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
Sure, home sewing kits and patch jobs might seem like a quick solution, but the reality is that unless you’ve got the right tools and techniques, the results can look sloppy. A DIY job often lacks the durability of professional stitching, leading to issues like weak attachment, uneven loops, or mismatched stitching. Similarly, while some tailors may offer repairs, they often work with lighter fabrics and simple straight stitching, which isn’t quite suitable for the heavy-duty wear of jeans or workwear.
For example, jeans and other tough materials like twill, canvas, or corduroy use a special attachment called a bar tack to secure belt loops. This technique reinforces the stress points, making them durable enough for everyday wear and tear. A typical tailor using a standard sewing machine may not have the equipment to replicate this level of strength.
When done correctly, replacing a belt loop involves using industrial-grade machinery that can handle thick fabric layers, particularly at the seam, where multiple layers overlap. For as little as $10, you can reattach your broken loops at Williamsburg Garment Company, and for $20, new replacement loops can be crafted and installed.
To learn more about our professional belt loop repair service, visit our page for additional details on how we can help you get your pants back in top shape without the hassle of DIY fixes or poor-quality repairs.
By leaving it to the pros, you ensure a clean, durable fix that blends seamlessly with your garment, maintaining its integrity and style for the long haul.
At Williamsburg Garment Company, we often receive jeans with requests to correct the work of other tailors or so-called denim specialists. Just because a tailor labels themselves as a denim specialist doesn’t mean they have the necessary expertise or use the right equipment. Moreover, owning a chain stitching machine is not synonymous with knowing how to use it correctly or understanding its intricacies.
Take these jeans as an example. Upon inspection, we discovered numerous issues with the chain stitching. Firstly, the thread tension was excessively high. Secondly, the sewing alignment was significantly off.
It’s possible they saw our article on how the roping effect is created by the seams not being aligned and overcomplicated the misalignment. Alternatively, it could just be a case of very sloppy sewing, resulting in the alignment being too far off and compounded by poor tension.
To further exaggerate the twisting, they likely didn’t press the hem. After washing, the fabric turned and puckered into this exaggerated form. Lastly, while the thread size might not directly cause the issue, its thinness and incompatibility with the original thread size only serve to highlight the problem.
We took these jeans and undid the previous poor hemming. Our team applied new chain-stitch hemming with precise alignment and appropriate thread tension, ensuring a smooth and professional finish. The corrected hem not only restored the jeans’ appearance but also maintained the integrity of the original design, as shown in the photo below.
When searching for a denim expert to work on your treasured jeans, the closest option may not be the best option. Check reviews, and most importantly, look at photos or examples of their work before deciding. Remember, just because someone has a chain stitching machine doesn’t mean they know how to use it properly.
The transformation from the poorly sewn hem to the expertly corrected one is a testament to our commitment to quality and precision. We understand the intricacies of denim and the importance of every stitch, ensuring that your jeans receive the care and expertise they deserve.
