Alterations

In a close-up of a jeans leg with twisting, denim designer Maurice Malone explains why a common denim issue is caused, either by shrinkage or improper sewing.
Denim designer Maurice Malone explains why shrinkage or incorrect sewing causes a common denim issue in a close-up of a twisting jeans leg.
/

Why are the legs on my jeans twisting and how to fix it

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!

A pair of jeans showing a newly attached replacement belt loop beside the original worn, detached loop, highlighting professional repair work by the Williamsburg Garment Company's belt loop repair service.
/

Getting replacement belt loops done right

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.

Photo of denim designer Maurice Malone working on taking in the waist of a pair of jeans at his 67 West Street, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, studio.
/

Expert Denim Tailoring at 67 West Street: Stridewise visits our studio to learn how we take in the waist of jeans

Nick English of Stridewise dropped by our 67 West Street studio in the heart of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, entrusting us—the nation’s top-tier denim alteration specialists—with refining the fit of his jeans at the waist. Dive into our expert process through this video, and if you’re plotting a course to our doorstep, we’ve included some handy navigation tips to guide you right to us.

Don’t miss Nick’s website, where he explores boots and other gear. For denim enthusiasts, there’s a must-read post titled ‘Best Selvedge Denim.

The leg opening of a pair of jeans is shown on a table, indicating how the inseam of jeans with twisted legs is about to be measured. The chain-stitched hem has a roping effect as well.
/

How to measure the inseam of jeans with twisted legs

The goal of this tutorial video is to walk you through the complex process of determining the inseam of twisted-leg jeans. In contrast to measuring the inseam on a pair of typical jeans or pants, dealing with twisted legs adds an additional level of complication. When the legs of the jeans wrap around to the opposite side, the dilemma of whether to follow the inseam line arises.

The short answer is no. The key is to follow the natural shape of the jeans as though there were no twist. In this video, we show you step-by-step how to do this.

In addition, we explore some of the frequent mistakes that tailors and clients requesting hemming alterations make while shortening the inseam. This guide will educate you on why using a general request like “take off 2 inches” while asking for a hemming service may not be the best choice. Similar to this, we show how this approach can result in mistakes when shortening jeans for tailors who often align the hems of jeans before simply cutting them. Have a look at our video to enhance your understanding and skills with denim alterations.

The hem of tailored jeans next to parts of the original leg size shows an example of what it means to have "tapered jeans alterations."
This photo is an example of "tapered jeans alterations." It shows the hem of a pair of selvedge jeans that have been tapered from the inseam to narrow the leg opening. Next to the resized legs of the jeans is the original, wider portion of the jeans leg and discarded denim fabric, which has been cut away from the garment to decrease the leg size.
/

What are tapered jeans and pants?

There are two meanings when it comes to “tapered” as related to jeans, pants, and other garments designed to wear over the legs.

  1. Related to alterations or tailoring: The term “tapered jeans” and “tapered pants” refer to garment bottoms worn over the legs that have been altered to narrow the shape of the legs.
  2. Related to the design or style of a garment: It’s a jean or pant with a leg that narrows dramatically from the knee to the leg opening. Tapered clothing should not be confused with slim-fit or other jeans and pants with legs that gradually decrease in size from the knee to the leg opening.

Example of use (related to alterations): I had my jeans tapered because the legs were too baggy.

Raw denim selvedge jeans that have been tapered using the tapering alterations process to narrow the leg shape. The excess denim from the jeans can be seen in front of the jeans.
Selvedge jeans that have been tapered using the tapering alterations process to narrow the leg shape while shortening the inseam length. The excess denim from the jeans can be seen in the front of the jeans.

Example of use (related to design or style): I bought tapered jeans because I wanted the leg opening to be small enough that the hem wouldn’t cover my shoes.

Lightwash tapered American-made jeans for women by Williamsburg Garment Company
Women’s boyfriend tapered fit jeans
Hope Street men's tapered American-made jeans
Men’s Hope Street tapered jeans
Cover image for TikTok video demonstrating how we expertly taper and take in the waist of jeans for the perfect fit.
/

Getting your fit right: Learn how we taper the leg while taking in the waist on jeans

Do you want to know what sets us apart from the competition when it comes to denim alterations? In our latest TikTok video, you can see how we professionally taper the legs of a pair of jeans while also taking in the waist to make them fit just right.

@williamsburggar Denim heaven. The art of taking in the waist with tapering alterations on jeans. We perfect your fit. #denimyourway #denimhead #denimtailor #taperingjeans #jeanswaist #jeanswaistgap #selvedgedenim ♬ MAMBO OVER THE MOUNTAIN – Rick Hirsch

Make sure to follow us on TikTok to see more informative and entertaining videos. @williamsburggar

1 2 3