As much as we all love jeans, you’ll agree when I say that it is super hard to find a pair that fits perfectly.
While it might not seem like a big deal at first, once you start wearing them, you realize how important it is to have jeans that fit well.
This is why altering your jeans is a great option.
If you’re also planning to get a pair of jeans altered but don’t know the costs, this detailed guide will tell you what to expect.
Let’s begin!
How much does it cost to Alter your Jeans?
The altering cost heavily depends on the kind of alteration your jeans require.
Minor and easy alterations won’t cost you much, whereas adjustments that require a lot of time and energy will obviously cost more.
Here are different types of alterations and their average costs.
- Length Adjustment
This is probably the most common type of alteration people get for their jeans.
If you find a pair of jeans that fits well in the waist but is too long or too short, you can just get it hemmed.
The average cost of this type of alteration ranges from $10 to $30.
- Waistline Adjustment
If you have a pair of jeans that is too big in the waist, it can be altered by taking in.
This alteration is a little more complicated and time-consuming than just hemming the jeans, so it will cost more.
The average cost of this type of alteration is $30 to $50.
- Tapering
If you want your jeans to be more fitted and have a slimmer look, you can get them tapered.
This type of alteration is also on the more challenging and laborious side, so it will cost you around $50.
- Pleat Removal
If the pleats in your jeans do not look visually pleasing, you can get them removed. This alteration is relatively simple and won’t cost you more than $20.
- Zip Replacement
Broken or damaged zippers on your jeans can also be replaced. This alteration is also relatively easy, and you can expect to pay around $20.
- Crotch Adjustment
If you have a pair of jeans that are too tight in the crotch area, you can get them adjusted. This adjustment is more complex and arduous than the others, so you will have to pay around $50.
- Addition of Belt Loops or Suspenders
You can also get belt loops or suspenders added to your jeans. This is a more straightforward alteration, so it doesn’t cost much. At most, you can expect to pay $20 for this service.
Is Altering Jeans Expensive?
First, you need to understand that expensive is a relative term. It really depends on what you consider to be expensive.
For some people, spending $50 on a pair of jeans is considered expensive, while for others, it’s not.
However, when it comes to jeans alterations, apart from the type of alteration, several other factors increase or decrease the overall expense.
Here are all the factors that can impact the alteration cost.
- Experience and Skill of the Tailor
This is probably the most crucial factor determining how expensive your jeans alteration will be. The more experienced and skilled the tailor is, the more expensive the alteration will be.
However, it’s important to note that just because a tailor is experienced and skilled doesn’t mean they will do a good job.
There are a lot of inexperienced and unskilled tailors out there who are just as good, if not better. So, make sure to do your research before you choose a tailor.
- Location
Another factor that can impact the cost of altering your jeans is the location. If you live in a big city, chances are the costs will be higher.
This is because the costs of living and doing business in a big city are generally higher than in small towns.
- Type of Fabric
The fabric your jeans are made of can also impact the cost of alteration. If you have a pair of jeans made out of denim, then the alteration will generally be less expensive than if you had a pair of jeans made out of a more delicate fabric.
- Size of the Jeans
The size of your jeans can also impact the cost of altering them. The alteration will generally be less expensive if your jeans are on the larger side.
This is because it’s generally easier to alter oversized garments than smaller ones. Conversely, if you have a pair of jeans that is on the smaller side, you can expect to pay a bit more for the alteration.
How much does it cost to Tailor the Waist of Jeans?
Since jeans aren’t constructed with easy to alter waist, the chances of error remain very high.
That’s why it is a very tricky and challenging form of alteration that requires excellent skills on the tailor’s part, as one wrong move can destroy your jeans.
This type of alteration is also time-consuming, so it will generally cost you more than other types.
On average, you can expect to pay between $30 and $50 for waist alteration.
Can Jeans be Altered to a Smaller Size?
Altering jeans to a smaller size is not only possible but also easier than sizing them up.
For turning a pair of jeans smaller, all that is needed is to remove the fabric from around the waistband and then sew it back together again.
This will take in the fabric around the waist and make the jeans smaller.
If you want to make your jeans significantly smaller, you may need to remove fabric from the legs and the waist. This is a more difficult alteration, so it will cost you more.
Conclusion
As you can see, several factors can influence the cost of altering your jeans. So, be sure to keep all of these factors in mind when planning to get them altered.
You should also shop around and compare prices before you choose a tailor. By doing this, you can be sure to get the best possible price for your jeans alteration.
