here is the 3rd option - the one Im leaning toward

 

See 'Permanent Style' blog. Simon dives into this question, and having trousers many ways, I'd go (and have gone) with 1/2 on, 1/2 off.

 

See 'Permanent Style' blog. Simon dives into this question, and having trousers many ways, I'd go (and have gone) with 1/2 on, 1/2 off.

+1. If I ever get around to making side tabs for a pair of my trousers, I'd go half on, half off.

 

Are there any fit advantages to one or the other, or is it strictly a difference of looks?

 

Are there any fit advantages to one or the other, or is it strictly a difference of looks?

I'm kinda pulling this out of nowhere, but it would seem to me that if the tab were completely below the waistband, it would cinch mainly the fabric and not so much the waistband, thus being less effective. Totally on the waistband might cause a bit of ballooning around the hips. Half on and half off cinches the waistband and the fabric below and offers the best mix of the two.

 

I'm kinda pulling this out of nowhere, but it would seem to me that if the tab were completely below the waistband, it would cinch mainly the fabric and not so much the waistband, thus being less effective. Totally on the waistband might cause a bit of ballooning around the hips. Half on and half off cinches the waistband and the fabric below and offers the best mix of the two.

half and half would cause both of these to happen. why not have the waist fitted properly and allow the straps to be decorative.

 

In what instance would tabs be used, as opposed to a belt?

My initial thought was waist so a belt can be used to hide the tabs, but I don't see any loops.

 

The tabs would actually be used instead of belt loops. While the pants will be fitted perfectly, if I lose a few pounds in the future, my waist drops quite a bit (making the tabs needed at this point). Therefore, I was wondering which position would not only look best, but be most functional. I was thinking that the ones right on the waist band would most resemble a belt, therefore making it the best position. However, after reading your posts, now Im not so sure

 

half and half would cause both of these to happen. why not have the waist fitted properly and allow the straps to be decorative.

That is exactly the way I do it. In the process the hips can be fitted precisely so the straps only have to work if you have a sudden weight loss (as if I were that lucky.)

 

That is exactly the way I do it. In the process the hips can be fitted precisely so the straps only have to work if you have a sudden weight loss (as if I were that lucky.)

I have them (button, not buckle) made to wear with the front position fastened, rather than made-to-size. That way, if I have a big meal or gain a little, I can back the adjuster off. For a weight loss (agreed; most will gain weight), internal brace buttons. I've seen button adjusters with three buttons, but that is too much allowance built-in. My preference is adjusters located on the waistband- with a modest waist allowance factored-in, there is no flaring or bellowing.

 

Confidence, man!

Don't use side tabs! Have the trousers made so that they fit you perfectly, with the waist at your actual waistline, and a split waistband (divided in mid-back).

If you should change girth significantly (a big meal doesn't count), take them back to the original maker and have them refitted, either adding or subtracting. The divided waistband is essential to making this alteration at minimal fuss and cost. If a fair amount of extra fabric is allowed at the back seam (at least two inches on each side), you will be prepared for almost any eventuality. The alterations done this way will preserve the fit and avoid the inevitable gather that any side tab will create. A contrived solution, tabs are superfluous to well-tailored trousers, unless you simply want to recreate an anachronism for the sake of ornament.

 

half and half would cause both of these to happen. why not have the waist fitted properly and allow the straps to be decorative.

a tailor I think provides the best advice.

I like the look of side tabs and have a few pair of trousers with them. The 3rd option is the most common look

In terms of looks, option 1 (lower on the waste band) in my opinion, looks stupid.

 

1/2 on the waistband and 1/2 on the pant is my choice. I think it looks best and I find it most comfortable.

 

1/2 on the waistband and 1/2 on the pant is my choice. I think it looks best and I find it most comfortable.

I agree, 1/2 on the waistband and 1/2 on the pant looks pretty cool as well. I think I'm may try that next time I get trousers made.

 

Oh, my!

1/2 on the waistband and 1/2 on the pant is my choice. I think it looks best and I find it most comfortable.

Of course, one can have them put anywhere one likes, but let's look at the functionality: Side tabs are intended to make the waistband adjustable. That is their sole function. Centered on the waistband is the only position that accomplishes that, and the only position that looks like it accomplishes that. That latter characteristic is germaine (why is that flagged as misspelt?) if the purpose is decorative.

If the side tab is placed below the waistband, it will pull out the adjacent pocket, thus defeating the purpose.

If the side tab is placed half on and half off the waistband, it might sorta work, but it doesn't look as though it will. Thus, that configuration should be avoided at all costs. The effect, if it were ever actually employed, would be to gather the waistband in a V in addition to any gather below. A very untidy effect, to be sure.

Go with "tried and true" - and also traditional - with the placement centered on the waistband. That is, if you must have them at all:rolleyes2:

 

I just thought I'd throw this out here. Here are 3 side tabs, the first from A&S, the second from Steed, and the third from Tom Ford, all of whom I would imagine know what they're doing. Notice anything in common?
https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4271038417_8a40b6cc1d.jpg
https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4311985761_8e26af645d_b.jpg
https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5105370339_d54827c296.jpg
These all came from jefferyd's blog from various dissections.

 

OK, fine. I'll wager that, in practice, when cinched, all three will allow the waistband gather (oh, yes, there will be one) to flare out at the top. None of this changes my opinion that's an untidy look. It's bad enough to have a gather at all, without it flares out flat at the top. Sorry, Messrs. Steed, Ford, et al., but it's just not a flattering look. Of course, if one never uses them, then there's no problem, but why have them at all in that case?