[Oscar098]

My pant size is 31 but the dress pants I find are either size 30 or 32. Size 30 is wearable but tight on my belly and groin and size 32 is loose around my waist. I don't know what to do.

 

[Barrister & Solicitor]

Buy a size 32 and get them tailored.

 

[DaveTrader]

Buy the 32 and have the waist taken in?

 

[Miket61]

Clearly this hasn’t presented itself as an option.

You can take in up to four inches in the waist. Beyond that the back pockets are too close together.

If the shop where you’re buying pants doesn’t offer alterations, find a dry cleaner or alterations shop. You may be able to get recommendations from your better-dressed friends. Taking in the waist is not usually an expensive proposition and if you get someone who will tailor the seat well, you’ll be ahead of the game.

 

[JBierly]

If you have a tiny buttocks then buy 30 and let them out. If your buttocks is bigger then 32 and take them in.

 

[Flanderian]

You can take in up to four inches in the waist. Beyond that the back pockets are too close together.

Frankly, I've found about 2" to be about the max. More than that and they start looking weird even if not quite to the mono-pocket stage.

 

[Jgarner197]

Frankly, I've found about 2" to be about the max. More than that and they start looking weird even if not quite to the mono-pocket stage.

On the smaller waist sizes I concur that 2 to maybe 3 inches is absolute max. However on waist sizes over 38" and especially over 40" you can squeeze closer to that 4-5" range IMHO without requiring a full recut and not have any other issues. I have had my tailor help me with this on several occasions because of my excessive drop.

 

[Fading Fast]

What's nice about it only needing to come in an inch is that the tailor doesn't have to do a more extensive job of adjusting everything to work - he/she can snug the waist an inch without throwing off the proportions overall. It should be a quick-and-inexpensive tailoring job that I've had done many times.

One suggestion, you are better off buying an inch big and having them taken in as some pants today, especially from more-modestly priced brands, don't include extra fabric to allow for them to be taken out.

 

[FLMike]

My pant size is 31 but the dress pants I find are either size 30 or 32. Size 30 is wearable but tight on my belly and groin and size 32 is loose around my waist. I don't know what to do.

Have you ever had an article of clothing altered by a tailor or seamstress?

 

[Doctor Damage]

If your pants are 1" too big it's something you adjust with your belt. I'm a 37" waist and wear 38" pants and never bother getting the waist taken in. Having a bit extra in the waistband means after a big lunch or too many hours sitting down I still feel comfy. Your body weight and waist will change over the course of a day, so leave some room. Same with shoes, actually. Also, on a more general note, don't fuss over achieving the "perfect" fit, that's just OCD.

 

[paxonus]

Suspenders.

 

[CLTesquire]

Get the 32 and have dessert more often.

 

[Fading Fast]

Get the 32 and have dessert more often.

⇧ LOL. Or get the 32s, keep eating the same amount of dessert and let a few years go by so that your slowing metabolism adds on the "necessary" inch.

 

[phr33dom]

I've always been a 31" which in the past caused the problem you describe. However, I'm recently finding it easy as many trousers labelled as 30" are now an ideal fit due to the prevalence of vanity sizing.

 

[suitman19]

Why not try and find a trimmer fit 32 waist pant?

Find a store that carries Ballin pants - they have 3 fits.
The Soho model (medium trim), should fit close to a 31.

Best case scenario for having pants tailored is to make sure that the crotch does not need to be tailored - just the waist and seat. You will be happier in the end .