Question for those who sew

[rosarugosa]

I have a pair of pants that I'm about ready to donate, but I hesitate because I really, really like them and they're hardly worn. The catch is that they are too tight in the waist, and I have no tolerance for tight clothes. I think waist should be 1 - 2" wider to be comfortable. They are charcoal dress pants that would be perfect for work, and I've not been able to find another pair of pants in this color that fits me. Is there potential to have pants with a fitted waistband "let out?" I've had things taken in, but I kind of don't understand "letting out." Where does the extra fabric come from to make something bigger? The pants also don't have buttons; they have those metal hook type things that I don't think can be moved.
I would appreciate any input from those who are knowledgeable in such matters. Thanks!

[shadowmoss]

Perhaps some stragically placed elastic? Ask someone who sews to take a look at it, you may be surprised.

[sweetana3]

Would be worth a trip to your local alteration store to see what is possible. They may have a matching scrap of material. Depends on whether you wear them with a belt, with shirt over them, etc. Easier to make a larger size smaller though.

[Miss Cellane]

A lot depends on how the pants were made originally. When fabric is cut out, extra fabric is added on every side--this is called the seam allowance. The garment is sewn along the seam line, and the extra fabric is pressed flat. On home-sewn clothing, the seam allowance is fairly wide, about 5/8 of a inch. Better quality manufactured clothing has a larger seam allowance than cheap manufactured clothing.

So I'd take the pants to a good tailor/alterations person. Typically, pants have 2 side seams, a back center seam and the front closing. Leaving the front closing alone, they may be able to get an inch more room from the side and back seams. If there are darts in the back, those could also contribute some extra room.

If they need extra fabric to get another inch, they might be able to use material from the pockets or even the hems. But that might mean that the waistband would have extra seams in it, and you'd have to wear your shirt out, not tucked in, to hide the repair work.

As for the metal clasps, they can be removed and buttons put in their place, if that would allow a bit more room.

[pinkytoe]

I think they could be let out but it would require "inserting" some other fabric through the waist and back seam. That would work if you wear your shirts out. Also, any darts could be let out. I do a lot of alterations (though making things smaller) and have found a lot of useful tips on the internet, even pinterest.

[JaneV2.0]

Bypassing the metal hooks and adding a button and sturdy elastic loop might work.

[awakenedsoul]

I would alter them or take them to a professional. Just moving the hook or button can help. As some of the above posters said, there are other options. They may be able to make an insert where you don't see it. (Especially if you don't tuck in our shirt.)

[rosarugosa]

Thanks for the input, everyone. I think I probably should bring them to a tailor. I don't wear my shirts tucked in, and on second look, it does actually look like the metal fasteners are surface mounted and could be moved. I would say they're pretty well made. I bought them at Talbot's and I've been holding onto them for awhile because they're so nice. I'm usually pretty quick to let something go if it feels too small or too tight. I'm more inclined to buy clothes that are too big for me because they feel comfortable.

[Aroha]

Bypassing the metal hooks and adding a button and sturdy elastic loop might work.
What an elegantly simple suggestion. I will have to remember this one.