The fit of ready-to-wear shorts often presents a challenge because the circumference built into the leg opening may not align with an individual’s preference or body shape. Many commercially produced styles feature a wide cut that results in excess fabric pooling around the thigh area, creating a baggy appearance. Transforming this fit from loose to tailored is achievable through precise home alterations, primarily involving adjusting the garment’s main vertical seams. This process requires accurate measurement and marking before any stitching begins.
Preparation and Marking
Before beginning structural changes, gather essential tools: a sewing machine, quality thread that matches the garment, a flexible measuring tape, and tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker. Trying the shorts on is the first step to accurately determine the amount of fabric that needs to be removed from the leg circumference. This initial assessment helps prevent over-tapering, which could restrict movement.
With the shorts turned inside out, mark the desired new fit line symmetrically on both legs. Start a few inches below the hip line and taper down toward the existing hem. Draw a smooth, even line with the tailor’s chalk, ensuring the reduction is distributed equally across the front and back panels. This marked line serves as the stitching guide. Symmetry between the left and right legs is maintained by measuring the reduction distance at several points. Use a seam ripper to carefully open the original hem stitching a few inches up the leg to allow for a smooth transition of the new seam.
Tapering the Outer Side Seams
The most effective and straightforward method for reducing thigh bagginess involves taking in the outer side seams, which run vertically down the outside of the leg. Once the new fit line is marked on the inside-out shorts, carefully pin the fabric layers together along this chalk line. Place pins perpendicular to the seam to facilitate easy removal during stitching. Pinning starts at the hip area, blending smoothly into the original seam, and follows the marked taper down to the leg opening.
Use a sewing machine to stitch the new seam. Start with a backstitch at the top of the taper near the hip for reinforcement, and follow the chalk line precisely down the length of the leg. The stitch length should be set between 2.5 and 3.0 millimeters, which is a standard length for secure garment construction. After stitching, the shorts should be briefly turned right-side out and tried on to confirm the tailored fit and ensure the taper is even and comfortable on both legs.
After a successful fit check, trim the excess fabric outside the new seam line. Leave a consistent seam allowance of approximately half an inch to prevent fraying and provide material for future adjustments. To finish the raw edge and protect it from unraveling in the wash, run a zigzag stitch or a serger stitch along the newly trimmed seam allowance. Pressing the finished seam flat against the inside of the garment is a final step that helps the fabric drape correctly and gives the alteration a clean, professional finish.
Adjusting the Inseam and Crotch Area
If tapering the outer side seams does not fully resolve the bagginess, particularly around the inner thigh or directly underneath the garment, a minor adjustment to the inseam may be necessary. The inseam, the seam running between the legs, is structurally more complex than the side seam and requires cautious alteration to preserve comfort and mobility. Any reduction here must be made in small increments, often a quarter-inch at a time, to avoid creating a tightness that restricts movement, especially when sitting or squatting.
To reduce inner thigh fullness, mark a new seam line on the inseam, starting at the leg opening and gradually tapering up toward the crotch curve. This adjustment should blend smoothly into the existing crotch seam to prevent pulling or the formation of unsightly drag lines. The crotch point itself, where the front and back inseams meet, may also be slightly reduced to eliminate excess fabric. This area is highly sensitive to changes and requires careful precision during stitching. The new seam line, especially around the crotch area, should be reinforced with a second line of stitching or a shorter stitch length to ensure durability against the stresses of movement.