How to Easily Upsize a Skirt Waistband

3 Materials
1 Hour
Medium

One of the reasons I taught myself how to sew on an inherited machine and began refashioning was because absolutely nothing off-the-rack ever fit me properly. Tops that fit in the sleeves are always too tight in the chest, dresses that are fine on the bottom won’t fasten across the back, pants that are passable in the leg are absolutely insane in the rear and waistbands are a horror show unto themselves:

When I scored that skirt years ago in London it was too tight but could be zipped worn higher on my waist + some tummy-sucking-in. It’s since moved to 3 different countries with me and unfortunately, years later, no amount of straining could get that zip even halfway closed! Fortunately my refashionista upsizing projects have made me loads less fearful about chopping up gear I’ve had for years!


Here’s how to easily upsize a skirt waistband:

Grab that too tight skirt + a t-shirt that’s the same-ish width of your waist.

Seriously, how awesome is that print?

Remove the zipper then stitch the opening closed.

Chop off the waistband and lining.

Cut the skirt to your desired length – chop from the top to keep the original hem.

Grab the t-shirt and cut it in half below the underarm seams.

Fold the bottom part back over itself to create a wide band.

Stitch the open edges together.

Hem the raw edge of the skirt.

Place the waistband inside the skirt with right sides facing and pin together (you may have to gather the skirt to fit the width of the waistband depending on how wide it is).

Stitch together, flip right side out and enjoy your comfy-fitting skirt!

Check out that fabulously comfortable yoga waistband!

Yay! I can wear my fab skirt again!

Grab my oldie but goodie, super simple DIY circle skirt tute too:

Suggested materials:
  • Skirt
  • T-shirt
  • Sewing Gear

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Confessions of a Refashionista
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  • Bgray Bgray on Dec 11, 2021

    Super Cute! Love the London phone box print and your black tights and shoes go perfect! Thanks for sharing.

  • Jeannie Jeannie on Dec 11, 2022

    What would you do with suede leather?

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