How to tighten a jogging suit at the waist?

In the world of fashion, fit is key. A baggy pair of jogging pants or sweatpants can turn a sporty and trendy look into a sloppy one. Fortunately, there are tricks to tighten jogging pants at the waist. Let's take a look at solutions to adjust your jogging pants to your waist and display a perfect look.

First tip: boiling water

Did you know that heat is an effective source for tightening the fibers of your clothes? Indeed, immersing your pants in boiling water can help tighten the fibers and shrink your pants. However, be sure to read the labels of your clothes before adopting this method, as some fabrics do not withstand boiling water.

1. Water preparation: Fill a large pot with water up to ¾. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
2. Soak the pants: Turn off the heat and gently immerse the pants in the boiling water using a wooden spoon or long tongs. Let it soak for 5 to 20 minutes.
3. Drain the water: Drain the hot water by pouring the contents of the pot into a colander or sink. Let the pants cool before handling them.
4. Squeeze the water: Gently squeeze the water from the pants over the sink without twisting the garment.
5. Dry the pants: Dry the pants in the dryer with the highest temperature setting, or let them air dry on a line or rack.

Second tip: using the washing machine

1. 1. 1. Insert the pants into the washing machine. In addition to the pants, add other garments that you plan to wash at high temperature. For example, items such as towels and socks can withstand a hot wash without being damaged or shrinking.

         Make sure not to mix white clothes with colored clothes, as the colors could bleed onto the whites.

      2. Add a suitable detergent for colored fabrics. Follow the washing instructions on the label of your tracksuit to prevent the color of the garment from deteriorating during hot water washing.

      3. Select the highest temperature setting. Most washing machines have quite simple temperature settings. Generally, you can choose between "cold", "warm", and "hot". Whatever the settings of your machine, opt for the hottest.

         During the making of the garment, the threads that make it up are subjected to constant tension. By exposing the fabric to heat, you will release some of this tension, and the fibers will retract.

      4. Select the longest washing cycle. Many washing machines offer a "full machine" cycle, which is usually the longest and most intense. If your washing machine does not have this option, choose "normal" mode.

      5. Remove the clothes from the machine and put them in the dryer. To shrink a tracksuit pants, it must be exposed to constant heat. So, don't leave it in the machine for too long once the cycle is over.

         If you do not wish to put certain pieces in the dryer, remove them from the machine and hang them up to air dry.

      6. Select the hottest and longest setting on the dryer. Depending on the dryer you are using, you will probably need to use the "normal / intense" setting. On other devices, you will need to set the slider to "very dry" in the section for cottons and other textiles that can be washed hot.

         If the result is not to your liking, simply repeat the process until the tracksuit pants are your size.

Third tip: sewing technique

For those who are not afraid to sew, you can easily tighten your pants at the waist. With a few pins, thread, and a needle, or even a sewing machine for the more equipped, it is quite possible to adjust your pants to your size.

Materials needed:

• Jogging pants with drawstrings
• Sewing pins
• Sewing thread matching the color of the pants
• Sewing needle
• Scissors
• Iron (optional)

Here are the basic steps:

1. Take your measurements: before starting to sew, take your measurements to know how much fabric you will need to remove.
2. Mark the new size: using a sewing pencil, mark the new size on your pants.
3. Sew the new hem: following the marking, sew the new hem of your pants. Don't forget to leave room for an elastic band if you're using one. If you are comfortable with using a sewing machine, this method will give you more precise and lasting adjustments. This is especially useful for thicker fabrics like jeans denim.
4. Insert the elastic: if you're using an elastic, insert it into the hem you just sewed.
5. Try it on: before cutting the excess fabric, try it on to make sure the new hem fits.

Fourth technique: the hairdryer

1. Wet the pants: Soak the pants in hot water using your washing machine on the hottest cycle, or with boiling water poured directly onto the pants.
2. Squeeze the water: Remove excess water from the pants by pressing them over the sink. Do not twist the fabric to avoid stretching it.
3. Prepare for drying: Place the pants on a flat, heat-resistant surface, such as the floor of a bathroom or kitchen, a terrace, an ironing board, or the top of a household appliance.
4. Adjust the hairdryer setting: Adjust the hairdryer to its highest temperature. Use a device with different temperature settings to achieve optimal results.
5. Dry the pants: Dry the pants thoroughly, focusing on one section at a time. If necessary, target a specific area you want to shrink, like the elastic waistband.
6. Dry the other side: Turn the pants over and repeat the drying process. Make sure the pants are completely dry before turning off the hairdryer. More heat will yield better results.

Good washing practices to maintain the fit of your garments

Following the washing instructions on the label of your garments is essential to maintain their shape and fit. For example, cotton garments should often be washed at lower temperatures to avoid shrinkage. By keeping these tips in mind, your clothes will stay fitted longer.

Check out our other articles about joggers and sweatpants:

• How to remove pills from a jogger?
• History and evolution of jogging consumption
• What shoes to wear with wide-leg pants?
• What to wear with jogging pants ?