Cheap way to fix shorts that ride up
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Few things can disrupt a pleasant day out like the nagging discomfort of shorts that ride up. Whether you’re strolling through a park, playing a sport, or simply running errands, this all-too-common wardrobe malfunction can turn an otherwise comfortable outfit into a source of constant irritation and awkwardness.
I bought some lovely swim shorts and hate wearing them because of this issue. They cost over £40 so I don’t want to just never wear them again. Fortunately, a simple and cost-effective solution is readily available. I just sewed in some boning which I bought from eBay from OhSewCrafty.co.uk at £1.75, and it’s enough to fix four to five pairs of shorts. Here’s how you can fix this problem too.
Materials Needed:
- Boning – Plastic boning available at fabric stores or online – I got the hemmed type covered in cotton as my shorts don’t have a seem big enough to put just boning in.
- Needle and thread (preferably matching the colour of your shorts).
- Scissors.
- Seam ripper (optional, for removing stitches).
- Measuring tape.
Steps to do this are so easy:
- Measure the Area: Put on your shorts and determine where they tend to ride up. Use a measuring tape to measure the length of the area where you want to add the boning. I did two pieces of boning – one for each leg.
- Cut the Boning: Based on your measurements, cut the boning to the required length. Ensure to round off the edges slightly to avoid any sharp edges that might poke through the fabric. I actually cut the boning a little shorter than it’s cover so the sharp edging was already reduced.
- Prepare the Shorts: Turn your shorts inside out. Using a seam ripper, carefully open the seam slightly where you will insert the boning. If there’s no existing seam where you need one, you might need to create a small fabric channel or casing for the boning, or like I did, just sew it onto the seem, since I had the covered boning this was okay to do.
- Insert the Boning: Slide the boning into the seam or channel. Ensure it fits snugly and is positioned comfortably, especially when you move.
- Sew the Seam: Hand stitch the opened seam or the new casing closed. Ensure the boning stays in place as you sew. Use small, tight stitches to secure the fabric around the boning.
- Finish Up: Try on the shorts to ensure the boning prevents them from riding up without causing discomfort. Adjust if necessary.
Additional tips:
- Choose boning that’s flexible enough to allow movement but sturdy enough to hold the fabric down.
- If you feel the boning through the fabric, consider wrapping it in a small piece of soft fabric before inserting it into your shorts, or better, buy the covered boning like I did.
- If you want an even easier solution where you iron on the boning, then try these guys at NoRiders though they are a bit pricier than eBay.
This simple DIY modification can make your shorts more comfortable to wear by keeping them in place. It’s a great way to enhance the fit and avoid the annoyance of constantly adjusting your clothing!
Image by Mircea Iancu from Pixabay
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