Cheap way to fix shorts that ride up

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:

1. 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.
2. Needle and thread (preferably matching the colour of your shorts).
3. Scissors.
4. Seam ripper (optional, for removing stitches).
5. Measuring tape.

Steps to do this are so easy:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Insert the Boning: Slide the boning into the seam or channel. Ensure it fits snugly and is positioned comfortably, especially when you move.
5. 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.
6. 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