Pants alteration cost: What to budget for different changes

Most of us felt that flash of worry when we tried on last year’s work pants. Maybe they pinch a bit more at the waist, or the style that looked so sharp before now seems slightly off. Professional wardrobes take real cash to build, so tossing perfectly good trousers just because they need a small update doesn’t make sense. The good news is that you can actually save your favourite pair by having them tailored! 

Professional trouser alterations typically cost between $14 and $45 for basic changes, making them much cheaper than buying new pairs. However, more complex adjustments like removing pleats or major resizing might cost more. To help you budget correctly, this guide breaks down the average costs of what you’ll pay for different adjustments to your favourite pants.

Price list for pants alterations

Well-fitted pants make you look put together with minimal effort, no matter how casual or formal the occasion. If you’ve got a few pairs that need a quick fix, check out the price table below so you can budget right before booking for any alterations.

Service	Average Cost
Shorten	$14 to $25
Lengthen	$25 to $30
Re-hem	$8 to $10
Taper	$30 to $45
Waist in/out	$15 to $35
New pockets	$15 to $25
Remove pockets	Around $10
New zipper	Around $25
Fit new hook and bar	Around $10
Buttons for braces	$3 to $5

A man wearing newly altered pants. (Source: iStock)

Factors that affect pants alteration costs

Trouser alteration prices in Australia vary based on job complexity. Simple tweaks might take a tailor just minutes, while more involved changes need extra time and skill. Alterations typically fall into three categories:

Easy

These are the everyday adjustments most people need when buying ready-made trousers since standard sizes rarely suit everyone perfectly:

Shortening or lengthening

Too-long trouser hems can trip you up and look untidy. Getting them shortened creates a neater look and helps avoid awkward stumbles. As the most common adjustment tailors handle, you'll find this service at most alteration shops across Australia.

Waist adjustments

Weight changes or comfort preferences often mean your waistband needs taking in or letting out. A good tailor can adjust your trousers for better fit - just be clear about how you want them to sit on your body.

Crotch adjustments

Uncomfortable tightness or bagginess in the crotch area makes trousers unwearable. Your tailor can fix this crucial area for better fit and movement.

Tapering

Want a slimmer, more modern silhouette? Tapering creates a narrower leg line by taking in the sides from thigh to ankle. This update makes even older trousers look fresh again.

Adding brace buttons

Clip-on braces can damage fabric, so proper buttons are worth adding. They create a smarter look while highlighting your torso. Bring your braces to your fitting so the tailor can place buttons in exactly the right spots.

Zipper replacement

While technically more of a repair job, zippers often need replacing after regular use. This common fix requires careful unpicking and reassembly of the front closure.

Intermediate

These changes take more skill, but most local tailors can handle them:

Swing crease correction

Tailors can fix uneven creases that don't line up properly down the centre of your leg. This adjustment creates that crisp, vertical line essential for formal trousers.

Extra belt loops

Additional belt loops provide better support for heavier belts or personal preference. Your tailor can add these if there's enough spare material along the waistband, though they might suggest braces as an alternative for certain styles.

Hard

These challenging alterations demand serious tailoring skills. Many count as major reconstructions rather than simple adjustments:

Pleat removal

Those distinctive 90s-style pleats can date otherwise classic trousers. Removing them requires extensive reworking of the front panels. This alteration makes sense mainly for high-quality or sentimental items.

Major size reduction

When you've lost significant weight, trousers might need complete rebuilding. Unlike simple hem shortening, taking trousers down multiple sizes often requires recutting and reconstructing most of the garment.

A woman wearing altered pants. (Source: iStock)

Things to remember when having your pants altered

Are you unsure how pants should fit? Here's a list of things to look out for when bringing your pants to a tailor for alterations: 

1. The waistband should not be too tight or loose; it should sit around the high hip bone. At least one finger must fit in the waist area.
2. A saggy or tight bottom area is a no-no. Make sure your pants fit well without making you feel like there’s too much cloth or something is about to get ripped.
3. Knowing your body type can help you choose a pants style. If you're on the slimmer side, ask your tailor to taper the area near your calves. Otherwise, request a straight cut down to the bottom, like how you might alter your jeans.
4. A slight break (or quarter break) in the hem and cuff is recommended for a better look.
5. Pair your pants with a good top and jacket. You can also have your top adjusted and jacket altered so that they complement your pants.

Post a task for pants alteration

Finding the right person to alter your trousers makes all the difference. Unlike quick hemming shops, skilled tailors see the full picture, like how the fabric hangs, watch how you move, and spot even small fit issues before they touch their scissors. 

Ready to refresh your wardrobe with better-fitting trousers? Post a request for tailoring help today and get matched with skilled professionals in your area. Just upload a photo of what needs fixing, mention any special fabric concerns, and pick someone who suits your budget and timing.