Help Needed: Snow Pants Alterations - recommendations?

[Tvan]

Once upon a time, DH had a groovy pair of snowboard pants that he adored. Then he lost weight, gave them away and has regretted it ever since. I found a pair on Ebay, and purchased them. The thing is, they're the wrong size (too big) and they need both alterations and some repair.

I realize that altering technical clothing is not for the faint-hearted. I'm not sure I have the skills to do so. I also realize that finding someone to do it is a challenge, and that it is likely to be expensive.

All that said, I got these for a steal, and I'm willing to invest in alterations if I can find someone to do them. Any recommendations?

 

[Jilly]

Paging @geargrrl for some ideas. She found me a person in Canada to repair a pair of my pants.

 

[snoWYmonkey]

As a last resort doing a search for seamstress near you or checking with your local dry cleaner for suggestions. Granted, living in a mountain town means most needle and thread experts work on outdoor gear regularly.

 

[GladeDuchess]

As a last resort doing a search for seamstress near you or checking with your local dry cleaner for suggestions. Granted, living in a mountain town means most needle and thread experts work on outdoor gear regularly.

Great call on the dry cleaners! I worked at one many moons ago, and was always surprised what the seamstress there would take on.

I might suggest contacting local gear shops as well since they may have a recommendation for a local seamstress willing to do it. Someone experienced in outdoor gear, tents, etc. may have the ability to retape the seams and such as well.

 

[VickiK]

This is on the Home page of @geargrrl 's website, https://specialtyoutdoors.com/

• For local repairs, CLOTHING ONLY call Kim Wilson 509-448-0460 (Spokane only)
• Adventure-us, Washburn WI
• Repair Lair, Duluth MN
• Mountain Soles, Portland OR

 

[SkiBam]

I'll second the dry cleaner recommendation. I've had many pairs of pants shortened and they've always done a great job. It likely helps that this is a ski area so they probably get quite a bit of this kind of alteration.

 

[elemmac]

All that said, I got these for a steal, and I'm willing to invest in alterations if I can find someone to do them. Any recommendations?

I haven't used them (yet), but I stumbled upon Needle & Shred the other day. They might be able to help you out.

 

[geargrrl]

Also Rugged Thread in Bend Oregon

After cleaning up the aftermath of some really botched alterations, be really sure your alterationist knows outerwear, ski wear specifically and especially familiarity with Goretex and similar. If you are in a ski community chances for success are much greater.

Also Rainy Pass out of Seattle but holy smokes, SO EXPENSIVE. They would charge3 x what I did on alterations that I was making really good money on.

Many are cottage operation which is why it is so hard to find them.

Simple hem (fold and stitch) should be easy but you will have issue with the inner gaiter. Do they know how to shorter the lining above the gaiter to maintain the proportions?
Working around pockets, vent zippers, full length zippers etc gets really complex, as do size alterations. Complex means $$$ and they better know their stuff. In some cases it may be better to shop for a mor appropriate item.

 

[geargrrl]

I haven't used them (yet), but I stumbled upon Needle & Shred the other day. They might be able to help you out.

Looks good from here.

 

[Tvan]

Thank you for the recommendations, everyone!

I took the pants with me to my rug hooking group and my cousin, who is a professional embroiderer and seamstress had at ‘em with a seam ripper. (She’s a FIT grad, not a serial killer.) Between the two of us, we have a plan so I’m gonna attempt this myself.

Tvan’s Famous last words: “How hard can’t be?”

I‘ll keep you posted.

 

[Tvan]

Following back on this. I did jump in and alter these pants. I didn't take “in process” photos, but I opened the waistband, separated the various layers of linings, opened the side seams by the pockets, removed about and inch and a half of fabric on each side, and sewed it all back together. Because of the weight of the seams, i did a flat overlapping seam at the top, double stitched it and put the belt loops over top so you can’t see the seams. I also replaced the kick panels at the back of both legs with new gortex in a plain green color.

They’re still a little long, but fine when he has his boots on, and he likes being able to layer up underneath on cold days.

Proof that the favorite pants wearable, even though I’m not a fan of them with this jacket:




He’s unmistakable!

 

[PinkSkiR]

Once upon a time, DH had a groovy pair of snowboard pants that he adored. Then he lost weight, gave them away and has regretted it ever since. I found a pair on Ebay, and purchased them. The thing is, they're the wrong size (too big) and they need both alterations and some repair.

I realize that altering technical clothing is not for the faint-hearted. I'm not sure I have the skills to do so. I also realize that finding someone to do it is a challenge, and that it is likely to be expensive.

All that said, I got these for a steal, and I'm willing to invest in alterations if I can find someone to do them. Any recommendations?

I see that you solved the problem yourself but for others who might live in the Denver area, Black Bear Gear Repair in Arvada would likely be able to do this. She works exclusively on outdoor gear.

 

[Jenny]

Following back on this. I did jump in and alter these pants. I didn't take “in process” photos, but I opened the waistband, separated the various layers of linings, opened the side seams by the pockets, removed about and inch and a half of fabric on each side, and sewed it all back together. Because of the weight of the seams, i did a flat overlapping seam at the top, double stitched it and put the belt loops over top so you can’t see the seams. I also replaced the kick panels at the back of both legs with new gortex in a plain green color.

They’re still a little long, but fine when he has his boots on, and he likes being able to layer up underneath on cold days.

Proof that the favorite pants wearable, even though I’m not a fan of them with this jacket:


View attachment 25860

He’s unmistakable!

LOL that’s quite the look he has going on! I like both jacket and pants, but wow.

 

[scandium]

I recognise that pant print!! Seriously iconic piece of Burton history.

 

[ski diva]

Once upon a time, DH had a groovy pair of snowboard pants that he adored. Then he lost weight, gave them away and has regretted it ever since. I found a pair on Ebay, and purchased them. The thing is, they're the wrong size (too big) and they need both alterations and some repair.

I realize that altering technical clothing is not for the faint-hearted. I'm not sure I have the skills to do so. I also realize that finding someone to do it is a challenge, and that it is likely to be expensive.

All that said, I got these for a steal, and I'm willing to invest in alterations if I can find someone to do them. Any recommendations?

Sorry, just seeing this. If you haven't solved the problem yet, bring them to Make it Sew in Rutland. I've had ski pants altered there, and she does an amazing job!

 

[Tvan]

@Jenny - right??? I nearly choked when he put those on together. I need to find him a bright green jacket instead.

 

[Tvan]

In fairness I should mention that these alterations were a giant PITA to do and there was a lot of cussing involved. I did not do a perfect job, and I will not try doing it again. People who do this for a living are worth the cost.

That said, DH LOVES these pants, and I love him, so it was worth the blood, sweat and tears.

 

[Jenny]

In fairness I should mention that these alterations were a giant PITA to do and there was a lot of cussing involved. I did not do a perfect job, and I will not try doing it again. People who do this for a living are worth the cost.

That said, DH LOVES these pants, and I love him, so it was worth the blood, sweat and tears.

 

[geargrrl]

Now y'all know why I charged over $75 an hour to do this kind of work. :-)

 

[Jilly]

And you (or others that do this) are worth every "penny"!!


(Can we say penny anymore as even the US has discontinued making them.)