Wearing a belt is so cliché. Sometimes you want to make your jeans tighter and still look fashion-forward. Fortunately, many accessories will do the job and give an extra edge to your outfit. Wearing jeans without a belt is trendy and if you can do it, your sense of style will go to the next level.
Here is the Table of Contents
How to Make Your Jeans Tighter Without a Belt
1. Hook the button through the first belt loop on the opposite side before buttoning up
This is an ingenious tact that was first shared by Jordyn C of Evolve Model Management on her TikTok channel in 2021, something that drew thousands of excited comments from her followers. See the video here. It’s an effective emergency hack that can save you from the embarrassment of falling pants in public.
It works well for high-waist pants because you’re free to lift or lower the pants to the point where the new waist size will fit you comfortably.
However, some people who have tried this idea have seen their jeans bunch up in the crotch, since the two sides of your jeans have to fold one over the other as you pull them to hook the button into the first belt loop.
Another caveat to note on how to make your jeans tighter without a belt is that the button should be firmly attached to the waistband otherwise, you run the risk of it breaking or coming out due to the pressure from the belt loop.
@jordyn_acc Reply to @ass_wrn simple like that #fyp
2. Use of belt alternatives eg a rope, neck scarf, a chain, necktie.
Belt alternatives are the trick to stepping out in a unique style. For this to work, you need to have some belt hooks on your jeans. If your jeans don’t have belt hooks, they will not be able to hold these accessories. You can use a stylish rope made from plastic or sisal and tie it creatively. It is also possible to use a neck scarf that matches your top or shoes.
Using a chain is also a good idea so choose one that matches your neckpiece, earrings, or bracelet. If you want to push your fashion boundaries further, use a necktie. Using a hair tie is also a great way to reduce the waist size and add some color.
3. Use of different types of clips such as chip clips or seamstress clips
Using clips is an interesting way to tighten your jeans. You can clip your jeans on the sides or the front near the button area. When using clips you can leave them open or cover them by wearing a long top. Using colorful clips is a good way to add some style to your jeans.
4. Use a safety pin
The simplest way to tighten your jeans is by using a safety pin. Safety pins are versatile and ubiquitous, and there is a chance that you have several somewhere in your home. They are also discrete and no one will know you’re wearing oversize jeans.
The trick is to ensure that the safety pin is hidden by using it around the belt area. Make sure that you use good quality safety pins to avoid accidents since the jean’s fabric is pretty thick.
5. Stitch a new button farther along the waist
This is the old way of making your jeans tighter. If you have recently lost weight, the simple way to tighten your jeans is to stitch a new button further along the waist. Start by wearing the jeans and adjust them accordingly so that you know where exactly to stitch the new button. You can always move the button depending on how your weight fluctuates.
Stitching a new button is a great shortcut compared to sewing the waist area afresh.
6. Layer leggings under the jeans when it’s cold and tuck in your top
During the cold months, you can skip the belt and wear leggings under your jeans instead of tying a belt. Thick leggings work perfectly because they protect you from the cold and also make your jeans tighter on the waist and thighs. If the waist is not tight enough, you can tuck in your top so that your jeans stay in place. A thick top will always work better for a loose-fitting waist.
7. Use of a paper clip
You can pinch the back side of your jeans waist and loop a paper clip around the two belt loops at the back. You can only be able to do this if your pants have two centered waist loops at the back.
8. Tying two belt loops with a shoelace or string
If your jean pants have closely spaced belt loops, you can tie the two belt loops at the center back using a shoelace or string. Tighten the lace and tuck its loose ends into the pants.
9. Trouser suspenders
Suspenders might seem old school but they are back in trend. Wearing suspenders will make your jeans fit better but they will also add some style to your boring jeans outfit. You can match them with tops and shoes in your favorite colors. If you are wearing a dull outfit, you can add a pop of color by wearing bright suspenders.
Suspenders are great when wearing loose-fitting jeans without worrying about how to tighten your pants without belt. But you can also put on suspenders to shorten the height of your jeans.
10. You can shrink your jeans without washing them
You can shrink your jeans at home and they’ll fit you more snuggly, without the need for sewing the waist or inseam afresh. One of the most popular methods is boiling the jeans for about 30 minutes and then tumble-drying them. You can also take a hot bath in your jeans and let your body heat dry the jeans. It’ll end up feeling tighter than it was.
How to Put a Belt on Jeans without Loops
If your denim pants are loose-fitting but they don’t have belt loops, you can still make them tighter using certain types of belts. You cannot use a leather belt because it would slide out of place and cinch your waist as your pants continue to fall down.
A string or a skinny belt is better because you can tighten it until it cinches the waist of your jeans, ensuring that it doesn’t slip out of position. The only disadvantage is that the excessive and sharp tightness might feel uncomfortable.
The best belt when your jeans don’t have loops would be a fabric belt, such as a denim or silky belt. You can wrap and tie the belt at the point where it feels snug and then use a few tiny safety pins to attach it to the waist of your pants.
How to Tighten Jeans Waist with Hair Tie
Most women with long hair never lack a ponytail holder in their handbags and it can come to your rescue when your pants start sliding down your waist on a vacation, a business meeting, or a social event where you can’t easily find a belt.
You can loop the tie jeans’ button and the first belt loop on the opposite side of the button or zip fly. Twist the hair tie and create a second loop until the button and the belt loop are closely attached.