Adjusting weatherproof cycling trousers

parkside_stroller

Could be seen as an I wanna (I've also posted there) but I wondered if perhaps some people on this board might be able to help with the practical element of making adjustments to waterproof trousers.

I got some great Endura cycling trousers (weatherproof) for my birthday. My wife said she could have bought trousers to find almost any conceivable waist size but no choice in length - hence my trousers are too long for my 27" inside leg (by about 4 inches).

These trousers have a zip and straps and the manufacturers logo down at bottom of legs so cutting the end off is not an option. They also have waterproof seams so taking the stitching out further up (along one of the horizontal seams) and cutting is also a challenge although I don't know if it is impossible.

The challenge is can anyone help me by telling me if it is possible to make the adjustments I need and keep them waterproof, if so how (if I do it myself) and if there is a service out there that does it, where?

Any info on manufacturers that offer options on trouser length would also be appreciated in case they have to go back.

Going down to the smallest possible waist size to get smallest length is not an option as I really don't want to be that thin.

Oh the trials of being short legged!

culpepper

How about making a tuck somewhere on the leg?
Like the fold mums used to put in their sons shirts when the sleeves were too long.
Not sure how you could secure it and keep it waterproof,I suppose it depends how they are waterproofed. just stitching around at the fold might be okay.You could use nylon thread or waxed cotton for added waterproofing. If they are pvc ,you could use a nylon tape and sew through that and the PVC at the same time.If they are goretex or another specialised fabric,I would write to the manufacturer for info.

livinginhope

Hi PS,I was going to say what culpepper said,take a tuck around mid thigh.You can buy the tape to make waterproof seams from good haberdashery shops,I have to do this on EVERY pair my DH gets with only a 24.5 inside leg,he is very verticaly challenged
Just another thought,if you have problems getting the special tape,you could buy waterproofing spray and spray the new stitching.
Good luck.
LIH

Addiscomber

I do not have the short leg problem, being a nearly 6ft tall woman, but as a dressmaker I have to say that the only way that I would consider tackling this job would be by removing the zip and straps and shortening at the ends of the legs, replacing zip and straps in the same way as they were, doing one leg at a time for reference. You would interfere with the weatherproofing the least that way. Taking a tuck might work, provided that you can find something to stick it down with, that does not compromise the weatherproofing. I really would not consider stitching across the legs – water will penetrate through the tiniest gaps and you might find yourself looking more than a little odd when you arrived at work or wherever. You can buy seam sealant in small bottles at outdoor gear shops like the Scout Shop, but I have never used any so cannot comment on the performance.

livinginhope

Addiscomber wrote:

You can buy seam sealant in small bottles at outdoor gear shops like the Scout Shop, but I have never used any so cannot comment on the performance.

Hi Addiscomber,the seam sealant you're talking about works really well,we used this on DH's salopettes (sp).The tape works best as when you have sewn it on (at same time as stitching,so less holes) you then iron it which melts it over the stitching,totally waterproof!