This Viral TikTok Hack Will Make the Waistband of Your Jeans Smaller

If you've poked your way around TikTok enough, discovering various closet-organization tips and style hacks along the way, you've probably run into that one trend people are pulling off with their jeans [1] to make the waistband smaller. In order to achieve that classic, baggy "mom jean" look [2] with the asymmetrical zipper that gives off the illusion of deconstructed denim, people are fastening their buttons through the nearby belt loop, thereby scrunching the material at the waistband in order to make a pair of too-big pants fit just right. Almost like a paper-bag trouser [3], the denim is perfectly cinched at the waist but still loose through the leg. It's an aesthetic we've seen expertly carried out by the likes of Bella Hadid [4], Emma Chamberlain [5], and Lori Harvey [6].

When I happened upon a pair of Mavi jeans that were too big on me — exactly two sizes too big — I knew I had to try to pull off the look. This particular pair also came in a light, lived-in wash, which I love, and the denim was more comfortable and stretchy [7] than it was rigid. In just a few short steps, I pulled the center button over to the belt loop at the near right and hooked it through, fastening it in such a way that the zipper appeared slightly off center — but that's the deconstructed aesthetic so many brands are going for lately, with the likes of R13, Re/Done, Y Project, Vetements, and more putting out asymmetrical denim. Even denim skirts are being introduced with "twisted zippers" these days, so the off-kilter appearance didn't necessarily bother me, and it doesn't seem to bother all the TikTok users employing the trick either.

Scroll through to see exactly how to get the look with your slouchy jeans, and shop some solid pairs that I think would be up to the task if you're in the market for new denim. Just remember: purchase two sizes up. You can also always pull from your SO, best friend, or family member's closet if they happen to be a few sizes bigger than you.

How to Make Jeans Smaller

Zipper the fly of the jeans to the top, but don't secure the button.
Grab the belt loop immediately to the right of the fly and hook it over the center button, thereby creating a scrunch effect with the waistband.
Fasten the button closed at the center while it's still snagged to the belt loop.
Flatten out the bunched up fabric by pulling the now-cinched jeans up higher on your waist.

How to Make Jeans Smaller: TikTok Hack

Show off the cinched waist on a pair of high-rise, straight-leg jeans by teaming them with a fitted crop top in a basic, muted color that won't distract from the asymmetrical fly you created.