Resizing a 5.11 TDK

[HuDonald]

Hey rabble,

Just looking for some advice on taking-in my 5.11 TDKs. I lost a little weight and a couple inches around my mid-section. I have a few 38" (vanity size) TDKs that I'd like to down size a couple of inches.... Now, I don't tailor myself, and I do not have a sewing machine, so I'm not looking to do it myself.

However, do you think it's a good idea to take it to a reputable tailor that does alterations on *cough* trousers/pants *cough*?
And if so, how should I tell the tailor to do it? Where would they take it in from?

If not, how should I go about it?

Thanks in advance!

[azwildcat96]

I'm sure there are experts here that will suggest that you could alter a TDK...

I purchased 2 of the original production run TDK's, and a couple years later I lost a few pounds. Rather than try to alter them, I put them up on ebay, and nearly doubled my money.

As much as I like the idea of a TDK, my biggest complaint is that they aren't adjustable. I won't buy one again because of this.

Anyway...good luck in whatever you decide to do.

[ratspike]

IMO, like a Utilikilt, they're not really intended to be altered. I think 5.11 really screwed the pooch with the waist on these things by not including any adjustment.

First you'd need to add new snaps, but only at the waistband. The apron snaps will just be for decoration.

Next you need to remove the belt loop next to the apron, which may be sewn under the waistband. If that's the case then the waistband needs to be opened up, the belt loop removed, and then sewn back down. If you have enough space to relocate that belt loop it might look odd, as it'll be much closer to the back loops than on the left side.

Now that your waist size has been corrected, your waist-hip relationship has changed. Maybe it'll be golden, maybe it'll be too snug.

The location of both right side pockets relative to the apron edge won't be as intended. Taking a couple of inches out of the waist could have the apron overlapping them, which would make them look really goofy and awkward to use, if they're really usable at all.

So yeah, I wouldn't even bother. Just sell 'em here or on ebay and you'll likely get most if not all of your money back.

[ratspike]

One solution you might try is to have some adjustment tabs sewn onto the sides of the waistband, like what you see on tactical pants. Something similar to what Kitanica does on their Gen II pants might square you away: http://www.kitanica.net/Gen2-p/023.htm

[HuDonald]

Ratspike,

That's an awesome idea! And about 1"-1.25" adjustment on each side, at 3 and 9 o'clock positions might not be bad. Even if they were placed at 4 and 8 o'clock.

Thanks!

[kiltimabar]

You could ignore the snaps and use Velcro on the front waistband.