In collaboration with Chums¦ Men’s trousers often get holes or rip at the crotch. So if you’ve had this problem frequently, you’re not alone! At times over the past few years, it feels like we’ve had to replace my husband’s jeans every month. The cost is annoying, but not as irritating as the draught the rip causes. It can be embarrassing too if you find yourself wearing holey trousers in a social situation! So why does it happen and how can you avoid it? Let’s take a look into it.
Why do crotch rips happen?
The main reason that trousers tear at the crotch is due to the amount of stress on this area of the fabric. They stretch and get pulled when moving when sitting, bending and crouching. Even just walking puts some strain on them!
If your trousers are tight, particularly around the hips and waist, you may find holes appearing quicker. Your thighs rubbing together is another common way that crotch rips occur, as the constant friction when you’re walking causes the fabric to weaken. Washing your jeans or trousers more than necessary also helps to weaken the material, making holes and rips more likely.
How to avoid crotch tears
- Buy looser fitting trousers or jeans, like Chums mens trousers which have designs featuring hidden elasticated waist panels and fully elasticated waists. Therefore, they offer the ultimate in freedom of movement, making rips in the crotch less likely
- Avoid buying trousers that are too loose or too tight, as both these can cause the fabric to wear faster
- Consider buying trousers with better quality material or made with elastane so it has a stretch to it
- Look into buying trousers that have inbuilt crotch reinforcements. Alternatively sew some in or reinforce the seams (or get someone else who is handy with a sewing machine to)
- Make sure that when you try trousers or jeans on for the first time, they are going to be comfortable for all the activities you might wear them for. Try squatting, sitting and lifting your knees high. If these feel uncomfortable for you, the fabric is being put under too much stress and they’re probably not the right trousers for you!
- Wash your trousers less to avoid unnecessary weakening of the fabric. Plus, it’s better for the environment too!
Now for some bad news…
Unfortunately, you’re never going to be able to completely avoid getting holes and tears in the crotch of your trousers. However, you should hopefully be able to go longer between buying new pairs with the advice above!
Cover photo by MART PRODUCTION from Pexels