Comfort is important but even some trousers that are elasticated can be too big in the waist or they may hang down at the crotch, or a combination of both.  To test and see which is the problem, fold the elastic band over once and see what happens to the crotch.  If it has not raised it enough, fold over again.  It may be that you only want to fold the waist over one and a half times.  Experiment until you get it right.  In my case, I usually raise the front more than the back, because my bottom is well rounded!!!!  You may have the same issue.  Or your bottom may be skinnier.  When you have it folded at the correct amount, pin the band.

If the elastic is too big, take hold of a section (doesn't matter where) and pinch in the amount you want it to be.  Use a safety pin instead of a pin else it may stick into you.

If the sides are still a little baggy, pin down the sides a little and see how it looks in a mirror.

Take the trousers off.

Measure the amount you have pinched from the pin to the fold and double this amount, then write it down on a piece of paper.

Measure the amount you have pinned down the sides and write this down on a piece of paper as well.

Now place a pin in the fold of the fabric at the very top, all the way around.  Now take your pins out and measure down from the top at the centre front to the pin and write this measurement down on a piece of paper, putting "centre front = and the amount down from the original top.  Do the same on the sides and the back.

If there is a band, unpick the band, cut the amount out from the body, allowing for seam allowance, then attach the band back on.

If there is no band, measure down from at the centre front and put a chalk mark for the new position, then MARK UP towards the top for the elastic hem allowance.  This should be the same as on the garment.

Cut on the top chalk mark.  You may have to unpick the existing band if you are only going down one band width.  Some manufacturers use the chain safety stitch, which looks a little different from the standard straight stitch.  It will be thicker on the underside.  Clip one stitch and see if it unravells.  It  will save you a lot of time.

Over lock the cut edge and sew the elastic back on.  It will sit better if you sew the edge of the elastic to the edge of the hem allowance edge first, then fold and stitch down.  With some fabrics I will sew the top of the elastic to one side as well as the bottom, then fold and stitch down.  Any questions email me.

Happy altering
Judith aka genie