This viral TikTok hack slims the waistband of your jeans

If you’ve browsed TikTok enough and discovered various closet organization tips and style hacks, you’ve probably stumbled upon this one trend that girls are pulling off with their jeans to make the waistband smaller. To achieve the classic roomy “mom jean” look with the asymmetric zipper giving the illusion of deconstructed denim, women fasten their buttons through the nearby belt loop, crumpling the material at the waistband to make a pair of pants that are too big fit just right. Almost like paperbag pants, the denim is perfectly cinched at the waist but still loose at the leg. It’s an aesthetic we’ve seen expertly executed by the likes of Bella Hadid, Emma Chamberlain, and Lori Harvey.

When I came across a Mavi jean that was too big for 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, worn wash that I love, and the denim was stretchy rather than rigid. In just a few taps, I pulled the center button to the rightmost belt loop, hooked it through, and fastened it so the zipper appeared slightly off-center – but that’s the deconstructed aesthetic that so many brands are chasing lately with brands like R13, Re /Done, Y Project, Vetements and more releasing asymmetric denim. Even denim skirts are being introduced with “twisted zippers” these days, so the unconventional look didn’t necessarily bother me, nor does it seem to bother all TikTok users who use the trick.

Scroll through to see exactly how to pull off the look with your slouchy jeans and pick up some solid pairs that I think would be up to the task if you’re in the market for new denim. Remember: buy two sizes up. You can also always pull from your partner’s closet if they happen to be a few sizes taller than you.