Adjusting Tank Top Arm Openings: A Step-By-Step Guide

Tank tops are a versatile wardrobe staple, but sometimes the arm openings can be too large, impacting the overall fit and style of the garment. This can cause discomfort and self-consciousness, as well as restrict movement. Altering the arm openings on a tank top can be a creative and empowering endeavour, allowing you to achieve a more personalised, flattering, and comfortable fit.

There are several methods to narrow arm openings on a tank top, ranging from simple adjustments to more advanced techniques. Some common approaches include altering the side seams, adding darts, using seam binding, or inserting gussets. Each method has its benefits and considerations, and the choice depends on factors such as the tank top's fabric, style, and the desired level of alteration.

Before attempting any alterations, it is crucial to assess the fit of the tank top and define your style goals. Determine how much larger you want the arm openings to be and whether you prefer a subtle or more dramatic adjustment. It is also important to consider the type of fabric and the overall style of the tank top, as these factors can influence the chosen alteration technique.

By understanding the issues associated with oversized arm openings and choosing the appropriate alteration method, you can transform your tank tops into perfectly fitted and stylish garments.

Altering the side seams

One of the simplest ways to make armholes smaller on a tank top is by altering the side seams. This method is ideal for tank tops made of non-stretchy fabrics or those with minimal design details.

First, put on the tank top inside out and determine how much you want to reduce the armhole size. Mark the new armhole shape with pins or tailor's chalk, ensuring that you reduce the size evenly on both sides to maintain symmetry.

Next, carefully remove the tank top and lay it flat on a work surface. Locate the side seams and use a seam ripper to carefully undo the stitching along the armhole portion of the side seams. Be careful only to undo the necessary stitches, leaving the bottom hem and other sections intact.

Once the side seams are undone, fold the excess fabric towards the inside of the tank top, aligning it with your marked armhole shape. Secure the fabric in place with pins or by basting. Try on the tank top again to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments.

If the fit is as desired, sew along the new armhole shape using a sewing machine or by hand-stitching. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitching.

Once the new armhole shape is sewn, trim any excess fabric and neaten the edges by serging or using a zigzag stitch. Altering the side seams is a straightforward method for adjusting the armhole size, especially for tank tops without many design details. However, keep in mind that altering the side seams may slightly change the overall fit of the tank top. It is always a good idea to try on the altered garment again before making any final adjustments.

Additionally, when altering the side seams, consider the type of fabric your tank top is made of. Different fabrics behave differently when altered. For example, stretchy fabrics may require different techniques compared to woven fabrics. Also, consider the style of the tank top. Some tank tops have a more relaxed, flowy fit, while others are more fitted. Understanding the overall design and fit will help you achieve a cohesive and professional-looking alteration.

Adding darts

To begin, put on the tank top inside out and locate the areas on the armholes where you want to decrease the size. Using pins or tailor's chalk, mark the placement of the darts on both sides of the tank top, ensuring they are symmetrical. Take the tank top off and lay it flat on a work surface with the inside facing up. Measure and mark the centre of each dart. From there, draw the dart lines towards the marked points on the armholes. The lines should be widest at the armhole and taper towards the centre mark.

Next, fold the fabric along the dart lines, aligning the lines so that they meet. You can use a corner of your table to achieve a smooth, flat fold. Pin or baste the dart fabric together, ensuring that the armhole fabric is smooth and free from any puckering. Try on the tank top again to check for fit and make any necessary adjustments.

Once you're satisfied with the fit, sew along the marked dart lines. You can use a sewing machine or hand-stitch the darts, starting from the widest part of the dart and tapering towards the centre mark. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure the stitching. After sewing the darts, trim any excess fabric and neaten the edges with a serger or zigzag stitch. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the tank top to maintain symmetry.

Using seam binding

Seam binding is a great option if you're looking for a no-sew method to narrow arm openings on a tank top, or if you want to add a decorative element to your garment while making the armholes smaller. Seam binding is a strip of fabric or ribbon that encases raw edges, providing a clean and finished look. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use seam binding to narrow arm openings:

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Materials

Firstly, you'll need to gather the right materials. Seam binding, fabric glue or fusible tape, and a hot iron are the essentials. Choose a seam binding that complements the colour and style of your tank top.

Step 2: Mark the New Armhole Shape

Try on the tank top and determine how much you want to reduce the armhole size. Use pins or tailor's chalk to mark the new armhole shape, ensuring symmetry on both sides. Remember that you should reduce the size evenly to maintain a balanced look.

Step 3: Prepare the Seam Binding

Remove the tank top and lay it flat with the inside facing up. Measure and cut the seam binding to match the length of the armhole, adding a little extra length for overlap. This will ensure that you have enough seam binding to work with.

Step 4: Apply Adhesive and Attach Seam Binding

Apply fabric glue or fusible tape along the raw edge of the armhole. Be careful not to use too much adhesive. Place the seam binding on top of the glue or tape, aligning the edge of the binding with the edge of the armhole. If you're using fabric glue, let it dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. For fusible tape, cover the seam binding with a thin cloth and press it with a hot iron, following the instructions for the specific tape.

Step 5: Repeat for the Other Armhole

Repeat the entire process for the opposite armhole to maintain symmetry and ensure a consistent look.

Inserting gussets

To begin, put on the tank top inside out and determine how much you want to reduce the armhole size. Mark the new armhole shape with pins or tailor's chalk, ensuring symmetry on both sides.

Next, lay the tank top flat on a work surface with the inside facing up. Measure and mark the placement for the gussets towards the underarm area, where the armhole needs to be smaller. The gussets should be placed symmetrically on both sides of the tank top.

Cut out the gussets from matching fabric. The size of the gusset will depend on how much you need to reduce the armhole size. Ensure that the gussets are symmetrical, creating a mirror image on each side.

Now, align one side of the gusset with the armhole, matching the raw edges. Pin or baste the gusset in place, following the marked armhole shape. Repeat this process for the other gusset on the opposite armhole.

Once the gussets are secured, sew along the edges, attaching them to the armholes. You can use a sewing machine or hand-stitch, ensuring that you backstitch at the beginning and end for a secure hold.

After sewing, trim any excess fabric from the gussets for a clean finish. You may also choose to serge or zigzag the edges for added durability and a polished look.

Adding an elastic edge

If you want to add an elastic edge to your tank top's armholes, you can follow these steps:

First, try on your tank top inside out and pinch the fabric under the armhole to determine how much you need to take in. You can either make a mental measurement or use a measuring tape for more accuracy. This will help you gauge how much fabric you need to pinch and adjust to achieve the desired fit.

Next, take off the tank top and lay it on a flat surface. Use sewing pins to secure the sides of the fabric together under the armpits. Make a mark with a fabric pen or tailor's chalk where you pinched and measured. This will serve as a guide for the new armhole shape.

Now, cut your elastic to size. If you want to "shrink" the armhole, cut the elastic a couple of inches shorter than the armhole's length. The elastic should be stretched to fit the new armhole size you desire.

Then, sew the elastic in place. Make sure to stretch the elastic as much as possible while sewing, especially around the area that is gaping the most. Use a zigzag stitch to attach the elastic to the lining side of the seam. Warm up the elastic by stretching it a few times before you start sewing.

Finally, try on your tank top to ensure the armhole fits as desired. Adjust the elastic if needed. You can trim any excess fabric and finish the edges with a zigzag stitch or serger to prevent fraying.

Frequently asked questions