Why is the excess material from pant hems often placed into the pockets of a new pair of trousers? What are you supposed to do with it?
First, you take it out and put it in a drawer, in case you need it for one of three things: 1) You can give it to your tailor in case he wants to make you an extra belt loop (which you might need in the case of adjustments to waist size). 2) You can take it shopping with you as a colour swatch when you want to find a piece of clothing, such as a jacket, that matches. 3) Your tailor can use it when you have put on weight and you need to expand your trousers all round. He will make from it a small diamond-shaped "crotch piece" and sew that in right down at the centre bottom of the crotch. It will create more room and a deeper rise (distance from crotch to waist). He will probably also expand the seat along the centre seam and the waistband, too. The new little patch of fabric will be completely invisible unless you are held upside down by your ankles.
Russell Smith's latest novel, Girl Crazy, was recently published. Have a fashion question? E-mail style@globeandmail.com.