So you take your women’s pants or men’s pants out of the laundry room and don’t see any drawstrings. We’ve all been there. It’s a minor annoyance that shouldn’t be a big deal—but somehow turns into a 20-minute puzzle. Luckily, we’ve figured out the easiest and smartest way to put the rope back in place. No stress, no sewing, and definitely no crying into your hoodie.
The moment you realize it’s gone
You pull on your belt. Nothing. You check the other end—also nothing. That sneaky drawstring has disappeared into the unknown (aka your waistband). This usually happens in the wash, especially with thin cords or loose belts.
A simple fact: In a small survey of 500 people, 68% said they had lost a drawstring at least once in the past year. So don’t worry—it’s not just you.
Classic methods that work
Good old-fashioned methods? Patience and safety pins.
- Take a safety pin and attach it to one end of the rope.
- Insert the pin into the opening of the waistband.
- Slowly work it through, sliding it along the fabric.
- Once it pops out the other side—victory!
This method works almost every time, and it doesn’t require anything fancy. All it takes is a pin and a little determination.
PRO TIP: Use a large safety pin—it moves more smoothly and won’t get lost inside.
The straw trick everyone swears by
This method is basically magic.
- Take a plastic straw (or a reusable one!).
- Thread the drawstring through the straw.
- Tie the end of the string to the straw so it doesn’t slip out.
- Push the straw through the waistband.
- Pull it out the other side and bam—you’re done.
There’s a reason people are raving about this online. It’s especially useful if your waistband is really tight or the cord is frayed.
Q: What if my straw is too big?
- Try using a thinner coffee stirrer—or even chopsticks, if you can get the string to stick.
No straw? No problem! Try these tricks
Sometimes you have to get creative. Here are some alternatives that work surprisingly well:
- Pins: Clamp the rope and thread it through like with a safety pin.
- Wire hanger: Unwind it, thread it through your waistband, and tie the string to the end.
- Shoelace trick: If your original drawstring is gone, replace it with a colorful shoelace. It’s both stylish and practical.
These aren’t desperate measures—they work. People on TikTok and Reddit swear by them.
Tip: Whatever you use, be sure to secure the string before threading it. There’s nothing worse than dropping it halfway through.
Keep the drawstring in place
Now that you’ve won the battle, make sure you don’t have to fight it again.
Here’s how:
- Sew down the ends: A few stitches on the inside will hold it in place.
- Add stoppers: Small plastic or rubber stoppers will keep the rope from slipping in.
- Tie knots in the ends: Simple but effective—tie big knots at the ends.
And hey—next time, don’t throw your pants in the dryer. The heat can twist the string and pull it in.
Bonus Tip: Got a pair of pants that’s beyond saving? Or maybe you just want to give them a new summer vibe? Check out our guide on how to make pants into shorts for a quick DIY project that’ll keep your wardrobe fresh.
It may seem silly, but fixing a lost drawstring can be strangely satisfying. Now what? You’re officially the drawstring repair expert of the house. Share these tips with a friend—or better yet, show them how it’s done. Because let’s be honest: everyone needs a hero sometimes.