More recently, Meredith chose it for her flannel suit, inspired by memories of how her grandfather used to dress. Tim, drawing on both, leaned fully into that golden age spirit of Gene Kelly with a pair of wider-leg trousers cut from Loro Piana cotton–cashmere in cream.
Each take on the Hollywood waist carries its own subtle flair, yet tells a very different sartorial story.
So, what is a Hollywood waist?
The Hollywood waist was born in the costume shops of 1930s Los Angeles. Studio tailors favored the design for its seamless waistband, which eliminated bulk and created a longer rise—ideal for the pleated, wide-leg trousers that photographed so well on screen. Worn by stars like Cary Grant, Fred Astaire, and Gene Kelly, it quickly became a hallmark of Golden Age style before fading from mainstream fashion in the 1950s.
At its core, the Hollywood waist is a waistband cut as part of the trousers rather than stitched on separately. The result is a clean, uninterrupted line that works best with higher-rise cuts, lengthening the silhouette while adding comfort and drape. The overall effect is just the right amount of rakish elegance.
A Hollywood waist pairs beautifully with pleated trousers and can be worn in a variety of cool ways. What makes the detail special is that it’s a throwback rarely seen today—precisely what gives it its modern edge and refined appeal.
Is a Hollywood waist necessary? Not at all. But that’s kind of the point.
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Our Locations
San Francisco
Our San Francisco showrooms are nestled at the crux of an eclectic mixture of Jackson Square, the Financial District, North Beach, and Chinatown.
This showroom is appointment-only.
Palo Alto
Our newest showroom in Palo Alto opened in 2023, and is tucked away at 433 Hamilton Avenue.
This location is appointment-only.