I have a pair of shorts that are around an inch too big at the band (size 40 when I really need a 38).

Is it possible to have a tailor somehow eliminate this slack, or is it a bit like a suit where its built around the shoulders and that cannot be changed?

I'm asking because for some reason the trend in shorts is to have them a slight bit above the knee and I don't like this at all so I prefer to make the ones I've come across fit me.