A waistband for an article of apparel comprising at least one embroidery tunnel is provided. The waistband comprises at least one cord comprising a first and second end affixed to the waistband, and an intervening portion movably coupled to the waistband with stitches that form the embroidery tunnel, the embroidery tunnel configured to distribute a tensioning force applied to the cord across at least a portion of the waistband. The embroidery tunnel forms a series of parallel courses across the waistband, with the cord able to move freely within the embroidery tunnel.